ABC News February 27, 2014

Regional Restaurants You Wish Were Bigger National Chains

ABC News: Ma'ayan Rosenzweig
Regional Restaurants You Wish Were Bigger National Chains

intro: Earlier this month, people in San Francisco reportedly lined up for hours in the rain for day-old bagels flown in overnight from the historic New York City establishment Russ & Daughters by a customer. The $1 bagels were flipped for about $6 each with cream cheese and $12 for a sandwich in a pop-up that was not authorized by Russ & Daughters.

Imagine the possibilities if other local or regional restaurants decided to open similar pop-up cafes or restaurants to spread their cuisine to the rest of the country.

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

Last month, some residents in Texas, California and Colorado rejoiced at Dunkin Donuts' announcement that it was expanding West, to the chagrin of small doughnut shop owners.

Here are some suggestions for popular eateries that could host temporary pop-ups for hungry and homesick foodies near you. They're listed alphabetically by the state in which they are headquartered, though many have locations in several locations.

Did we miss your favorite regional food establishment in the next pages? Let us know in the comments below.

quicklist: category: California title: media: 21578067 text: In-N-Out: With locations in the Southwest and West coast, its simple menu boasts of just "old-fashioned" burgers, fries and drinks.

Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks: "Offers a casual, tropical atmosphere featuring gourmet hamburgers, chicken, soft tacos, and fresh salads."

quicklist: category:Colorado media: 22679254 title: text: Einstein Bros. Bagels: With roots in Florida, this "fresh" bagel shop has more than 770 locations throughout the country.

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

quicklist: category: Florida title: media: text: Tijuana Flats: "Tex-Mex food served in a friendly and relaxing" environment.

quicklist: category: Georgia title: media: 21576749 text: Chick-fil-A: "EAT MOR CHIKIN"

Waffle House: About half of all U.S. states have a Waffle House where you can enjoy cheap, quick breakfast, lunch or dinner all day "under the yellow sign."

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

quicklist: category: Illinois title: media: 21579253 text: Giordano's: Chicago "famous stuffed pizza"

quicklist: category: Iowa title: media: 21577669 text: Pizza Ranch: A particularly popular chain once every four years, because candidates regularly hold events at locations in Iowa, such as Richard John "Rick" Santorum, the candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

quicklist: category: Massachusetts title: media: 21577841 text: Dunkin' Donuts: "America's favorite every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods"

Read More: Woman Sues Dunkin' Donuts Over Hot Cider; A Look Behind Beverage Suit Tsunami

quicklist: category: Minnesota media: text: Buffalo Wild Wings: The first location was in Columbus, Ohio, in 1982, but the company is based in Minneapolis. Now you can enjoy wings, 20 sauces and beer at 1,000 restaurants across the country. Texas has the most locations with 89, followed by 85 in Ohio. Rhode Island is the only state that doesn't have a Buffalo Wild Wings, which will change when a location opens in Warwick in mid-March.

Dairy Queen: "Fan food, not fast food;" owned by billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Read More: Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett Reveals His Best Investment Ever

Famous Dave's: "Legendary pit bar-b-que"

quicklist: category: Montana title: media: 22679254 text: Montana Ale Works: A "retro-industrial railroad freighthouse" was transformed in 2000 into possibly the most popular restaurant in Bozeman, Mont.

Sir Scott's Oasis Steak House and Lounge: In Manhattan, Mont., the restaurant says it serves the "finest steaks in the west."

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

quicklist: category: New York title: media: 22496801 text: Russ & Daughters Appetizers: Since 1914, this downtown landmark has served "the highest quality smoked fish, caviar and speciality foods." Fans of the smoked fish shop are anticipating its new restaurant opening nearby.

Ralph's Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream: The name says it all; in New York and New Jersey.

Shake Shack: Shakes, custards and "purple cow" frozen desserts are a must-have. In the U.S., Shake Shack burgers are still made with Pat LaFrieda beef, except in Florida, where the locations use a local butcher, Bush Brothers, a spokesman said.

quicklist: category: North Carolina title: media: 21576813 text: Bojangles: "Famous chicken 'n biscuits"

Golden Corral: "Help yourself to happiness" at this buffet and grill

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

quicklist: category:Oklahoma title: media: 22679254 text: Sonic Drive-In: In 44 states, this chain manages to disappoint only the TV viewers who are subject to company commercials but aren't within reach of a Sonic location.

quicklist: category: Ohio title: media: 21578134 text: Skyline Chili: Want to know what "Cincinnati-style chili" is that's hawked by local sports teams? Try Skyline Chili. Even President Obama has visited.

Graeter's: The "world's most irresistible ice cream" is "fresh-packed"

White Castle: In the Midwest, South and Northeast, White Castle is "what you crave."

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

quicklist: category: Oregon title: media: 22679254 text: The Original Pancake House: "pancakes as you like them"

quicklist: category: Pennsylvania title: media: 22679254 text: Eat'n Park: Smiley Cookies and family-owned

Quaker Steak & Lube: What started as a "Cook Your Own Steak" restaurant now serves 80 million wings a year.

Rita's Italian Ice: Water ice and frozen custard together are unstoppable.

Wawa: Yes, it's a convenience store, but those who know Wawa's deli rave about their sandwiches, coffee and other goodies.

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

quicklist: category: Tennessee title: media: 21579727 text: Cracker Barrel: An "Old Country store" with a Southern themed restaurant

quicklist: category: Texas title: media: 22679254 text: Chuy's Mexican Food: hand-rolled tortillas, salsa fresca made every hour...

Joe's Crab Shack: "America's favorite neighborhood seafood restaurant"

Pluckers Wing Bar: Locations in Louisiana and Texas; choose from over a dozen sauces and endless varieties of wings.

Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q: "Real Texas Barbecue served in a family-style dining atmosphere"

Whataburger: "Home of the bigger, better burger"

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

quicklist: category: Washington title: media: 22679254 text: Serious Pie: "A pizzeria with a bread baker's soul"

Infographic: A Map of Regional Restaurants We Wish Would Expand

Read More: GrubHub Seamless Cracks Down on Restaurants Accused of Gaming Their Online Menu System

Did we miss your favorite regional food establishment, or do you disagree with these picks? Let us know in the comments below and through Twitter: @ABC.