In-N-Out and 6 food chains missing from Florida. What should head here next?
From Raising Cane's and Whataburger to Portillo's and Potbelly's Sandwich Shops, it seems as though Florida is dominating the popular fast food, restaurant and grocery store market.
Even if you're on vacation from another region, it's likely your favorite spots have a location somewhere in the state. Which is also a score for all the transplants to Florida over the last few years.
But does Florida truly have it all? While it might seem that the Sunshine State is home every beloved restaurant and national fast-food chain, there's a few more that need to make its way down south.
In-N-Out
When it comes to chains that Florida is missing out on, California's In-N-Out always tops everyone's list.
In-N-Out Burger has achieved nearly cult-like status for its fresh ingredients, customer service and a menu that features fewer than 15 items: burgers, cheeseburgers, fries, soda, milkshakes and the signature two-patty Double-Double.
In-N-Out's menu might be limited, but its not-so-secret menu allows customers to add something special to their orders. For example, a "flying dutchman" burger replaces the bread with onion and asking for the "Neapolitan" gives you a shake with three flavors (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, obviously).
Primarily serving California, restaurants are also found in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Utah. According to interviews with owner Lynsi Snyder, a migration to Florida is highly unlikely but we can still dream.
Cook Out
Nothing is more complicated but worth your time than perfecting your Cook Out tray order. And it's time Florida got to experience it.
Where else can you get a cheeseburger with a side of a quesadilla and chicken nuggets, as well as a Cheerwine to wash it all down? That would be the North Carolina-based chain, where there are more than 100 menu items available.
So far, the chain operates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Mississippi. All they have to do is extend one more state South and Florida can experience the magic of Cook Out regularly.
Tim Horton's
Florida was home to two Tim Hortons in the 1980s, in Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach. According to past TC Palm reports, they were unsuccessful but that shouldn't stop us from trying again, eh?
Tim Hortons was founded 55 years ago in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and first specialized in coffee and donuts. Now its menu includes breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and baked goods.
Restaurants are found in several states across the Northeast and Midwest, such as Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. For now, Floridians will have to journey to one of Georgia's locations to get a sip of Tim Hortons' Canadian coffee.
Din Tai Fung
If you frequent TikTok or consider yourself a foodie, you've heard of Din Tai Fung.
The world-renowned Chinese restaurant is known for their handmade soup dumplings and noodles, considered as one of the best dim sum eateries in the world. Originating in Taiwan, the restaurant has been awarded the Michelin star 5 times.
They currently have locations in California, Washington, Nevada and Oregon, with one coming to New York City this year. They also have a location coming to California's Disney Springs, so why not put one in ours as well?
Jack in the Box
Another California-based chain that us East Coasters are missing out on. But not for long!
The company back in March announced that it is expanding to Florida and Arkansas and will open 14 new restaurants. While the company has yet to update on when and where they will open, they previously posted "franchise opportunities" in Tampa and Orlando.
Palm Beach Post wrote that the chain is most notable for its burgers, tacos, salads and iconic branding. Jack in the Box mascot is familiar to anyone from the West Coast, a strange ping-pong ball clown head, often seen nodding from car antennas.
Sheetz
If you thought Pennsylvania residents had a cult-like following for "Wawa," you should try out the Altoona-based convenience store.
Sheetz sells a mix of fast food and other convenience store items, including MTOs — made-to-order food items — doughnuts, burritos, french fries and its newest brand of specialty coffees called Sheetz Bros. Coffee.
Stores are in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina. Once Sheetz makes its way down South, Floridians can battle it out with Wawa for "best Pennsylvania-based gas station."
Erewhon
To end this list on a divisive note, it should be noted that Californian-based organic supermarket chain has yet to make a permanent appearance to the East Coast. At least, since its first location in 1966 in Boston.
Beloved by famous actors, influencers and the Kardashian clan, Erewhon has become one of the latest trends on social media due to its upscale prices and celebrity collaborations (Hailey Bieber's "Skin" smoothie and Olivia Rodrigo's "GUTS" smoothie).
It's almost become a challenge for TikTokers and patrons to find the most expensive items in the store, posting their findings online. Examples online of their prices include an 11 oz. jar of vegan pesto for $21, a gallon of unpasteurized milk for $20 and one of Erewhon's "hyper-oxygenated" water for $26.
However, the supermarket does provide foods and products that you won't find just anywhere, including a lot of allergy-friendly options. It wouldn't hurt to have one nearby, even just to experience luxury pesto just once or twice.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: In-N-Out, Cook Out, Erewhon: Here's what is missing from Florida
