- Chick-fil-A, celebrated for its chicken sandwich, took flight in Georgia in 1967 and now spans across 48 states.
- Whataburger, with its distinctive orange-and-white look and the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, hails from Texas and has become a beloved fast-food staple.
- Zaxby’s, born out of a desire for more fried chicken options in Georgia, has become famous for its Fingerz and Zax Sauce, offering a unique dining experience.
For road warriors, there’s a divide—those who race to reach their destination without pause and those who prefer to take a break for a meal at a restaurant. I’m firmly in the camp that favors a swift journey, so I can savor the time at my destination. One strategy to maintain momentum on a Southern road trip? Sustaining the family with sustenance—and the South’s fast-food joints excel at providing tasty meals on the move.
Among the cherished Southern fast-food chains, some are exclusive to the region, while others have expanded due to their fame. Yet, all trace their origins to the South, ensuring that biscuits and fried chicken are often on the menu.
Embarking on a summer road trip? Keep an eye out for these iconic signs at exits—they seldom fail to deliver a quick meal that can be enjoyed in the car. Here are 13 Southern fast-food chains that we hold dear.
Chick-fil-A is a favorite among Southerners, particularly when the drive-through queue is any indication. The chain’s roots are deeply embedded in the South, with its first store opening in 1967 in Hapeville, Georgia, a suburb adjacent to Atlanta. Today, the chain has expanded nationwide, offering its classic chicken sandwich and seasonal specialties in 48 states and counting.
Whataburger, with its 1,000 locations spread across 14 states, has journeyed far from its Texas origins. Launched in the 1950s, the restaurant is easily identified by its iconic orange-and-white striped buildings and the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit.
For burgers, Whataburger is a go-to for many Southerners, offering a selection of sweet or spicy ketchup, which is now even available at grocery stores. The menu is bursting with burger toppings like jalapeño, bacon, and avocado, and for those who prefer chicken, there are plenty of options to satisfy their cravings.
Raising Cane’s, while renowned for its crispy fried chicken, is a family favorite for its distinctive dipping sauce, which is freshly prepared daily at each location. The secret recipe is known only to a select few, adding to the mystique of the brand.
The story behind Raising Cane’s is one of perseverance by founder Todd Graves. After enduring several challenging jobs and securing a Small Business Administration loan, the first location opened near Louisiana State University. Now, with over 800 locations and more on the horizon, the restaurant’s success is a testament to sheer determination.
Named after founder’s Labrador retriever, Raising Cane’s is a nod to the founder’s fondness for the animal. We wholeheartedly agree.
Combining burgers with ice cream is a concept that began at the original Cook Out in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1989. Cook Out offers over 40 shake flavors, including strawberry cheesecake and peach cobbler, alongside a vast menu of burgers, hot dogs, and barbecue. A Cheerwine float is the perfect Southern touch at the more than 300 locations across the South.
Bojangles, a favorite for its handcrafted biscuits, bakes fresh batches every 20 minutes, ensuring each one is of the highest quality. The company’s commitment to fresh ingredients and excellent customer service has been a cornerstone since its opening in 1977. Today, over 800 Bojangles restaurants serve up their famous biscuits filled with chicken, sausage, eggs, ham, or steak, or simply smothered in gravy.
The name of this restaurant, Five Guys, refers to the five sons of founders Jerry and Janie Murrell. The chain, which started in the Washington, D.C. area in 1989, serves hand-formed burgers and freshly cut fries. It has grown from a family business to a global franchise with 1,700 locations worldwide, with more deals in the pipeline. The classic malt vinegar is a must-try at their stores.
The seafood chain Red Lobster was established in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1969, and quickly expanded to 1,000 locations within a few years. By 1980, the chain was nationwide. Known for its fried fish and chips, the menu now includes healthier grilled options and a delightful dessert, the Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake.
Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley, two friends from Statesboro, Georgia, set out to create Zaxby’s to address the lack of fried chicken options in their college town. With a drum set sale and a few credit cards, they launched the business in 1990. Today, Zaxby’s has over 900 restaurants serving Fingerz, Zalads, and their signature sandwich with a side of the unforgettable Zax Sauce.
Popeyes chicken has been a Southern staple since the first restaurant opened in 1972 in New Orleans. Alongside the delicious chicken, the menu features buttermilk biscuits and cane sugar sweetened tea. The parent company now owns Popeyes and Church’s Chicken, another beloved Southern favorite.
The handcrafted biscuits at Hardee’s originated in Greenville, North Carolina, in 1960 and have been satisfying customers ever since. By the 1990s, there were over 3,000 locations across the country. Hardee’s continues to grow, serving charbroiled burgers, chicken, and more.
As the story goes, there was indeed a Colonel Sanders. Harland Sanders, the founder, served in the military and was later made an honorary Colonel by Kentucky governor Ruby Laffoon. The original restaurant opened in 1930 in Corbin, Kentucky, and Sanders adopted his iconic white suit in the 1950s.
Colonel Sanders’ secret 11 herbs and spices have been the secret to the restaurant’s popularity. After franchising, he sold his shares and passed away in the 1980s, but his image continues to attract hungry diners to pull over and enjoy a meal.
