There’s more to fast food than just burger chains. In recent years, regional chains have become much more popular with consumers. This is because these smaller companies tend to pay more attention to the quality of their food and overall experience. These regional fast-food chains are great examples of this, as they all serve up fantastic burgers while also staying true to their home region. Read on for details about these four regional burger chains and where you can find them near you.
What Makes a Good Burger?
For many people, the perfect burger is a matter of personal preference. But there are a few aspects of a great burger that everyone can agree on. First, the patty should be freshly ground and packed with flavor. A good hamburger patty should have a nice level of juiciness and a coarse, crumbly texture. The bun should be lightly toasted and sturdy enough to hold together, but not so tough that it damages the patty or squeezes out the juices. Finally, the toppings should complement the meat and bring another layer of flavor to the burger. It can be challenging for burger chains to make a truly great burger that meets all of these criteria. That’s why the best burger chains are selective about their ingredients and have dedicated teams working behind the scenes to ensure that every burger is perfectly crafted.
Cook Out
Cook Out is a chain of southern-style fast-food restaurants that serves up delicious burgers. The chain was founded in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1991 and expanded quickly throughout the southern states. Cook Out has a simple but charming menu that almost entirely consists of burgers, fries, milkshakes, and soft drinks. There are 10 different types of burgers, including the Carolina Classic, Texas Brisket, and Carolina BBQ. All burgers are made from fresh, never frozen, 100% Angus beef and are available as singles or doubles. The best burgers from Cook Out are the Carolina Classic and the Texas Brisket. The Carolina Classic is a cheeseburger with mayo, coleslaw, and mustard that comes served in a toasted hoagie bun. The Texas Brisket is a barbecue burger with coleslaw and barbecue sauce. Cook Out’s fries are crinkle cut and come served with a choice of ranch, ketchup, or vinegar. For dessert, Cook Out’s signature milkshakes come loaded with toppings.
Culver’s
Culver’s is a chain of Midwest fast-food restaurants that specializes in frozen custard and burgers. Culver’s was founded in Wisconsin in 1982 and has since expanded to 32 states, mostly in the Midwest and Northern California. The chain’s focus on frozen custard is what sets it apart from many other burger chains. Culver’s frozen custard is made daily in every store and comes in original, chocolate, and vanilla flavors. The custard is available in a wide range of sundae and shake varieties, as well as in some of the chain’s burgers. The best burgers at Culver’s are the Butter Burgers and the Wisconsin Buttery. The Butter Burgers are made with Culver’s signature butter sauce and American cheese. The Wisconsin Buttery is a Butter Burger with cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, and Wisconsin cheddar. Culver’s French fries are crinkle cut and come topped with one of five different sauces.
Whataburger
Whataburger is a Texas-based chain that specializes in burgers, fries, and shakes. The chain was founded in Corpus Christi in 1950 and has since expanded to become a major fast-food chain in the Southwest. Whataburger is most famous for its specialty burger, the Whataburger. The chain has a rotating list of specialty burgers, but Whataburger is always available and comes with mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, and chopped onions. For those who want to customize their burgers, Whataburger’s menu also has a variety of different cheeses, chicken sandwiches, and other sides. Whataburger’s best burgers are the Whataburger and the Green Chile Double. The Whataburger is a classic burger with American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, ketchup, and mayo on a toasted bun. The Green Chile Double is a double cheeseburger with green chiles and pepper jack cheese. Whataburger’s fries are crinkle cut and come served with one of three different dipping sauces.
Habit Burger
Habit Burger is a California-based chain that specializes in all-natural burgers. Habit Burger was founded in Santa Barbara in 1969 and has since expanded to become a major fast-food chain in California. The chain’s focus on all-natural, high-quality ingredients, as well as its menu of customizable burgers and sandwiches, has allowed it to become a favorite among Californians. Habit Burger has a rotating list of specialty burgers, as well as a few set menu items. All burgers are served with lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. Habit Burger’s best burgers are the California Classic and the Santa Barbara Double. The California Classic is a cheeseburger with mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes on a toasted bun. The Santa Barbara Double is a double cheeseburger with mayo, lettuce, and tomatoes on a toasted bun. Habit Burger’s fries are crinkle cut and come served with one of three dipping sauces.
Bottom line
These four fast-food chains have a lot to offer burger lovers. They all emphasize fresh ingredients, hearty portions, and an unpretentious charm that is rare in modern-day chains. These regional burger chains are great examples of how the fast-food industry has evolved over the past few decades.
