Fast Food Chains You Surprisingly Won’t Find in the Golden State

California seems to have everything. They have the beach, mountains, major cities, the desert, and perfect weather all year. When it comes to lifestyle you can live in a town, the country, on a cliff, in a valley, near or in the mountains, or a house overlooking the ocean. They have celebrities, they have homeless people, they have surfers, and they have snowboarders. California has it all, including when it comes to eating options. You can find a good restaurant around every corner and it doesn't matter what food you want. It seems like the perfect place to live. There are a couple of things California still doesn't have though and that is a few of the most popular fast food chains in the country. Here are five of the best fast-food chains you won't find in the Golden State.

Culver's in California

Anyone who has had Culver's knows that the Golden State is missing out. They offer delicious butter burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, and fish, and have incredible shakes and frozen custard. They have the best of it all, but there are sadly no locations in California. The restaurant is based out of Wisconsin but has over 800 locations across the country. The closest location is in Arizona. 

No White Castle in California

White Castle has been a popular food chain for a while, but became an even more popular chain thanks to the early 2000s movie 'Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle.' With a Hollywood movie being made about the fast food chain, it would seem that there is one near Hollywood, but there in fact are none in the entire state. They are based out of Columbus, Ohio, and have over 300 locations, but most are in the northern and eastern regions, having the nearest one being half a country away from California. 

No Braum's in the Golden State

Braum's isn't as well known as others on this list, but anyone who lives in the southwest region, they are familiar with this popular food chain based out of Oklahoma. They offer hamburgers, shakes, and ice cream, and even have a small grocery store in the restaurants. They stick to Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Arkansas areas due to the location of the dairy. This way their items can be delivered daily, fresh, and remain stocked. It is a must-try if in the area and sadly, California will likely never be home to a Braum's. 

Whataburger in California

Perhaps the most popular restaurant on this list, Whataburger surprisingly does not have a location in California. For anyone that has lived in the southern part of the United States or visited, likely will argue that Whataburger is one of the best burgers around and one of the best fast food chains. They are open 24 hours which is appealing to the younger crowd and travelers, and offer the best greasy food you will find. There has been a debate for years about In-N-Out vs Whataburger, despite them being so opposite. Whataburger would likely thrive in the Golden State, but for now, they continue to stick to the southern part of the country. 

No Bojangles in California

One of the most popular fried chicken fast food chains back east is Bojangles. They originated in Charlotte, North Carolina, and have over 800 different locations, but not one of those is in the Golden State. The chain is mostly back east, with some locations in the middle part of the country, making it unlikely they will ever expand across the country, but if you ever make your way to the East Coast, make sure to get yourself some Bojangles. You won't regret it. The closest one is currently in El Paso, Texas. 

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These are only a few of the best fast-food chains that you won't find in California. There is hope for some of them that they may one day expand into the Golden State, but the odds are low on most of these. To see a few more that you won't find in California, make sure to click this link. Which chain do you wish was in the Golden State, and which ones are news to you that they exist?