Bonchon, Shake Shack and Raising Canes have all entered the chat, and Bojangles and Whataburger have even announced plans to return to the Tampa Bay area. But let’s be honest, enough is never enough when it comes to fast food guilty pleasures.

Somehow, all these people moving to our neighborhoods from other states haven’t brought with them these comfort staples. (When are we getting an In-N-Out?!)

Here are a few chains with cult-like followings that aren’t in Tampa Bay, but probably need to be.

Arctic Circle You might not have heard of Arctic Circle, but the Utah-based burger chain lays claim to some of the staples of fast food that we know today. For example, Arctic Circle claims to have invented fry sauce, chocolate-dipped ice cream cones and kid’s meals back in the ‘50s (though others say the now defunct Burger Chef franchise actually invented the kid’s meal). In more recent years, the chain added halibut, taco salads and Black Angus burgers to their menu. What hasn’t changed? No Florida locations. Photo via Arctic Circle/Facebook
Big John Steak & Onion Big John Steak and Onion has the kind of straightforward and longstanding business plan that deserves a tip of the hat. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This Flint Michigan-based sub shop chain has the same specialty that “Big” John Klobucar started back in 1972, the steak and onion sandwich of course. With some 47 years of thin-slicing ribeye already, go ahead and take Big John’s word for it. Photo via Google Maps
Bojangles hasn’t had a presence in the Tampa Bay area since the ’80s. Credit: Photo via Bruce VanLoon/Shutterstock
Cafe Rio From refreshing mint limeade to succulent sweet pork enchiladas, Cafe Rio pays homage to the flavors of Northern Mexico, Southern Texas, and New Mexico by focusing on their Mani“fresh”to. According to the Manifreshto, Cafe Rio makes its tortillas in-store and uses farm-to-table ingredients for its salsas which are handmade each morning. Unfortunately, it may not be so fresh anymore once you make it home from their closest location: Winter Park. Let’ go Cafe Rio, there’s prime real estate over here in the Bay! Photo via Cafe Rio/Facebook

Chico’s Tacos

If you ever run into someone from El Paso, Texas, mention Chico’s Tacos. The family owned Mexican joint is a right of passage for the border city, receiving shout outs from politicians, rock stars and comedians who have fallen prey to the allure of sauce-drenched tacos and mountains of cheese. From what we hear about Chico’s addicting tradition, we’re ready for what comedian Gabriel Iglesias calls the only tacos you can drink. Credit: Photo via Bill Chizek/Shutterstock

Cook Out

5501 E Fowler Ave., Temple Terrace | 16215 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
A Tar Heel favorite will soon make its debut in the Tampa Bay area. North Carolina-based fast food chain Cook Out will open locations in Temple Terrace and Carrollwood, according to Hillsborough County property records. The popular 35-year-old chain has over 300 locations mostly in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Mississippi. The two new Tampa outposts will be among Cook Out’s first locations in Florida. Last year, the company announced plans to open spots in Tallahassee and Pensacola areas. For the unfamiliar, Cook Out is known for its “trays,” or combos, which includes everything from burgers, barbecue, corn dogs, quesadillas, milkshakes, and more.
Photo via Cook Out/Facebook Credit: Photo via Cook Out/Facebook

Del Taco

If you’re really craving Del Taco, you aren’t totally shit-out-of-luck. This Mexican/Americana fast food haven has locations in Orlando and Bradenton. Del Taco’s fresh ingredients, vegan options and low prices might even make it worth the drive. Honestly, though, we want to try some secret menu hacks over here in the Bay. Supposedly, if you say “go bold” at the end of your order, they put crinkle-cut fries on your taco, or burrito, or burger or whatever. Intriguing. Credit: Photo via Walter Cicchetti/Shutterstock

El Pollo Loco

Not to be confused with Pollo Tropical, El Pollo Loco is what happens when the SoCal lifestyle meets Sinaloa, Mexico flavor. Salsas are made from scratch, avocados are sliced fresh, fire-grilled chicken is never frozen and, true to L.A. fashion, vegetarian options are available. Now let’s get those L.A. Mex flavors over here in the Bay. Credit: Photo via Walter Cicchetti/Shutterstock
Flying Biscuit You may know Flying Biscuit’s all-day breakfast menu for sopping up hangovers among our neighboring university students in Gainesville. Of course, the chain serves lunch and dinner too, but there’s something to be said for breakfast when the joint is churning out some 5000 fluffy biscuits every week. Now if only those biscuits could fly just a bit further South. Photo via Flying Biscuit Cafe/Facebook
Harold’s Chicken Shack Born and bred in 1950s South Side Chicago, Harold’s Chicken has become a cultural icon in the community for its specially prepared fried chicken and historic black ownership. Harold’s success has allowed the chain to expand to at least 17 locations and has garnered praise from stars like Kanye West, Common, Rhymefest, J.U.I.C.E., G Herbo, Chance the Rapper, Freddie Gibbs, Lupe Fiasco and Dreezy. Kendrick Lamar even claims to have flown to Harold’s all the way from Rome just for dinner. Want to buy us a ticket Kendrick? Photo via Harold’s Chicken Shack Downtown/Facebook

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out is a cult classic, plain and simple. The So-Cal native burger chain has been referenced in verses from Childish Gambino and received the stamp of approval from Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri. Supposedly, the chain even contributed to Tupac and Biggie’s East Coast/West Coast rivalry, by pitting In-N-Out against Shake Shack. Some say that keeping close to the Golden State adds to In-N-Out’s novelty appeal, but isn’t it high time to settle the feud once and for all? Credit: Photo via The Image Party/Shutterstock

Jack In The Box

Ever struggle to decide between picking up tacos or going out for burgers? Well, Jack In The Box could solve this, and a variety of other snack-related problems, if it would grace us with its presence. Unfortunately, if you you want to try Jack In The Box’s famous purple Coca-Colas and sourdough bacon burgers, you’ll need to start heading west. The chain’s closest location is in Houston… for now. Credit: Photo via Eric Glenn/Shutterstock

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

Florida will probably never get a Rainbow Drive-In or Hawaiian-style 7-Eleven, but let’s hold out hope for L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. The 73-year-old Honolulu-born chain now has hundreds of locations, even on the mainland where there’s a presence all over California, all the way to Washington, Texas and even Idaho and Colorado. L&L—which features classic plate lunches like Loco Moco, and, yes, Spam musubi—has even made a foray into the South with locations in Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. Come on down to the Sunshine State, hoaloha. Credit: Photo via The Image Party/Shutterstock

Lion’s Choice

Lion’s Choice’s menu of top-round roast beef, slow-roasted daily and thin-sliced for roast beef sandwiches could is enough to satisfy any hungry predator, or say a Tampa native who’s sick of Arby’s. For now, this carnivore’s delight can only be found in and around St. Louis. If everything the light touched was your kingdom, wouldn’t you think about setting up shop in the Sunshine State? Take a hint Lion’s Choice. Credit: Photo via Jon Kraft/Shutterstock
Milo’s Hamburgers Milo’s claim to fame? Its fan-favorite secret sauce, handspun milkshakes and burgers with “a little something extra.” Milo’s started by slinging patties for the toughest-of-the-tough in Birmingham — steel workers. In order to fill these macho-men’s ravenous appetites and thank them for their loyal business, the growing chain started slapping extra chunks of patty onto its saucy burgers. Now with nearly 20 locations in Alabama, we’re asking for “a little something extra” to come our way. Photo via Milo’s Original Burger Shop/Facebook

Pita Pit

It’s not a party until the pita shows up. Pita Pit offers things from pitas to bowls to satisfy anyone with a Greek cuisine hankering. While the chain has pre-made options, it also has a build your own bowl or pita wrap—almost a healthier take on traditional fast food. Credit: Photo via John Hanson Pye/Shutterstock

Pizza Ranch

Back in the day (the ‘80s that is), Adrie Groeneweg got sick of having to leave his hometown of Hull, Iowa for pizza, so he started a franchise all his own. After blowout success back home, Pizza Ranch and its scratch-made pies have expanded to 13 different states, slinging cheesy goodness across Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and Arkansas. Come on Pizza Ranch, why not go for 14? Credit: Photo via Lost In the Midwest/Shutterstock
Schlotzsky’s Schlotzsky’s traditions fit right into the slogan of its home city, “Keep Austin weird.” Over the years, Schlotzsky’s has expanded from serving a single sandwich option on a frisbee, to offering a variety of sandwiches, unique salads, pizzas and now sliders. From fresh-baked bread to unconventional flavors, it’s high time for the Bay to get a Schlotzsky’s. Photo via Schlotzsky’s/Facebook
Stewart’s Shops With over 335 locations tucked away in the Northeast, word of Stewart’s wide variety of home-style ice cream flavors drifts down to what is arguably the hottest state in the Union. Sure, the subs and coffees that grace Stewart’s menu sound nice, but in the heat of Florida summer, our main focus should be on getting some of that ice cream shipped south. Photo via Stewart’s Shops/Facebook

Swensons Drive-in

Home of the Galley Boy, Swensons is known for its cheeseburgers. While offering different combinations of burgers, it also provides a lot of potato accompaniments including potato teezers, which are a potato-cheese-jalapeño combo. Also try their sips of the month: a peach cobbler shake or peach lemonade whip to compliment this hearty meal. Credit: Photo via Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock
Swig’s “Dirty Sodas.” Credit: Photo via Swig

The Varsity

This family Atlanta institution has been owned and operated by the Gordy family for over 90 years. Over those 90-odd years, The Varsity has created its own dictionary for the menu of hot dogs, hamburgers and onion rings. For example, “Heavy Weight” = Hot dog with extra chili, “Glorified Steak” = Hamburger with mayo, lettuce and tomato and “Please” = bring The Varsity to Florida. Okay, so we made that last one up, but can you blame us? Credit: Photo via Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Wetzel’s Pretzels

Soft pretzels are not to be forgotten. This fast-food joint is most comparable to Auntie Anne’s, but way more fun to say. Mostly found in malls—and with locations in Downtown Disney and greater Orlando—Wetzel’s has cheese pretzels, pretzel dogs and five different dip options. To wash it all down, it has fresh or frozen lemonade. Credit: Photo via Karolis Kavolelis/Shutterstock
Whataburger at night. Credit: Photo via Whataburger

White Castle

The nearest branch of this iconic burger joint resides in Orlando. If your travels have been limited to our neck of the woods, you may still be familiar with White Castle from the franchise’s freezer section sliders. Of course, any true connoisseur of fast food will tell you that these tasty little patties are best served straight off the flat-top. Credit: Photo via White Castle/Facebook

Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel serves burgers, sandwiches and breakfast, but the real draw is the dogs. Smothered in chili, battered and fried or just stuck in a bun, Wienerschnitzel is the largest hot dog chain in the world. In the words of Wienerschnitzel itself, “Nobody should have to live without Wienerschnitzel.” Well here we are, living without a Wienerschnitzel. Credit: Photo via Tada Images/Shutterstock

Yoshinoya

Yoshinoya takes a modern spin on Japanese-inspired cuisine with a menu full of flavorful rice bowls. You may not have heard of Yoshinoya, but it is nothing new. The chain launched its first restaurant over a century ago in Tokyo, and the chain arrived in the U.S. West Coast back in ‘79. Today, Yoshinoya has over 2000 locations worldwide. With that kind of success, we’re bound to see a Yoshinoya in the Bay one of these days. Credit: Photo via Hiroshi-Mori-Stock/Shutterstock