Everyone has that one brand they wish would open closer to home – whether it’s a cult-favorite fast food chain, a beloved grocery store, or a gym franchise they’ve only seen on TV.
MarketBeat carried out a survey of 3,011 respondents asking:
“Which brand do you most wish your state had – but currently doesn’t?”
In top spot, North Carolinians most want to see an In-N-Out Burger in the Tar Heel State. North Carolinians with friends out West often hear about the cult status of In-N-Out. The fresh, no-frills menu and “secret” items have become a foodie fantasy for locals who’d love to see the chain cross the Mississippi.
The second most desired brand is a La Colombe Coffee Roasters. La Colombe Coffee Roasters, the Philadelphia-based chain famous for its draft lattes and sleek cafés, has become a staple in major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. But North Carolina — despite its thriving coffee culture in Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte — doesn’t have a single La Colombe café. Locals who’ve traveled north know the brand’s mix of artisan roasting and modern café design, and its absence in the Tar Heel State stands out. A La Colombe in Charlotte or the Triangle would instantly become a go-to hub for students, professionals, and coffee enthusiasts.
This was followed by the desire to bring a H-E-B to North Carolina. Texan transplants in North Carolina are vocal about missing H-E-B. With its reputation for affordable groceries, regional identity, and prepared foods, it’s one of the top-ranked “if only” stores the state doesn’t have.
Some highlights from other states were:
Coloradans crave an Aldi in their state. The German discount grocery chain beloved for low prices, efficient layouts, and strong store-brand staples has yet to open a location in Colorado. While residents regularly pay premium prices for groceries in many mountain towns and suburban areas, having Aldi could offer a more affordable alternative. For Coloradans balancing the cost of living with their love of local produce and clean brands, an Aldi would feel like a game-changer in how they shop.
Alaskans, on the other hand, would love to shop at a Trader Joe’s. The quirky grocery chain known for its affordable organics and cult snacks has built a loyal fan base in the Lower 48. Alaskans often stock up when they travel, but without any Trader Joe’s locations in the state, they miss out on the convenience and fun of shopping there locally.
Over in the Prairie State, plenty of Illinoisans come back from Texas or Oklahoma trips raving about Whataburger’s late-night burgers and spicy ketchup. Despite Chicago’s deep fast-food culture, locals still wonder why this southern staple hasn’t opened anywhere in the state.
Kentuckians love their chicken, and El Pollo Loco, the West Coast chain famous for its citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken, has never opened in Kentucky. Known for bowls, tacos, and family meals that offer a lighter twist on fast food, it’s a staple in California and the Southwest. For Kentuckians who discover it while traveling, the absence is noticeable. Bringing El Pollo Loco to Louisville or Lexington would add a crave-worthy new flavor to the state’s fried chicken landscape.
Michiganders love their sports, and the state has plenty of sporting goods stores, but none like Big 5. The West Coast chain is known for affordable gear, especially in camping, fishing, and team sports. For Michiganders balancing summer lake trips and winter activities, Big 5’s budget-friendly range would slot perfectly into the state’s outdoor culture. Transplants from the West often point out the gap, saying Big 5 would be a hit in college towns and smaller cities.
North Dakotans would most want to see an IKEA store plant its yellow & blue flag in the state. For students and young families in Fargo or Grand Forks, IKEA is a dream. Right now, flat-pack furniture and clever storage hacks mean long road trips to Minneapolis – a pain that keeps the craving alive.
