In the last few years, the Lansing area welcomed its first Trader Joe’s store in East Lansing and Dave & Buster’s restaurant in Lansing Township. Illinois-based chain Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant and Metro Detroit-based sports bar Art & Jake’s followed, opening not far from the Eastwood Towne Center.
Earlier this year the area’s first Shake Shack opened in a former Rite Aid near the Frandor Shopping Center. The building also houses a new Smoothie King.
The State Journal wants to know what readers think we’re still lacking. Here’s a look at 10 popular chains that don’t operate here yet. Vote for your favorite in the poll below.
Voting is open now through midnight Thursday, June 25. We’ll announce the winner after polls close. Refresh your browser if the ballot does not automatically appear.
Sonic
Sonic, founded in 1952, offers everything from burgers and hot dogs to ice cream and slushies. There are more than 3,000 locations in the U.S.
Over the years many Lansing area residents have voiced support for a location here, but so far it hasn’t happened. In 2023 a job posting on the employment website Indeed indicated the chain was seeking “team crew members” for a Sonic restaurant off Okemos Road.
At the time, a spokesperson for Inspire Brands LLC, which owns the Oklahoma City-based Sonic, shut down the rumors.
Waffle House
The first Waffle House opened in Georgia in 1955. Today there are more than 2,000 locations in the U.S. The chain offers waffles, T-bone steaks, hashbrowns and grits. The chain has no locations in Michigan, according to its website, but does have stores in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
In-N-Out Burger
Headquartered in Irvine, California, In-N-Out Burger has no locations in Michigan. The chain is known for its burgers and fries, which can be served up “animal style,” covered in sauce, melted cheese and chopped grilled onions.
Chi Chi’s
Opened in 1975 by Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packer Max McGee, the Mexican restaurant chain closed in 2004. Michael McDermott, Marno McDermott’s son, announced plans in late 2024 to open new locations.
Chi Chi’s operated a restaurant in Okemos before the chain ceased operation in 2004.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory, a chain known for its desserts but that also offers a full menu as well, dates back to the early 1970s when Evelyn and Oscar Overton opened The Cheesecake Factory Bakery in Los Angeles. Their son opened The Cheesecake Factory restaurant six years later. The chain operates more than 350 locations today in the U.S. and Canada.
The chain operates two locations in Michigan, in Novi and Kentwood.
Zaxbys
The franchise chain known for its fried chicken tenders and sandwiches currently has nearly 1,000 restaurants in 18 states. The chain has no Michigan locations.
Last year the Atlanta, Georgia-based company did announce interest in the Lansing-area market.
“The greater Lansing area continues to grow, supported by a mix of longtime residents, students and professionals,” Zaxbys’ Chief Development Officer Mike Mettler told the State Journal in August of 2025. “It offers an ideal environment for Zaxbys flexible store formats.”
Del Taco
Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson opened the first Del Taco in California in the 1960s. There are over 550 locations today. The fast-food chain serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, burgers, fries and salads.
Krispy Kreme
Doughnut chain Krispy Kreme has a handful of locations in Michigan. A Lansing Township location on Lake Lansing Road closed in 2009 as an underperforming site.
White Castle
The chain dates back to 1921 and its small, square-shaped hamburgers piled high with onions have been on the menu ever since. It’s still family owned and there are more than 300 locations.
White Castle had a Lansing location off South Cedar Street at one point.
Jack in the Box
Fast food chain Jack in the Box dates back to the 1950s. The company, based in San Diego, California, operates more than 2,000 locations. It serves burgers, chicken tenders and sandwiches, fries, shakes and other fast-casual items.
The company opened a Battle Creek location this year.
Portillo’s
Portillo’s originated in Illinois more than 50 years ago. The chain has more than 70 locations across several states and is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, chocolate cake shake and more.
The company opened its first Michigan restaurant in Sterling Heights in 2021.
Cast your vote now
Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What popular restaurant chain is Lansing lacking? Cast your vote
Reporting by Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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By Rachel Greco, Lansing State Journal | USA TODAY Network
