Georgians dream of biting into an In-N-Out burger without boarding a plane, according to a new survey that asked people which brands they wish would come to their state.
What It Means For You: If you’ve ever returned from a West Coast trip raving about In-N-Out’s animal-style fries or secret menu, you’re not alone. The burger chain topped Georgia’s wish list, beating out ice cream shops and grocery stores that other residents also crave.
What’s Happening: MarketBeat, a financial media company, surveyed people across the country asking which brand they most want in their state that doesn’t currently exist there.
- In-N-Out Burger came in first place for Georgia. The California-based chain doesn’t have any locations east of Texas.
- Graeter’s Ice Cream ranked second. The Ohio-based chain is famous for its French Pot ice cream process and large chocolate chunks, but has no scoop shops in Georgia.
- Wegmans grocery store took third place, especially popular among people who moved to Georgia from the Northeast.
Why In-N-Out Stands Out: The burger chain has built an almost mythical reputation in Georgia. Travelers who visit the West Coast come home talking about the simple menu, fresh ingredients, and “secret” ordering options.
What Other States Want: The survey revealed regional patterns across the country.
- Colorado residents want Aldi, the German discount grocery chain known for low prices.
- Alaskans crave Trader Joe’s and often stock up on products when they travel to other states.
- Illinois residents wish Whataburger would expand north from Texas.
- Kentuckians want El Pollo Loco’s fire-grilled chicken.
- Michigan residents miss Big 5 Sporting Goods from the West Coast.
- North Dakotans dream of an IKEA store so they don’t have to drive to Minneapolis for furniture.
The Big Picture: The survey shows how national chains create loyal followings that extend far beyond their current locations. For businesses, it reveals untapped markets where customers already want what they’re selling.
In Georgia, burgers are king. Georgia residents are flocking to new Whataburger locations as they open and the demand for burger restaurants remains high.
The Sources: MarketBeat survey.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
