Whataburger, In-N-Out Burger & more. Fast-food chains Lexington needs, odds of coming

Now that Lexington is getting new Jack in the Box locations, what other popular restaurant chains do we need here in the Bluegrass?

Don’t get me wrong, Lexington has a ton of terrific locally owned spots. And lots of chains are already well-represented (looking at you, Chick-fil-A) and we’ve even got at some chains that others would salivate to have, like Parlor Doughnuts.

We’ve got The Cheesecake Factory, Popeyes, Five Guys, Dunkin’ and even Red Robin (although it’s in Brannon Crossing, so technically that might be Nicholasville.)

But sometimes you’re in another part of the country and run across something and you think, “gee, I wish we had this in the Bluegrass.”

Like the way people used to rave about Skyline Chili and LaRosa’s Pizzeria, two Cincinnati favorites that have finally colonized Lexington.

And now California-based Jack in the Box is coming from the West Coast, too, bringing it’s wide-ranging menu that includes sirloin beef burgers, popcorn chicken, all-day breakfast.

Well, here are nine we don’t have (at least at the moment) but would love to see move in:

Whataburger

Based in Texas, Whataburger dates to the ’50s. Known for its orange A-frame buildings (although now that’s mostly an architectural allusion, since new ones don’t usually have them) and burgers that take two hands. Whataburger has locations throughout the South, including in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. Odds of coming to Kentucky: Medium. They keep getting closer to the Bluegrass since they are in Tennessee, so we might be next.

In-N-Out Burger

Central Kentucky loves burgers, and we’re already getting a West Coast chain, so why not this Hollywood darling? In-N-Out is old-school, still family-owned, serves hamburgers, cheeseburgers and the “Double-Double” with two patties and two slices of cheese. They’re also famous for “secret menu” items like the Neapolitan shake with three flavors. In the past they have only gone further east into Texas, but earlier this year they announced plans to expand into Tennessee, opening its first dining spot there by 2026.

Boston Market

People who have lived in Lexington for a while will remember when we had Boston Market, but they’ve been gone for a while. Once a quick service comfort food giant, Boston Market went through bankruptcy in the late 1990s but it has clawed its way back to stability and is even expanding again after a recent sale. Odds of coming back to Lexington: Low. People still love rotisserie chicken, the problem is now you can get it everywhere, including Costco.

Wingstop

Speaking of chicken, and Lexington seems to be on a chicken kick lately, Wingstop has surrounded Lexington with multiple locations in Louisville and Cincinnati plus one in Bowling Green. With over 1,500 locations and 19 consecutive years of same-store sales growth, they are, of course, known for chicken wings. And people love their ranch dipping sauce, so much so you can bath in it. Odds of coming to Lexington? Did we mention how close they already are and how many new chicken places there seem to be?

Tim Hortons

Based in Toronto, Tim Hortons is known for coffee, doughnuts and other fast food items. While there are Tim Hortons locations all over the world, so far the chain has only made it to Erlanger and Ashland in Kentucky but the Erlanger location closed. Odds of coming to Lexington: Low. The chain has struggled to catch on, even before the pandemic.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Founded in Chicago, Potbelly is known for its subs, salads, shakes and hearty soups. It has a big footprint, globally and in the U.S., just not in Lexington: Odds of coming here: Medium. There are locations in Louisville and Cincinnati and even Florence, so it’s entirely possible we could see a Potbelly here some day soon.

Wahlburgers

Headquartered in Boston, of course, the Wahlburgers chain from brothers Mark, Donnie and chef Paul Wahlberg is a celebrity burger place (and the basis of a reality TV show) but the food is real. Pre-pandemic, they announced ambitious expansion plans with a variety of partners, including Meijer and Bass Pro Shops. Odds of coming to Lexington: Low. They opened a Cincinnati location but it recently closed and they’ve also had some high-profile locations fall through.

Jollibee

This Filipino fast food chain, sometimes called the McDonald’s of the Philippines, has a ton of buzz (get it?) especially about “Chickenjoy,” their special marinated crispy juicy chicken. And Kentucky loves chicken, right? The chain has 37 locations open before the pandemic in a variety of states including Florida, Illinois and Virginia. They now have close to 70 open, unfortunately nowhere near here. Odds of coming to Lexington: Low. Jollibee isn’t even in Ohio yet, so it’s going to be a while. But if you’re in Chicago, check them out, if only to try their chicken or signature Jolly Spaghetti, made with ham and hot dogs.

Carvel

Carvel is an old-school ice cream spot but if you’ve ever had a Cookie Puss, you won’t forget it. Known for ice cream cakes like Cookie Puss or Fudgie the Whale, there is a Carvel Shoppe in Smiths Grove near Bowling Green. Odds of coming to Lexington: Low. This is a town that loves ice cream but the market already has a couple of strong competitors including homegrown Crank & Boom.