A Tasty Tour of America’s Burger Chains

Welcome to the ultimate showdown of American burger chains, where juicy patties, toasted buns, and creative toppings reign supreme! In this BURGER WARS! travel guide, we’ll take you on a mouthwatering journey across the nation’s top national and regional burger joints. From coast to coast, these chains serve up iconic flavors, quirky facts, and must-try burgers that make them destinations for any burger enthusiast. Buckle up, grab some napkins, and let’s dive into the stats, stories, and spots that define America’s burger landscape!

National Burger Chains: The Heavyweights

These chains dominate the U.S. burger scene with thousands of locations, massive sales, and loyal fanbases. Here’s a rundown of the biggest players, complete with key stats and fun facts to fuel your burger adventure.

McDonald’s

• Locations: ~14,000 in the U.S., 37,000 worldwide across 120 countries
• Sales (2022): $48.6 billion (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: Big Mac – two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun.
• Fun Fact: McDonald’s serves ~75 burgers every second globally, feeding 68 million people daily—nearly 1% of the world’s population! Their assembly-line system, pioneered in 1940, set the standard for fast food.
• Why Visit?: The golden arches are a global icon, offering consistency and nostalgia. Try a Quarter Pounder with Cheese for a beefy classic or hunt for regional specials like the McRib when it returns.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the flagship McDonald’s in Chicago, IL (1035 N Western Ave), with its museum-like vibe showcasing the chain’s history.

Burger King

• Locations: ~7,000 in the U.S., over 12,000 worldwide
• Sales (2022): $10.3 billion (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: Whopper – flame-grilled beef patty with tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, ketchup, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun.
• Fun Fact: In Mattoon, IL, a local Burger King (not the chain) won a legal battle, forcing the national chain to stay 25 miles away. Also, Burger King’s “Scary Clown Night” offered free Whoppers to clown-dressed customers on Halloween, poking fun at McDonald’s mascot
• Why Visit?: Flame-grilled patties set Burger King apart, and their cheeky marketing keeps things fun. Try the Impossible Whopper for a plant-based twist.
• Locations to Check Out: Head to the Burger King in Miami, FL (1100 NW 54th St), near the chain’s U.S. headquarters, for a taste of its roots.

Wendy’s

• Locations: ~5,900 in the U.S., over 6,800 worldwide
• Sales (2022): $11.7 billion (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: Dave’s Single – fresh, never-frozen beef with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayo.
• Fun Fact: Wendy’s Twitter account is legendary for its savage roasts, and their square patties (inspired by founder Dave Thomas’ love for “square meals”) maximize grill contact for extra flavor.
• Why Visit?: Fresh beef and sassy vibes make Wendy’s a standout. Pair your burger with a Frosty for a sweet-savory combo.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the original Wendy’s in Columbus, OH (257 E Broad St), now a flagship with a mini-museum.

Five Guys

• Locations: ~1,400 in the U.S., 1,700 worldwide
• Sales (2022): ~$2.2 billion (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: Hamburger – customizable with 15 free toppings like grilled onions, jalapeños, and A1 sauce.
• Fun Fact: Shaquille O’Neal owns ~155 Five Guys locations, over 10% of the chain! The chain uses peanut oil for cooking, giving fries a distinct flavor, but beware if you have allergies.
• Why Visit?: Hand-crafted burgers and overflowing fry bags make Five Guys a premium fast-casual stop. Customize to your heart’s content.
• Locations to Check Out: Try the original Five Guys in Arlington, VA (1400 S Hayes St), where the Murrell family started it all in 1986.

Sonic Drive-In

• Locations: ~3,500 in the U.S., concentrated in the South
• Sales (2022): $5.8 billion (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: Sonic Cheeseburger – beef patty with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and mayo.
• Fun Fact: Sonic’s carhop service, complete with roller-skating servers at some locations, harks back to 1950s drive-ins. Their menu also boasts 1.3 million drink combos
• Why Visit?: The retro drive-in experience is a blast, and burgers pair perfectly with a cherry limeade. Go for the SuperSONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger for a hearty bite.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the flagship Sonic in Oklahoma City, OK (300 Johnny Bench Dr), near the chain’s birthplace.

Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s

• Locations: ~1,100 Carl’s Jr., ~1,800 Hardee’s in the U.S., split East/West
• Sales (2022): $2.5 billion (Carl’s Jr.), $2.1 billion (Hardee’s) (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: Carl’s Jr. California Classic Double Cheeseburger; Hardee’s Monster Angus Burger.
• Fun Fact: Despite shared ownership, Carl’s Jr. dominates the West, while Hardee’s rules the East. Carl’s Jr. once sold a burger with CBD-infused sauce in Denver for 4/20
• Why Visit?: Bold flavors and thick Angus patties appeal to burger purists. Try the Western Bacon Cheeseburger for a BBQ kick.
• Locations to Check Out: Hit Carl’s Jr. in Los Angeles, CA (500 W 190th St) or Hardee’s in St. Louis, MO (101 S Florissant Rd) for regional flair.

Dairy Queen

• Locations: ~4,300 in the U.S.
• Sales (2022): $4.5 billion (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: FlameThrower GrillBurger – with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
• Fun Fact: DQ is king in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and their soft-serve Blizzards are a global hit. Some locations still operate as “Brazier” grills with expanded burger menus.
• Why Visit?: Burgers plus Blizzards equal a perfect meal. The StackBurger line offers budget-friendly options.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the DQ in Moorhead, MN (24 8th St S), a nod to its Midwest stronghold.

Jack in the Box

• Locations: ~2,200, mostly West Coast, Arizona, Texas
• Sales (2022): $4.1 billion (U.S. system-wide)
• Signature Burger: Jumbo Jack – beef patty with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayo.
• Fun Fact: Jack in the Box pioneered the drive-thru speaker in the 1950s and once sold a “Hella Peño Burger” that won over North Carolina fans.
• Why Visit?: Eclectic menu and late-night hours make it a road-trip staple. Try the Sourdough Jack for a unique twist.
• Locations to Check Out: Stop by the original Jack in the Box in San Diego, CA (2820 National Ave), opened in 1951.

Regional Burger Chains: Hidden Gems

Regional chains may have fewer locations, but they pack a punch with high-quality ingredients, local pride, and cult followings. Here’s a guide to the best regional burger spots worth crossing state lines for.

In-N-Out Burger

• Locations: ~400 across 7 states (CA, NV, AZ, UT, TX, OR, CO)
• Sales (2021): ~$1.2 billion
• Signature Burger: Double-Double – two beef patties, two cheese slices, lettuce, tomato, onions, and spread.
• Fun Fact: In-N-Out’s “secret menu” includes Animal Style (mustard-grilled patty, grilled onions, extra spread) and 4×4 (four patties!). They’re planning a Nashville, TN, expansion by 2026.
• Why Visit?: Fresh, never-frozen beef and a cult-like following make In-N-Out a must. Order Animal Fries for a cheesy, saucy treat.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the original In-N-Out in Baldwin Park, CA (13752 Francisquito Ave), a replica of the 1948 stand.

Whataburger

• Locations: ~920 across 14 states, mostly Texas
• Sales (2020): $2.7 billion
• Signature Burger: Whataburger – five-inch patty with mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions.
• Fun Fact: Named a Texas treasure in 2001, Whataburger’s orange-and-white stripes are iconic. Fans once protested a Chicago firm’s buyout, fearing it’d lose its Lone Star soul.
• Why Visit?: Texas-sized portions and 24/7 breakfast burgers like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit draw crowds. Try the Patty Melt for a saucy delight.
• Locations to Check Out: Hit the original Whataburger in Corpus Christi, TX (4120 S Staples St), now a modern rebuild.

Culver’s

• Locations: ~900 across 26 states, concentrated in Wisconsin
• Sales (2021): $1.9 billion
• Signature Burger: ButterBurger – fresh, never-frozen beef on a buttered, toasted bun.
• Fun Fact: Culver’s topped the 2020 Harris Poll for best burger chain, and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern calls it his road-trip go-to. Their cheese curds are a Midwest treasure.
• Why Visit?: Creamy custard and crispy ButterBurgers make Culver’s a Midwest gem. Add bacon for a Deluxe upgrade.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the first Culver’s in Sauk City, WI (716 Phillips Blvd), opened in 1984.

Burgerville

• Locations: 39 in Washington and Oregon
• Sales: Not publicly reported, but a regional favorite
• Signature Burger: Original Cheeseburger – antibiotic-free beef with local produce.
• Fun Fact: Burgerville sources 72% of its ingredients within 400 miles, using Pacific Northwest beef and seasonal produce. Their milkshakes use local ice cream.
• Why Visit?: Sustainable ingredients and regional flavors shine. Try a seasonal burger with Walla Walla onions when available.
• Locations to Check Out: Stop by the original Burgerville in Vancouver, WA (8318 NE Hwy 99), opened in 1961.

Dick’s Drive-In

• Locations: 8 in Washington
• Sales: Not publicly reported, but a Seattle legend
• Signature Burger: Deluxe Cheeseburger – two patties with cheese, lettuce, and special sauce.
• Fun Fact: Dick’s uses fresh, never-frozen beef delivered daily and pays employees above-average wages, fostering loyalty. It’s a Seattle institution for 60+ years.
• Why Visit?: Affordable prices and hand-dipped shakes make it a Pacific Northwest must. Pair with hand-cut fries.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the original Dick’s in Seattle, WA (115 Broadway E), opened in 1954.

Schoop’s Hamburgers

• Locations: 14 in Indiana and Illinois
• Sales: Not publicly reported, but a regional standout
• Signature Burger: Mickey Burger – smash-style with crispy edges and classic toppings.
• Fun Fact: Schoop’s has won Northwest Indiana’s “Best Burger” award every year since it began. Their Irish Nachos (fries with cheese, bacon, and ranch) are a quirky side.
• Why Visit?: Crispy smashburgers and 1950s diner vibes make Schoop’s a Midwest hidden gem. Try the Triple Cheeseburger if you dare!
• Locations to Check Out: Hit the original Schoop’s in Hammond, IN (7235 Indianapolis Blvd), opened in 1948.

Cook Out

• Locations: 313 across 10 states, mostly Southeast
• Sales: Not publicly reported, but a cult favorite
• Signature Burger: Cook Out Style Burger – with chili, bacon, slaw, onions, and mustard.
• Fun Fact: Cook Out’s tray deal lets you pick a main, two sides, and a drink for a steal. Fans rave about their char-grilled burgers tasting like backyard BBQs.
• Why Visit?: Budget-friendly trays and 40+ milkshake flavors make it a Southern road-trip staple. Go for the Big Double Burger Tray.
• Locations to Check Out: Visit the first Cook Out in Greensboro, NC (1041 Summit Ave), opened in 1989.

Blake’s Lotaburger

• Locations: ~70 in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas
• Sales: Not publicly reported, but a Southwest icon
• Signature Burger: Lota Burger – with green chile and cheese.
• Fun Fact: Blake’s claims to have invented the green chile cheeseburger, a New Mexico staple. Their retro diners are a time capsule of Southwest culture.
• Why Visit?: Spicy green chiles elevate the burger game. Pair with a cherry shake for a true New Mexico experience.
• Locations to Check Out: Stop by the original Blake’s in Albuquerque, NM (3201 Richmond Dr NE), opened in 1952.

Wild Burger Facts to Savor

• White Castle’s Romantic Side: The first burger chain (est. 1921) hosts Valentine’s Day dinners with tableside service and sliders at select locations. Book early for a quirky date night
• Burger Bonanza: Americans eat ~50 billion burgers annually, with over 84,000 burger restaurants nationwide. You’re never far from a patty
• Shaq’s Burger Empire: Beyond Five Guys, Shaq owns stakes in Krispy Kreme and Papa John’s, making him a fast-food titan.
• In-N-Out’s Bible Verses: The chain prints subtle Bible references on its packaging, like John 3:16 on soda cups, reflecting the Snyder family’s faith.
• Whataburger’s Superfans: In 2019, Texas fans launched petitions to keep Whataburger “Texan” after its sale to a Chicago firm, showing fierce local pride.

Your Burger Road Trip Awaits!

From McDonald’s global dominance to Schoop’s smashburger supremacy, America’s burger chains offer a delicious tapestry of flavors, histories, and vibes. Whether you’re chasing the neon glow of a Sonic drive-in, savoring a Whataburger at 2 a.m., or decoding In-N-Out’s secret menu, each chain is a pitstop on your culinary adventure. Plan your route, hit the road, and taste the BURGER WARS! for yourself. Which chain will claim your heart (and stomach)? Let us know your favorite burger joint in the comments below!