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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.

For many Americans, stretching a food budget can feel like a juggling act – balancing taste, nutrition, and the clock. With rising costs, it’s easy to fall back on drive-thru value menus and convenience foods. But eating well doesn’t always mean spending more. Across the country, there are cities and neighborhoods where good food is both affordable and an essential part of the local culture.

Advance America surveyed 3,024 self-proclaimed “foodies” to identify the top U.S. cities and neighborhoods where eating well and eating affordably go hand in hand.

Here are the ten locations proving that you don’t need a top salary to enjoy a top meal:

#1. Athens, Georgia
College towns know how to stretch a dollar, but Athens takes it to another level. The city’s farmers’ markets brim with fresh produce and local specialties, while independent cafés and restaurants serve up meals that are both tasty and budget-friendly. From Southern classics to creative vegetarian plates, Athens makes eating well a habit, not a splurge.

#2. Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida
Riverside is a feast for both the eyes and the appetite. Its historic streets are lined with cafés that keep menus affordable without cutting corners on flavor. The Riverside Arts Market, held beneath the Fuller Warren Bridge, overflows with fresh produce and artisanal bites. It’s a neighborhood where “good food” is as much about community as it is about the cuisine.

#3. Downtown Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville has quietly built one of the Southeast’s most celebrated food scenes — and it’s refreshingly accessible. The Saturday market draws crowds for its local produce, while the downtown district is peppered with restaurants offering creative dishes at approachable prices. Whether it’s a quick bite on Main Street or a sit-down dinner, Greenville proves you don’t need deep pockets to eat well.

#4. East Nashville, Tennessee
Trendy yet approachable, East Nashville has become a magnet for foodies who appreciate personality on their plates. The neighborhood farmers’ market offers everything from heirloom vegetables to artisanal baked goods, while its eclectic mix of restaurants caters to diners on a budget. It’s a neighborhood where eating well feels effortless.

#5. North Charleston, South Carolina
This city may be known for industry, but North Charleston’s eateries are buzzing. The farmers’ market overflows with local produce, while the city’s restaurants — from soulful Southern kitchens to global flavors — keep nutritious, affordable meals on the table. It’s proof that dining well doesn’t require a premium price tag.

#6. Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga’s revitalized downtown hums with energy, and its food scene keeps pace. The farmers’ market showcases organic produce and locally made goods, while neighborhood cafés and restaurants focus on hearty, budget-friendly meals. Whether you’re fueling up before an outdoor adventure or winding down with a casual dinner, Chattanooga keeps eating well accessible.

#7. East Austin, Texas
Food trucks, live music, and a proudly quirky vibe define East Austin. Here, affordable doesn’t mean ordinary: street-side tacos, globally inspired bowls, and artisanal snacks dominate the menus. Farmers’ markets add another layer of fresh options, making the neighborhood one of the city’s best places to eat well without emptying your wallet.

#8. Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico
Steeped in history but forward-looking in its food, Old Town makes dining on a budget feel special. The farmers’ market offers fresh, locally grown produce, while neighborhood cafés blend traditional Southwestern flavors with modern twists. It’s a spot where character and cuisine go hand in hand — at a price that encourages repeat visits.

#9. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is more than Amish quilts and rolling fields — it’s also a rising culinary hub. The Central Market, one of the oldest in the country, sells fresh, local ingredients at fair prices. Around town, cafés and restaurants are serving dishes that highlight quality without inflating costs. Eating well here means enjoying both history and flavor in every bite.

#10. Downtown Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has long been known for its mountain charm and artistic spirit, and the food scene is no exception. Farmers’ markets offer organic produce and local goods, while area restaurants emphasize wholesome meals at approachable prices. Add a dash of Appalachian culture, and Asheville serves up one of the most inviting spots for budget-conscious foodies.

Charlotte had it’s own top performer on the survey in an unlikely place: 

#88. NoDa, Charlotte
NoDa—short for North Davidson—is Charlotte’s colorful arts district, with food options as lively as its murals. Seasonal local farmers markets offer fresh produce and artisanal goods, while nearby cafes and restaurants keep nutritious meals affordable. For health-minded diners, NoDa is both fun and practical.