America’s fast-food map is a lot more interesting once you leave the biggest national chains behind.
Across the country, regional institutions have built their identities around foods tied to particular places and local tastes. Think Texas burgers, Chicago Italian beef, Wisconsin cheese curds, Southern chicken, and a Nebraska sandwich that does not look quite like anything else on the drive-thru map.
These chains are not necessarily regional-only anymore. Several have expanded far beyond where they started. But their food traditions remain closely connected to their roots, making them especially fun stops on a road trip.
Whataburger
Whataburger began in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950 and built its reputation around large, made-to-order burgers served on five-inch buns. The chain has expanded beyond Texas, but its Texas identity remains a major part of the experience…