Many popular chain restaurants feel like fixtures that have been around forever. However, even the largest chains began with a single location, just like any new restaurant. In some cases, these original eateries that sparked an empire are still open today, offering a glimpse into the early days of now iconic brands.
Some restaurant chains are strongly tied to a particular region, making their place of origin obvious – such as Margaritaville in Key West or In-N-Out in Southern California. However, many chains either obscure their actual roots through intentional theming (for example, Outback Steakhouse which evokes Australia but was founded in Florida), emphasize community connections like local sports teams photographs in Applebee’s, or opt for generic décor that avoids any sense of localization or unique identity.
This flexibility allows the brands to expand nationwide without being hindered by an inherent association with a particular locale. (Here, though, are some regional restaurant chains we wish were nationwide.)
Getting to experience the original location where a popular restaurant chain first began operating can be an amusing adventure. Some of these inaugural sites that remain in business have evolved with fresh looks aligning to contemporary designs. Yet others retain an old-school charm, preserved or remodeled to evoke nostalgia and resemble their appearance when founders flipped that very first burger or welcomed the maiden diners.
To compile a list of original chain restaurant locations that are still open, 24/7 Tempo reviewed chain restaurant lists and histories on USA Today, Eat This Not That, Mental Floss, Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest, and Delish, and verified information when possible on the chains’ own websites.
Here are the original chain restaurant locations that still exist
Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Year founded: 1993
- Original address: 1644 E. Evans Ave., Denver, CO
Jamba (Jamba Juice)
- Year founded: 1990
- Original address: 17 Chorro St., Suite C, San Luis Obispo, CA
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Year founded: 1986
- Original address: 3115 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX
Panda Express
- Year founded: 1983
- Original address: 3214 Glendale Galleria, Glendale, CA
Fuddruckers (Freddie Fuddruckers)
- Year founded: 1979
- Original address: 8602 Botts Lane, San Antonio, TX
Bojangles
- Year founded: 1977
- Original address: 300 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC
Chick-fil-A
- Year founded: 1967
- Original address: 2841 Greenbriar Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA
Tim Hortons
- Year founded: 1964
- Original address: 65 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Dunkin’ (Dunkin’ Donuts)
- Year founded: 1950
- Original address: 543 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA
Waffle House
- Year founded: 1955
- Original address: 2719 E. College Ave., Avondale Estates, GA (Waffle House Museum)
Sonic Drive-In
- Year founded: 1953 (as Top-Hat Drive-In), 1959 (as Sonic Drive-In)
- Original address: 215 N. Main St., Clearwater, OK (first location under the Sonic name)
KFC
- Year founded: 1952
- Original address: 3890 S. State St., Salt Lake City, UT (rebuilt at the original location)
McDonald’s
- Year founded: 1940
- Original address: 1398 No. E St., San Bernardino, CA (Juan Pollo Restaurants headquarters and unofficial McDonald’s Museum)
Krispy Kreme
- Year founded: 1937
- Original address: 534 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Nathan’s Famous
- Year founded: 1916
- Original address: 1310 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, NY