Michigan is no stranger to restaurant chains, especially fast food.
There are more than 700 Subway locations and more than 500 McDonald’s locations in Michigan, according to data company ScrapeHero. There is no shortage of Taco Bell or Starbucks locations, either. And some of the world’s largest pizza chains even began here.
But Michigan isn’t home to every chain restaurant brand. Some big players in the industry don’t have a footprint in the state.
From one chain that never closes to a celebrity favorite, here are six chain restaurants you’ll have to leave Michigan to enjoy.
In-N-Out Burger
With a heavy presence in California, In-N-Out Burger is well known as a late-night snack stop for celebrities.
The brand began in California in 1948 and was the state’s first drive-thru hamburger stand.
The menu today consists of burgers, fries and shakes, including the iconic Double-Double burger. There’s also a not-so-secret menu that offers alternate ways for burgers to be prepared.
In-N-Out Burger has more than 400 locations across 10 states with the closest to Michigan in Tennessee.
Waffle House
Waffle House has more than 2,000 locations in 25 states, but none in Michigan. It’s famous for its Southern-inspired, all-day breakfast, sandwiches and classic diner fare.
The sit-down restaurant chain is known for being open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It was at a Waffle House in Atlanta in 2007 where Detroit musician Kid Rock got into a brawl and was later arrested.
You too can visit a Waffle House by taking a quick trip over Michigan’s southern border to Toledo, Ohio where several of the locations are found.
Jack in the Box
Jack In The Box doesn’t currently have any Michigan restaurants, but that will change soon, with locations set to open in Battle Creek and Westland.
The fast-food burger chain does already has locations in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio for customers who cannot wait for Michigan openings.
The company has about 2,200 restaurants across the United States and Guam.
Carl’s Jr.
Charbroiled burger chain Carl’s Jr. is known as a West Coast brand, but has more than 1,000 restaurants across 15 states and 28 countries.
Founded in 1941, the fast-food chain has no Michigan locations or locations in neighboring states. However, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are both operated by CKE Restaurants. The brands are separate, but share a logo and have similar menus. There are several Hardee’s locations across Michigan.
Whataburger
Seventeen states are home to a Whataburger restaurant, but not Michigan.
The fast-food chain, which serves burgers and other favorites, was founded in Texas and now has more than 1,100 restaurants.
Diners cannot try the brand’s secret sauce in Michigan or neighboring states and would have to travel to Missouri or Tennessee for the nearest locations.
Zaxbys
Zaxbys is all about chicken, but not all about Michigan.
The fast-casual chain specializes in everything chicken with sandwiches, wraps wings, chicken fingers, salads and more.
It’s also known for its legendary Zax Sauce.
Founded in Georgia, the brand has a large presence in the South. The closest locations to Michigan are in Illinois and Indiana.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: These 6 popular fast-food chains aren’t in Michigan
Reporting by Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
