7 Popular Food Chains That Idaho is Missing Out On

Idaho is one of the fastest growing states and the more the population rises, the more and more businesses are moving into the Gem State. Places that once never called Idaho home or seemed possible to open here have opened in the last few years. In-N-Out, for example, has opened a location in Idaho, and more businesses and companies are coming. Sadly, not every place has made that decision, and there are some popular eating chains that Idaho still misses out on.

Whataburger in Idaho

Whataburger is one of the more popular options on this list. Anyone who has visited the southwest region of the country will know that Whataburger is a big deal in that part of the United States. They are open 24 hours 7 days a week which is nice, and have some delicious greasy hamburgers that are some of the best of any fast food chain. It is a shame that Idaho is missing out, but one can hope that maybe someday they will arrive, but it is unlikely. 

No Braum's in Idaho

Sticking with the Southwest region, Braum's is a popular chain based out of Oklahoma that has locations also in Texas, Kansas, and surrounding states. Braum's would fit perfectly in Idaho, offering amazing ice cream, hamburgers, shakes, and fries, and each store has a small grocery store as well. Sadly, Idaho will never experience Braum's as they have a rule that each location must be within a certain distance of the dairy in Oklahoma to keep the food, milk, and ice cream as fresh as possible. 

White Castle in Idaho

Another popular chain on this list that Idaho is missing out on is White Castle. The good news is that you can get White Castle food in the frozen section at select grocery stores, but experiencing it hot and fresh from a restaurant is much better. The chain sticks mostly to the eastern part of the country, making it unlikely that they will expand into Idaho anytime soon, but it makes those trips back east that much more special. 

Raising Cane's in Idaho

This entry is a little different, as at the time of this writing, Raising Cane's is technically not in Idaho. By this time next year, there should be one in the Boise area. If you can't wait until the new Raising Cane's is open, you can make the short drive down to Salt Lake City and enjoy some chicken there. The menu is simple, the food is good, and luckily Idaho will be able to check this one off the list soon. 

No Dunkin' Donuts in Idaho

This one is disappointing and a little surprising, but the biggest donut chain in the country does not have a single location in the entire Gem State. There are some great local donut shops spread throughout the state, and there are other chains that call Idaho home, but not Dunkin' Donuts. While many may be sad to not get their donuts, it might be their coffee that most are disappointed in not having. 

No Bojangles in Idaho

Idaho is missing out on some good fried chicken. With Raising Cane's and Bojangles not in Idaho, the state needs to add some as soon as possible. Bojangles has over 800 locations and sticks mostly to the central and eastern parts of the country. Bojangles offers fried chicken and is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. If you come across one, it is worth a stop, and sadly it won't be popping up in Idaho anything soon. 

No BJ's in Idaho

Perhaps one of the best restaurants that Idaho needs to add sooner than later is BJ's. Beer, pizza, hamburgers, and a great place to go to for birthdays, anniversaries, and a night out. BJ's is a must in every major market, but sadly Boise is not one of them that has one. The main menu item that Idahoans are missing out on though, has to be the infamous Pizookie. The ultimate dessert that offers the best of cookies, ice cream, and pie, and mixes it all. BJ's would be a welcome addition to the Gem State and hopefully will call Idaho home in the future. 

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These are not the only popular chains that Idaho is missing out on, but some need to look at Idaho the next time they look into adding new locations or expanding into new states. Some of these, luckily can be found in nearby states, but others have to be eaten on special trips. What chains do you wish would come to Idaho?