By Madison Troyer, Stacker
Since A&W Root Beer grew to become the primary American restaurant to franchise in 1926, america—and the remainder of the world—has been dominated by chains.
Iconic institutions just like the now-defunct Howard Johnson’s skilled clients to look towards its distinctive orange roofs for consistency and luxury, whereas McDonald’s revolutionized the trade with its give attention to velocity and affordability.
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Over time, chains have had an incredible affect on American tradition, from Little Caesars making takeout pizza accessible to households to Panda Specific bringing Chinese language American delicacies to the mainstream. It’s no surprise so many people really feel linked to chain eating places, which have had a notable impression on what and the way we eat.
On the similar time, the resilience of those locations has been examined lately. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations throughout the trade, with staffing shortages and well being restrictions inflicting some restaurant chains to shut quite a few areas or shut down completely. Even years after the pandemic, lingering provide points and better labor prices proceed to plague eating places throughout the nation.
Inflation and financial turbulence in 2025 have worsened the state of affairs, as tariffs are predicted to proceed driving up eating places’ operational prices. In the meantime, customers burdened by these rising costs have scaled again on eating out. As soon as-thriving chains like Wendy’s and Denny’s are dealing with closures, underscoring the volatility of the present local weather. Regardless of these hurdles, chain eating places stay important to American eating tradition, providing familiarity in an ever-changing world and bolstering the nation’s economic system. In accordance with the Nationwide Restaurant Affiliation’s June 2025 employment forecast, eating places are anticipated so as to add almost 500,000 seasonal jobs this summer season.
Leonard Zhukovsky // Shutterstock
#50. Nathan’s Well-known
– Constructive opinion rating: 48%— Reputation amongst boomers: 59%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 58%— Reputation amongst millennials: 46%
Polish Jewish immigrant Nathan Handwerker opened the primary Nathan’s Well-known sizzling canine stand on Coney Island in 1916. Fellow immigrants flocked to his Brooklyn store, wanting to get their arms on his frankfurters, which have been seasoned along with his spouse Ida’s secret mix and offered for under a nickel.
In 1959, Nathan’s son, Murray Handwerker, started opening different branches of the restaurant in New York Metropolis. By 2001, each state in America had at the least one location, and Nathan’s had additionally gone worldwide. Right this moment, the chain is the official sizzling canine sponsor of Main League Baseball, runs its iconic sizzling canine consuming contest on the 4th of July, and sells a line of merchandise in grocery shops nationwide.
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#49. Dave & Buster’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 49%— Reputation amongst boomers: 41%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 46%— Reputation amongst millennials: 54%
Based in Dallas in 1982, Dave & Buster’s combines eating with arcades to create a uniquely entertaining expertise. The chain, identified for its expansive recreation rooms and American fare, now operates over 170 areas throughout the U.S. and Canada. Its menu consists of burgers, pasta, and cocktails, whereas video games vary from traditional arcade choices to more moderen digital actuality improvements. Dave & Buster’s has additionally expanded its digital presence by incorporating immersive gaming and internet hosting watch experiences.
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#48. Bob Evans
– Constructive opinion rating: 50%— Reputation amongst boomers: 51%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 41%— Reputation amongst millennials: 49%
Within the Nineteen Forties, Bob Evans, a farmer in southeastern Ohio, started making his personal sausage and serving it at his 12-stool diner in Gallipolis. As phrase traveled, he opened a couple of extra areas all through the Nineteen Sixties, but it surely wasn’t till the next many years that Bob Evans eating places, as we all know them at present, started to spring up across the nation.
Now positioned in 18 states, these eateries are famend for his or her down-home type of cooking. Not like lots of the different eating places on our record, all Bob Evans areas are corporate-owned, which allows them to keep up high quality throughout their menus and repair.
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#47. White Fortress
– Constructive opinion rating: 51%— Reputation amongst boomers: 50%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 57%— Reputation amongst millennials: 49%
White Fortress started in Wichita, Kansas, in 1921 and claims to be “the first fast-food hamburger chain.” The model’s give attention to cleanliness, high quality, and an inexpensive value level has been credited with convincing Individuals that hamburgers—which had beforehand been considered as an unsanitary and unsafe possibility—have been good, wholesome, and suitable for eating.
The corporate, which has by no means franchised and wholly owns each location, at the moment operates greater than 340 areas, primarily within the Midwest and the East Coast.
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#46. Mrs. Fields
– Constructive opinion rating: 51%— Reputation amongst boomers: 63%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 53%— Reputation amongst millennials: 60%
Debbi Fields based Mrs. Fields in 1977 in Palo Alto, California. It began as a single cookie store and expanded into a world franchise. The chain, usually positioned in malls and airports, makes a speciality of cookies, brownies, and different baked items. Right this moment, Mrs. Fields operates underneath Well-known Manufacturers Worldwide and continues to emphasise its dedication to high-quality substances and nostalgic treats.
Felipe Sanchez // Shutterstock
#45. Panda Specific
– Constructive opinion rating: 52%— Reputation amongst boomers: 34%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 41%— Reputation amongst millennials: 57%
A subsidiary of the Panda Restaurant Group, Panda Specific began in 1973 as a proper sit-down restaurant referred to as Panda Inn in Pasadena, California. The restaurant’s founders, father-and-son group Ming-Tsai Cherng and Andrew Cherng, crafted a menu of Mandarin and Sichuan dishes that stuffed a niche within the space’s market. Their success allowed them to open quite a few related eating places within the surrounding neighborhood.
In 1983, a yr after Andrew’s spouse, Peggy Cherng, joined the corporate, the restaurant group opened a fast-food model of their restaurant within the Glendale Galleria, which they dubbed Panda Specific. There are actually greater than 2,300 Panda Specific eating places.
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#44. Elevating Cane’s Hen Fingers
– Constructive opinion rating: 52%— Reputation amongst boomers: 31%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 46%— Reputation amongst millennials: 55%
Founders Todd Graves and Craig Silvey first got here up with the concept for Elevating Cane’s Hen Fingers, a quick informal chain that solely served rooster fingers and sides, in a school enterprise class. The plan earned them a C-, however the pair wasn’t deterred, spending years saving the cash wanted to open their first location in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996. Right this moment, there are areas in additional than 40 states, and Graves stays on the helm, personally overseeing a lot of the enlargement.
Eric Glenn // Shutterstock
#43. Pink Robin
– Constructive opinion rating: 52%— Reputation amongst boomers: 54%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 52%— Reputation amongst millennials: 55%
Based in Seattle within the Nineteen Forties, the restaurant’s authentic title was Sam’s Tavern earlier than being renamed Sam’s Pink Robin—and it had only one location. That every one modified when Gerry Kingen purchased the restaurant in 1969 and commenced quickly increasing throughout the nation, dropping the “Sam’s” from the title. Right this moment, there are almost 500 Pink Robin eating places, that are thought-about informal eating spots with American fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fried appetizers.
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#42. Marie Callender’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 53%— Reputation amongst boomers: 70%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 48%— Reputation amongst millennials: 60%
Within the Nineteen Forties, Orange County, California, resident Marie Callender started promoting her well-known pies to native eating places. Inside a decade, she had established a wholesale bakery, and by the point the ’60s rolled round, she had opened a handful of espresso and pie outlets.
Many years on, there are full-menu Marie Callender’s eating places in 4 states (California, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah). Lots of the recipes utilized by these eating places have been initially developed by Callender herself. The chain has skilled some monetary struggles as of late, together with submitting for chapter safety and shutting greater than a dozen areas in 2025, however Marie Callender’s pies and different merchandise are nonetheless offered within the frozen aisle at grocery shops throughout the U.S.
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#41. 5 Guys
– Constructive opinion rating: 53%— Reputation amongst boomers: 48%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 53%— Reputation amongst millennials: 63%
The title 5 Guys derives from the founders, Jerry Murrell and his 4 sons, Ben, Jim, Chad, and Matt. The family-owned enterprise began within the Washington, D.C. space in 1986 and has since expanded to almost 1,700 areas in america and all over the world.
5 Guys is a fast-casual chain identified for its burgers, sizzling canines, and fries, however true followers of the institution are aware of its secret menu. It consists of favorites just like the patty soften, double-grilled cheeseburger, or the Presidential, so-named for former President Barack Obama’s particular order: a cheeseburger with jalapeño peppers, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#40. LongHorn Steakhouse
– Constructive opinion rating: 54%— Reputation amongst boomers: 69%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 58%— Reputation amongst millennials: 49%
First opened in 1981 in Atlanta as LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon, LongHorn Steakhouse is an off-the-cuff eating steak joint with nearly 600 areas round america. The chain is owned and operated by Darden Eating places, whose portfolio consists of Olive Backyard, Yard Home, and The Capital Grille. Although greatest identified for its steaks, LongHorn Steakhouse additionally serves burgers, sandwiches, ribs, rooster, and fish.
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#39. A&W Eating places
– Constructive opinion rating: 54%— Reputation amongst boomers: 62%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 55%— Reputation amongst millennials: 60%
This fast-food chain started in 1919 as a root beer stand in California. With the appearance of Prohibition within the Twenties, A&W performed on the title “root beer” to draw alcohol drinkers to its institution. The basis beer was so well-liked that the corporate started promoting the drink in bottles and cans in 1971.
Right this moment, A&W continues to be well-known for that draft-style root beer, together with decadent root beer floats and scorching burgers. The corporate has areas throughout the globe and is a part of a conglomerate that features Dr Pepper, Snapple, and seven Up.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#38. Buffalo Wild Wings
– Constructive opinion rating: 54%— Reputation amongst boomers: 44%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 53%— Reputation amongst millennials: 52%
After shifting to Ohio from Buffalo, New York, Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery have been hankering for Buffalo-style wings—solely to find no place existed to satiate their craving. The pair opened their restaurant in 1982, and Buffalo Wild Wings has since grow to be a global craze with over 1,350 U.S. areas and extra throughout the globe. The restaurant is understood for its wings, naturally, but it surely’s additionally a sports activities bar serving sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and beer.
JHVEPhoto // Shutterstock
#37. Auntie Anne’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 54%— Reputation amongst boomers: 39%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 58%— Reputation amongst millennials: 58%
Auntie Anne’s began in 1988 at a Pennsylvania farmer’s market. Founder Anne Beiler started promoting her tender, freshly baked pretzels to fund her dream of offering free household counseling companies for her neighborhood. To at the present time, the corporate makes giving again a precedence, partnering with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Basis to discover a remedy for childhood most cancers.
Vadym Shapran // Shutterstock
#36. Chipotle Mexican Grill
– Constructive opinion rating: 54%— Reputation amongst boomers: 54%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 51%— Reputation amongst millennials: 56%
Based in Denver, Chipotle serves meals with no synthetic colours, flavors, or preservatives. The burrito and bowl spot has been going robust since 1993, now with greater than 3,700 areas all through the nation. The homeowners selected to not franchise the enterprise, believing as a substitute that holding possession permits them to set the tone for his or her workers and higher management the standard of their substances. McDonald’s was an early and main investor, however has since divested completely.
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#35. Onerous Rock Cafe
– Constructive opinion rating: 55%— Reputation amongst boomers: 55%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 61%— Reputation amongst millennials: 59%
Two Individuals, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, simply wished a very good burger within the U.Ok.; once they couldn’t discover one, they began their very own firm. What began as a small American-themed restaurant in London in 1971 has since was a megafranchise with over 240 cafés, outlets, lodges, casinos, and efficiency venues everywhere in the world.
The cafés are famend for his or her intensive collections of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia that hold on each free house within the eating places, in addition to recurrently scheduled stay concert events at many venues. The meals typically consists of burgers, fries, sandwiches, and different American favorites.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#34. Jimmy John’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 55%— Reputation amongst boomers: 56%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 56%— Reputation amongst millennials: 53%
Jimmy John’s was based in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois, by Jimmy John Liautaud. It initially served simply 4 sandwiches, however its give attention to recent substances and fast service helped the restaurant develop. The chain now boasts over 2,600 U.S. areas and is understood for its “freaky fast” rewards and customizable menu of sandwiches.
In 2019, Jimmy John’s grew to become a part of Encourage Manufacturers, which owns Arby’s and Dunkin’. Jimmy John’s stays a favourite amongst sandwich chains for its continued promise of recent bread and premium deli meats.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#33. Pink Lobster
– Constructive opinion rating: 56%— Reputation amongst boomers: 58%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 54%— Reputation amongst millennials: 53%
Invoice Darden began Pink Lobster in Lakeland, Florida, in 1968 with a single restaurant. Right this moment, there are greater than 500 Pink Lobster joints all over the world. Pink Lobster is a family-friendly restaurant with a mission to carry cheap seafood to the lots. The menu at all times features a recent catch of the day, along with lobster, shrimp, steaks, and sides.
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#32. Papa Johns
– Constructive opinion rating: 57%— Reputation amongst boomers: 49%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 57%— Reputation amongst millennials: 62%
Though founder John Schnatter was ousted as CEO over his controversial feedback on the NFL in 2017, his franchise continues to be going robust with greater than 6,000 areas globally. Papa Johns was based by Schnatter in 1984. Boosted by an early adoption of digital ordering expertise, Papa Johns is well-liked for its dedication to recent substances.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#31. Denny’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 58%— Reputation amongst boomers: 58%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 60%— Reputation amongst millennials: 61%
Harold Butler and Richard Jezak opened a donut stand in 1953 referred to as Danny’s Donuts, aiming to serve the perfect espresso and donuts 24 hours a day. The title grew to become Denny’s Espresso Outlets in 1959 and at last Denny’s in 1961. Since then, the breakfast joint—nonetheless open 24 hours every day—has expanded with greater than 1,500 eating places globally.
Denny’s is usually identified for its diner-style ambiance and breakfast gadgets, however the restaurant additionally serves burgers, steak, and different American fare all through the day (and night time).
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#30. Chilly Stone Creamery
– Constructive opinion rating: 58%— Reputation amongst boomers: 62%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 55%— Reputation amongst millennials: 67%
Chilly Stone Creamery is an ice cream parlor chain the place sugary treats are made to order. The chain’s specialty is mixing up flavors atop a calming granite slab with an eclectic alternative of toppings. Chilly Stone began in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona, and now has greater than 1,000 areas. Right this moment, the corporate is owned by Kahala Manufacturers, which additionally has Pinkberry, Baja Recent, and Blimpie in its portfolio.
JHVEPhoto // Shutterstock
#29. Outback Steakhouse
– Constructive opinion rating: 58%— Reputation amongst boomers: 66%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 68%— Reputation amongst millennials: 52%
Regardless of its title, Outback Steakhouse is merely an Australian-inspired steak restaurant; it acquired its begin in 1988 in Tampa, Florida. The restaurant differentiated itself by offering top-quality steaks at cheap costs, inserting it between low-end institutions and high-end steak joints.
The family-friendly institution is understood for steaks, after all, but additionally inventive delicacies just like the Bloomin’ Onion, Kookaburra Wings, Sydney ‘Shrooms, and different Aussie-themed gadgets.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#28. Burger King
– Constructive opinion rating: 59%— Reputation amongst boomers: 54%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 59%— Reputation amongst millennials: 71%
The McDonald brothers didn’t simply encourage the McDonald’s franchise. After consuming on the famed San Bernardino restaurant within the Fifties, Matthew Burns and Keith Kramer purchased the rights to a grill referred to as the Insta-Broiler and opened Insta-Burger King in Florida. After James McLamore and David Edgerton took over the enterprise, the title modified to Burger King in 1954, and explosive progress continued.
McLamore and Edgerton are accountable for inventing the Whopper and introducing the flame-broiler. The chain went by a number of extra homeowners earlier than changing into a part of the Restaurant Manufacturers Worldwide portfolio. Burger King has round 19,000 areas globally and serves quite a lot of fast-food gadgets, like charbroiled burgers, fries, rooster, and breakfast gadgets.
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#27. Arby’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 59%— Reputation amongst boomers: 67%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 50%— Reputation amongst millennials: 65%
The title Arby’s comes from founders Leroy and Forrest Raffel, often called the Raffel Brothers—or R.B. for brief. The brothers have been trying to begin a fast-food franchise completely different from the favored burger chains and landed on freshly sliced roast beef sandwiches. Arby’s slogan, “We have the meats,” nonetheless holds, because the sandwich store serves an array of meats, together with roast beef, turkey, and brisket.
Felipe Sanchez // Shutterstock
#26. Cracker Barrel
– Constructive opinion rating: 59%— Reputation amongst boomers: 64%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 65%— Reputation amongst millennials: 62%
With a Southern nation ethos centered on heat hospitality and home-style meals, Cracker Barrel has been a roadside staple since 1969. The part-restaurant, part-gift store acquired its begin in Tennessee as a family-friendly, sit-down institution. There are actually greater than 650 Cracker Barrels across the nation, and so they can often be discovered near highways, as they’re identified to draw long-haul commuters with consolation meals and normal shops.
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#25. Jersey Mike’s Subs
– Constructive opinion rating: 60%— Reputation amongst boomers: 57%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 62%— Reputation amongst millennials: 56%
The unique Jersey Mike’s Subs opened in a preferred Jersey Shore city, Level Nice, in 1956. In 1971, 17-year-old highschool pupil and Jersey Mike’s worker Peter Cancro purchased the stand-alone restaurant from its getting older founder. After opening a handful of shops within the space, he started franchising in 1987.
There are greater than 3,000 Jersey Mike’s eating places in america now, however the model has been increasing internationally. In January 2024, Jersey Mike’s introduced a serious enlargement in Canada.
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#24. Subway
– Constructive opinion rating: 60%— Reputation amongst boomers: 66%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 55%— Reputation amongst millennials: 64%
When nuclear physicist Peter Buck loaned 17-year-old Fred DeLuca $1,000 to open a sub sandwich store in 1965, neither man may have imagined what would observe. The primary retailer was in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and franchises started popping up quickly after.
The official Subway title was first utilized in 1968; since then, the fast-food sandwich chain has grown to over 20,400 U.S. areas and 1000’s extra overseas. Subway is understood for its wide-ranging menu of sub sandwiches, but additionally sells salads, wraps, and a few breakfast gadgets.
Eric Glenn // Shutterstock
#23. Chili’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 61%— Reputation amongst boomers: 65%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 62%— Reputation amongst millennials: 62%
After falling in love with chili cook-offs, Chili’s Grill & Bar founder Larry Lavine opened his personal restaurant in Texas to share that love with the world. From its begin in 1975, Chili’s idea was at all times a family-friendly, informal eating eatery at cheap costs.
Whereas that ethos stays to at the present time, the chain has grow to be a surprisingly hip vacation spot for youthful clients. The sit-down restaurant is understood for its burgers, fajitas, and quite a lot of American fare at greater than 1,600 areas throughout the globe, in line with guardian firm Brinker Worldwide.
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#22. Texas Roadhouse
– Constructive opinion rating: 61%— Reputation amongst boomers: 67%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 64%— Reputation amongst millennials: 56%
Regardless of its title, Texas Roadhouse is a Western-themed steak joint that’s headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and has its origins in Clarksville, Indiana. Opened by Kent Taylor in 1993, Texas Roadhouse now has greater than 650 areas all over the world—together with in Texas. The family-friendly restaurant is understood for its number of hand-cut steaks, but it surely additionally presents rooster, sandwiches, burgers, and different American specialties.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#21. Waffle Home
– Constructive opinion rating: 61%— Reputation amongst boomers: 55%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 55%— Reputation amongst millennials: 61%
Waffle Home is among the largest franchises in america, consisting of greater than 2,000 areas throughout 25 states. The primary Waffle Home launched in Avondale Estates, Georgia, the place companions Joe Rogers Sr. and Tom Forkner opened their restaurant on Labor Day of 1955. Each Waffle Home is open 24 hours a day, one year a yr, and serves fairly priced waffles, in addition to omelets, melts, steak and eggs, burgers, and sandwiches.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#20. IHOP
– Constructive opinion rating: 62%— Reputation amongst boomers: 69%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 57%— Reputation amongst millennials: 65%
IHOP has been an American breakfast staple because it opened in 1958. The shortened title—from Worldwide Home of Pancakes—was coined 15 years later and is now the corporate’s official title.
Serving pancakes at nearly 1,800 eating places all over the world, IHOP is a family-friendly enterprise identified for intelligent branding and iconic menu gadgets just like the Rooty Tooty Recent ‘N Fruity Pancakes and Pancake Sliders. It began as a breakfast-only eatery, however the eating places have sandwiches, burgers, and different lunch and dinner gadgets at present.
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#19. McDonald’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 62%— Reputation amongst boomers: 56%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 54%— Reputation amongst millennials: 71%
Although Ray Kroc is credited with the meteoric rise of McDonald’s all over the world, Richard and Maurice “Mac” McDonald began the fast-food burger joint in San Bernardino, California. After consuming on the restaurant, Kroc was so impressed that he began franchising and purchased the unique rights to McDonald’s in 1961.
The fast-food chain—identified for burgers, fries, and drive-thrus—is among the most recognizable manufacturers on the planet, with over 41,000 eating places and billions of {dollars} in gross sales.
JHVEPhoto // Shutterstock
#18. The Cheesecake Manufacturing unit
– Constructive opinion rating: 63%— Reputation amongst boomers: 68%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 49%— Reputation amongst millennials: 58%
Anybody who has ever eaten at The Cheesecake Manufacturing unit is aware of the menu may be overwhelming, with its seemingly infinite pages of meals gadgets. However the restaurant had humbler beginnings as a small salad and sandwich store in Beverly Hills, California, with quite a lot of cheesecakes that every one match on a one-page menu.
Since its begin in 1978, The Cheesecake Manufacturing unit has grown right into a family-friendly juggernaut with 362 shops in america and Canada serving every thing from soups, salads, and appetizers to pasta, sandwiches, and burgers—to not point out, after all, an unlimited variety of cheesecakes to select from.
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#17. Applebee’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 63%— Reputation amongst boomers: 65%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 58%— Reputation amongst millennials: 63%
Applebee’s was based in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia, as an off-the-cuff eating restaurant providing American classics. The mouthful of a reputation, T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs, has fortunately since been shortened. Now owned by Dine Manufacturers World, which additionally owns IHOP, the chain operates over 1,600 areas worldwide. Applebee’s menu consists of burgers, pasta, ribs, and signature cocktails, although it might be greatest identified for its “riblets.”
TonelsonProductions // Shutterstock
#16. Dunkin’
– Constructive opinion rating: 63%— Reputation amongst boomers: 66%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 56%— Reputation amongst millennials: 67%
Previously Dunkin’ Donuts, Dunkin’ is a espresso and donut store based by Invoice Rosenberg in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. With the world’s unending urge for food for donuts, Dunkin’ has since opened greater than 14,000 areas globally. Whereas donuts stay the specialty, the corporate’s espresso additionally has numerous followers, and the outlets have expanded their menus to incorporate sandwiches, wraps, and bagels.
JJava Designs // Shutterstock
#15. Taco Bell
– Constructive opinion rating: 65%— Reputation amongst boomers: 54%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 64%— Reputation amongst millennials: 63%
Based by Glen Bell in San Bernardino, California, Taco Bell has its roots in a stand referred to as Bell’s Drive-In and Taco Tia. The primary Taco Bell opened in 1962 in Downey, California, and Bell started franchising shops round Los Angeles and past.
The fast-food Mexican chain grew to become one of many fastest-growing manufacturers on this planet, and there are actually greater than 8,100 areas in america. Bell ultimately offered his stake in Taco Bell to PepsiCo. It’s now a part of the Yum! Manufacturers’ portfolio, which incorporates Pizza Hut and KFC.
Jonathan Weiss // Shutterstock
#14. Olive Backyard
– Constructive opinion rating: 65%— Reputation amongst boomers: 71%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 60%— Reputation amongst millennials: 67%
Olive Backyard is a fast-casual Italian restaurant that caters to households on the lookout for tasty pasta with out breaking the financial institution. The corporate was based in 1982 as Normal Mills’ first authentic restaurant. It’s well-known for its menu specials like limitless breadsticks, salads, and soups, together with its unending pasta bowls. Right this moment, there are greater than 900 Olive Backyard areas the place you possibly can really feel proper at dwelling, in line with its traditional “when you’re here, you’re family” slogan.
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#13. Sonic
– Constructive opinion rating: 65%— Reputation amongst boomers: 56%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 60%— Reputation amongst millennials: 62%
When Sonic opened in Oklahoma in 1953, it was thought-about revolutionary for its ordering course of. Prospects may order by a speaker, and a employee would carry their meals to them so they’d by no means have to go away their vehicles.
The corporate nonetheless employs carhops (servers on skates), and there are actually round 3,500 institutions throughout america serving burgers, milkshakes, sizzling canines, and fries. Sonic is a part of the restaurant group Encourage Manufacturers, which incorporates Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby’s, and Baskin-Robbins.
JHVEPhoto // Shutterstock
#12. Popeyes
– Constructive opinion rating: 65%— Reputation amongst boomers: 58%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 63%— Reputation amongst millennials: 66%
“Love that chicken” from Popeyes? You’re not alone. The restaurant was based in 1972 in New Orleans by Alvin Copeland, with an emphasis on Southern-inspired fried rooster and Cajun flavors. Initially named Hen on the Run, the chain operates over 4,100 areas globally.
The menu options its signature fried rooster, spicy rooster sandwich, and purple beans and rice. Popeyes gained vital consideration for its rooster sandwich, sparking a “chicken sandwich war” amongst fast-food rivals in 2023.
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#11. KFC
– Constructive opinion rating: 66%— Reputation amongst boomers: 67%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 63%— Reputation amongst millennials: 64%
The reality behind Kentucky Fried Hen’s secret recipe stays shrouded in thriller, however the fast-food chain is as well-liked as ever, opening its 30,000th outlet in 2024. Colonel Harland Sanders created KFC’s well-known fried rooster in 1939 and helped develop the corporate into the multibillion-dollar behemoth it’s at present. The restaurant is understood for its buckets of fried rooster, together with sandwiches and sides that embrace mac and cheese, corn, and potatoes.
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#10. Chick-fil-A
– Constructive opinion rating: 66%— Reputation amongst boomers: 66%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 59%— Reputation amongst millennials: 70%
Based as The Dwarf Grill in 1946 exterior Atlanta, Chick-fil-A is now a multibillion-dollar fast-food chain specializing in rooster sandwiches. The corporate’s founder, S. Truett Cathy, was deeply spiritual, so Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays.
Though there are greater than 3,000 areas, Chick-fil-A continues to be owned and operated by the founding household, and the restaurant maintains consistency by promoting the identical rooster sandwiches, nuggets, strips, and wraps in any respect its areas.
Helen89 // Shutterstock
#9. Panera Bread
– Constructive opinion rating: 67%— Reputation amongst boomers: 71%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 64%— Reputation amongst millennials: 61%
Panera Bread began because the St. Louis Bread Firm in Missouri in 1987. When Au Bon Ache bought it in 1993, the title modified to Panera. The fast-casual, sit-down restaurant is known for its freshly baked bread, sandwiches, and varied pastries, soups, and salads. Panera has over 2,200 U.S. areas, and at present, it’s a part of JAB Holding Firm, a European group whose portfolio additionally consists of Pret A Manger, Bruegger’s Bagels, and Caribou Espresso.
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#8. Domino’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 67%— Reputation amongst boomers: 58%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 67%— Reputation amongst millennials: 65%
Domino’s Pizza was referred to as DomiNick’s, however the title was modified after brothers Tom and James Monaghan purchased the restaurant with a $500 down fee and $900 they borrowed. Domino’s was based on delivering sizzling pizza to houses in a well timed method, and its meteoric success now equates to over 21,300 eating places in additional than 90 nations. Along with pizza, Domino’s menu options made-to-order salads, sides, and sandwiches.
Ken Wolter // Shutterstock
#7. Little Caesars
– Constructive opinion rating: 67%— Reputation amongst boomers: 57%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 67%— Reputation amongst millennials: 57%
Married couple Mike and Marian Ilitch began Little Caesars in Michigan in 1959. Right this moment, it is among the largest pizza chains in america. The corporate actually took off in 1979 when it coined its well-known phrase “Pizza! Pizza!” and began promoting two pizzas for the value of 1. Right this moment, Little Caesars is the third-largest pizza chain on this planet, with 1000’s of worldwide areas, and it’s well-known for its supply and carry-out offers.
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#6. Cinnabon
– Constructive opinion rating: 69%— Reputation amongst boomers: 70%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 61%— Reputation amongst millennials: 69%
Cinnabon’s founders had a mission to create the world’s biggest cinnamon roll, and if the extent of success the corporate has achieved is any indication, it would simply have pulled that off. The cinnamon roll store began in Seattle in 1985 and has grown to over 1,800 areas all over the world.
Cinnabon is extra of a bakery than a sit-down restaurant, now serving quite a lot of cinnamon treats along with its well-known rolls. Right this moment, Cinnabon is owned by GoTo Meals, which additionally has Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, and Jamba in its portfolio.
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#5. Pizza Hut
– Constructive opinion rating: 69%— Reputation amongst boomers: 61%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 65%— Reputation amongst millennials: 68%
As soon as identified for its iconic purple roofs, Pizza Hut is a sit-down restaurant, carry-out spot, and pizza supply place. Based in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, as a single outlet, there are greater than 20,000 areas all over the world. Pizza Hut can be well-known for its pizza improvements, like stuffed crusts, the calzone-inspired P’Zone, and Dippin’ Strips, pizza items that may very well be pulled off and dipped in sauce.
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#4. Wendy’s
– Constructive opinion rating: 70%— Reputation amongst boomers: 70%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 78%— Reputation amongst millennials: 71%
Named after founder Dave Thomas’ daughter, Melinda Lou “Wendy” Thomas, Wendy’s opened in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. Identified for its square-shaped burger patties, Wendy’s was one of many first of the large chains to undertake a drive-thru window.
The fast-food vacation spot’s recognition has been boosted by its inventive promoting campaigns, resembling its iconic 1984 “Where’s the Beef?” advert. Right this moment, greater than 7,000 areas all over the world serve the identical square-shaped burgers, fries, baked potatoes, and Frostys.
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#3. Krispy Kreme
– Constructive opinion rating: 71%— Reputation amongst boomers: 73%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 76%— Reputation amongst millennials: 72%
The key to Krispy Kreme’s fluffy donuts lies in a recipe that Vernon Rudolph purchased in 1937 from a New Orleans chef. Since then, the wafting scent of Krispy Kreme’s addictive donuts has tempted clients across the globe.
There are greater than 350 Krispy Kreme donut outlets in america and plenty of extra worldwide. All of them present clients with favorites like the unique glazed and strawberry-filled donuts, in addition to seasonal flavors and particular partnerships. Biscoff donuts, anybody?
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#2. Baskin-Robbins
– Constructive opinion rating: 72%— Reputation amongst boomers: 85%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 74%— Reputation amongst millennials: 67%
Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins have been brothers-in-law who wished to open an ice cream store the place households may collect to get pleasure from tasty treats. Although they initially opened separate shops, the boys ultimately mixed their powers to kind Baskin-Robbins, which famously boasts 31 ice cream flavors. Right this moment, there are greater than 7,800 areas globally, and Baskin-Robbins is a part of Encourage Manufacturers, which additionally owns Dunkin’.
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#1. Dairy Queen
– Constructive opinion rating: 74%— Reputation amongst boomers: 73%— Reputation amongst Gen X: 75%— Reputation amongst millennials: 70%
The primary Dairy Queen retailer opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, after co-founder John Fremont McCullough developed a components for soft-serve ice cream—and the model has been increasing ever since. Dairy Queen is known for innovations just like the Peanut Buster Parfait and the Blizzard.
The chain has grow to be extra than simply an ice cream store in latest many years. It additionally serves burgers, sandwiches, sizzling canines, and fries. There are greater than 7,700 Dairy Queen areas worldwide, and the model’s recognition reveals no signal of slowing down.
Story enhancing by Cu Fleshman. Copy enhancing by Robert Wickwire.
Initially Printed: August 6, 2025 at 10:18 AM PDT
