Cookie Puss, Whataburger and more. The 10 fast-food chains Lexington needs
Now that Lexington is getting a Tudor’s Biscuit World, what other 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 least one chain that others would salivate to have, like Shake Shack.
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 run across something in another town and you think, “gee, why 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 Tudor’s Biscuit World is coming down from the mountains, too.
Well, here are 10 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 and Florida. Odds of coming to Kentucky: Medium. They announced plans to expand into Tennessee, so we might be next.
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. There is still one in Fort Campbell, though. People still love rotisserie chicken, the problem is now you can get it everywhere, including Costco.
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is a burger chain that also does a bit of everything from chicken and salads to tacos and breakfast foods. Although it is headquartered in San Diego, Jack in the Box has expanded all the way to Cincinnati and Nashville. Odds of coming to Lexington: Medium. They already are north and south of us, so why not?
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. Odds of coming to Lexington: Low. The chain has struggled to catch on, even before the pandemic.
Wawa
OK, Wawa isn’t a exactly a restaurant chain; it’s more of a convenience store/gas station combo that also serves food, including breakfast items like the Sizzli, a breakfast sandwich. And has a big (some might say cult) following on the East Coast, particularly in Pennsylvania where it originated. You might run across Wawa in Florida, too. Odds of coming to Lexington: Low. They don’t seem to be moving this direction anytime soon.
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’ve made to Cincinnati but 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. 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 hotdog.
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.
Taco John’s
Taco John’s has been saying they are coming to Lexington for some time now ... but still no Potato Oles. So, let’s wish it into being, ok? The chain has opened locations as close as Somerset, and is looking to come into the area. Odds of coming to Lexington: High. It will happen, just a matter of when.
