Best regional restaurant chains

The one in my hometown closed at least a generation ago.

 

I loved Culver's when I lived in the Midwest. The frozen custard, plus the cheese curds.
Does Steak 'n Shake count as regional? Because I really like that place as well.

 

Quad-Cities region: A shout out to Happy Joe's Pizza.

Before everyone had one, their taco pizza was THE late night food item in Iowa City, during my college years. I believe they dumped a bag of Doritos on top of the ground beef, cheese, tomato and lettuce-topped pizza. And it came with packets of spicy taco sauce to apply to each piece. A glorious mess!

 

And this right here is why I avoid Mexican east of the Mississippi

 

Whenever I am in the OC - admittedly, not often - I always hit BJ's Brewhouse - and the Yard House - at least twice.

When I was on the road in my junior hockey days, always enjoyed hitting up Damon's in Saginaw and Erie but it looks like those are gone....

 

Used to like this local little St. Louis bread company, but it's changed for the worse lately.

 

This chain has 69 locations in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Who named that joint?* Park first, then eat!



* OK, mystery solved here: Eat'n Park Restaurant
The chain also used to have a Big Boy affiliation.

 

Really enjoy this place:
Our Southern Food Restaurant Locations | Tupelo Honey Cafe

Mainly in the south, but they all look and feel different from each other. Some are bohemian, some are artsy, some feel like a family place. Food is excellent.

 

You should build a ... ahhh, forget it.

 

Just read this morning that the Outback we go to is shutting down. For steak on non-special occasions, we chose between Lonestar and Outback. Lonestar started to drop in quality/service so we gravitated more toward Outback. Lonestar closed its two local locations about a year ago, now Outback is done locally. Instead of Outback, we'll be going out back, my backyard and grill 'em myself.

 

Ward's is a South Mississippi tradition. Based in Hattiesburg, there's one in just about every small town between Jackson and Biloxi. Specialties are the chili dogs and chiliburgers, and they have their own root beer recipe that's almost as good as A&W.

 

Hwy 55, based primarily in NC, but has branched out into other Southeastern states, makes a pretty good cheesesteak sammich -- for a cheesesteak sammich made in NC.
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries | 50s Style Family Dining