5 Chains North Carolinians Have Moved On From – And 5 New Favorites Taking Their Place
North Carolina’s restaurant scene keeps changing. Some chains that used to fill parking lots now sit empty while new spots draw hungry crowds.
Tastes shift, and what worked before doesn’t always work now.
1. Golden Corral
Buffets don’t pull the same crowds anymore. Golden Corral once packed families in for endless plates, but times changed fast.
Pandemic worries made shared food stations less appealing. Many locations across the state shut their doors for good. People now want fresher options with less risk and more flavor variety than steam trays can offer.
2. Ruby Tuesday
Remember when salad bars were exciting? Ruby Tuesday built its reputation on that concept decades ago.
Competition from hipper restaurants left this chain struggling to stay relevant. Closures became common as younger diners sought bolder flavors and modern atmospheres. The menu felt stuck in time while everyone else moved forward with creative dishes and Instagram-worthy presentations.
3. Steak ‘n Shake
Late-night milkshakes used to be this chain’s calling card. Financial troubles hit hard, and modernization never happened fast enough.
Locations disappeared from North Carolina roads as customers wanted quick service and fresh ingredients. The nostalgic diner vibe couldn’t compete with chains offering convenience and quality together. Old-school charm only goes so far when taste falls behind.
4. Boston Market
Rotisserie chicken was supposed to be the answer to home cooking. Boston Market promised comfort meals without the work, but that promise faded.
Fewer locations remain as competition intensified from grocers and new restaurants. People found better options for quick meals with more exciting flavors. The menu felt repetitive and uninspired compared to emerging spots offering diverse tastes.
5. Applebee’s Grill + Bar
Critics say everything tastes the same here, no matter which location you visit. The neighborhood bar concept sounds good but feels generic in practice.
Menus lack personality, and nothing really stands out as memorable. North Carolinians crave authenticity and bold choices now. Chain uniformity doesn’t cut it when local spots and newer brands deliver real character and creativity on every plate.
6. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Nashville-style heat took over the state like wildfire. Dave’s Hot Chicken brings serious spice levels that challenge even the bravest eaters.
Rapid expansion proves North Carolinians can’t get enough of this trend. Each bite packs flavor and fire, creating an experience people talk about for days. Modern vibes and social media buzz keep lines wrapped around buildings during peak hours.
7. CAVA
Mediterranean flavors arrived with healthy intentions. CAVA lets you build bowls exactly how you want them, packed with fresh vegetables and proteins.
Health-conscious diners finally found fast food that doesn’t compromise nutrition. Customization means everyone leaves happy, whether you’re vegan or meat-loving. The fast-casual format fits busy lifestyles while delivering taste that rivals sit-down restaurants at half the time.
8. Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
Durham birthed something special with this Indian concept. Bold spices meet modern presentation in ways that surprise first-timers every visit.
Expansion beyond its hometown shows how much people love this approach to Indian cuisine. Traditional dishes get reimagined with flair that appeals to adventurous eaters. The bar scene adds another layer, making it perfect for dates or group celebrations.
9. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Simple menus work when quality speaks loudly. Raising Cane’s focuses on chicken fingers and that signature sauce everyone obsesses over.
Cult followings don’t happen by accident – consistency builds loyalty fast. North Carolinians appreciate knowing exactly what they’ll get every single time. No complicated choices, just perfectly cooked chicken that hits the spot. Lines stay long because taste never disappoints hungry customers.
10. Bojangles’
Buttermilk biscuits made from scratch define Southern mornings here. Bojangles’ represents North Carolina pride on a plate, with Cajun-spiced chicken that locals grew up eating.
This isn’t just another chain – it’s part of state identity. Every bite tastes like home, whether you’re grabbing breakfast or dinner. Comfort food reaches peak perfection when traditions meet quality ingredients and recipes that never change.
