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Considering how much this city loves franchises, it’s strange to think that these popular chains don’t exist in Orlando. But hey, give it time.
Fatburger
Hey, don’t listen to us, listen to these guys: Biggie: “If I wanna squirt her, I take her to Fatburger.” Ice Cube: “Two in the morning, got the Fatburger … I got to say it was a good day.” Yo Gotti: “I’m Crenshaw at Fatburger, fuckin’ with Nipsey.” Beastie Boys: “I chill at White Castle cuz it’s the best, but I’m fly at Fatburger when I’m way out West.” Speaking of White Castle …
Photo via PinterestWhite Castle
Everyone loves inexpensive mini hamburgers, er sliders. Hell, Harold and Kumar centered an entire movie around this chain.
Photo via New Line CinemaPortillo’s Hot Dogs
Loaded dogs served in the strictest accordance with “Chicago-style” guidelines – mustard, relish, chopped raw onions, tomato wedges, a kosher pickle spear and sport peppers piled on a steamed poppyseed bun. Order ketchup and die.
Photo via dogrhetoricrockstars.blogspot.comCafe Rio
These popular burritos fuel the Mountain West. Why not the Sunshine State?
Photo via caferio.comFlying Biscuit Cafe
As the name suggests, just about everything here is biscuit-related, which is great. Plus, they serve breakfast all damn day!
Photo via foodspotting.comTim Hortons
Donuts, coffee and burgers are what this Canadian franchise is all about.
Photo via kanadianeh.comIn-N-Out Burger
Kobe Bryant once said he eats In-N-Out everyday and look, he has 5 NBA Championship rings. The place is good. By the way, what you’re looking at in this photo is a couple stacks of fresh cut fries and three Double Doubles “Animal Style.” Great order.
Photo via in-n-out.comWegmans
Probably the most popular grocery store in Upstate New York, Wegman’s is also a fantastic place to eat. Their cafeteria is set-up sort of like a Whole Foods, with tons of fresh options and they price it by weight.Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ Restaurant
This place is a meat paradise. If you’re into Carolina-style slow-cooked pork, you’ll wish you were best friends with Jim and Nick.
Photo via jimnnicks.comPotbelly Sandwich Shop
Based out of Chicago, Pot Belly has been a staple of the Windy City since the ’70s.
Photo via buisnessinsider.comKelly’s Roast Beef
Mass residents get to eat delicious Kelly’s roast beef whenever they want, which makes one good reason to live in Massachusetts.
Photo via roadfood.comLou Malnati’s
Imitated by many, bested by none, Malnati’s serves the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago. (Yeah, we said it.) They have so many fans that, like Garrett’s Popcorn, Lou Malnati’s does a thriving mail-order business outside Chicagoland.
Photo via loumalnatiscomPrimanti Bros.
The Almost Famous sandwich (pictured) is a Pittsburgh favorite. Yep, that’s coleslaw and fries jammed in there.
Photo via primantibros.comSpaghetti Warehouse
These massive establishments are no joke. Spaghetti Warehouse actually holds the record for World’s Largest Lasagna, weighing in at 8,800 pounds. You can also get normal-sized lasagna here.
Photo via FlickrJack In The Box
The west coast lives and dies by this franchise. Most of the time, you avoid this place. But sometimes (when you have the munchies), you just gotta have “Jack in the Crack.”
Photo via jackinthebox.comTaco Cabana
Orlando has a severe dearth of breakfast tacos. Taco Cabana could save us all (potato, egg and chorizo for me, thanks).
Photo via WikipediaQuality Dairy
Quality Dairy (or QD, as the Michiganders call it) is really a convenience store with great ice cream, which they make themselves.
Photo via michigandining.comQuaker Steak & Lube
Despite it’s awful name, “The Lube” actually has a pretty good and pretty massive menu. You can find just about any meat-related food here like, steak, seafood, tacos and burgers.
Photo via thelube.comGarrett’s Popcorn
It’s not like you can get a meal there or anything, but a quick stop for a bag of Garrett’s Mix (the blend of caramel corn and cheese corn called “Chicago mix” by lesser popcorners because Garrett’s did it first) can improve your day if you live in Chicago, New York, Vegas, Detroit or Atlanta.
Photo via hiplipblog.comTupelo Honey Cafe
Southern comfort foods made from scratch. Plus, they have craft beers & cocktails!
Photo via TupeloHoneyCafe.comArctic Circle
Arctic Circles are generally found in Utah, but we think Utah cuisine could catch on here in Florida. What are your thoughts on fry sauce or pastrami burgers?
Photo via WikipediaWhataburger
This Texas-based franchise has locations in Orange Park and Jacksonville, which is a shame for us. Their burgers are pretty good and they’re usually open 24 hours.
Photo via WikipediaStewart’s Shops
A New York favorite, Stewarts is another franchise that’s essentially a convenience store with great ice cream and food. If you’re ever in the area, try the Birthday Cake Ice Cream.
Photo via stewartsshops.comAbbott’s Frozen Custard
Fresh-made frozen custard on cinnamon monkey bread? Yes, please.
Photo via abottscustard.comBiggby Coffee
This Michigan-based coffee chain was once called “Beaners,” but they changed the name because it was extremely offensive. With that out of the way, their coffee is awesome! You’ll throw your Starbucks in the trash once you sip on a Carmel Marvel.
Photo via FacebookBig John Steak & Onion
Big meaty steaks for big meaty guys. What’s not to love?
Photo via FlickrBiscuitville
This place is a North Carolina staple and it serves pretty darn authentic Southern food, for pretty darn cheap.
Photo via foodspotting.comCorner Bakery
Their Anaheim Scrambler is like Ripped Fuel for the desk jockey, and don’t even get us started on the single-serving Bundt Bites.
Photo via cornerbakery.com