Popular Restaurant Chains You Didn’t Know Were Founded in Iowa

Are you hungry? I hope not because you likely will be after reading this. I mean, you could always read up on these Iowa-based chains and then head to grab a bite. That seems fair, right?

Let's explore popular restaurant chains that got their start right here in Iowa! We already know Fareway, Casey's, and Hy-Vee are all Iowa-based, but so are some very popular restaurants you likely drive by every day!

An Iowa Original

Of the Iowa-based joints you can visit in many other states, one that makes our most popular sandwich: Maid-Rite. An Iowa original.

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Founded by a butcher in Muscatine, and headquartered in Urbandale, Maid-Rite's are a loose meat... don't you dare call them Sloppy Joe, sandwiches.

Outside of Iowa, you'll also find Maid-Rite's in Ohio, Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri.

Who Wants a Burrito?

Another favorite originating in Iowa, is Pancheros Mexican Grill. Headquartered nearby is lovely Coralville, the Mexican quick-service chain boats crafting their tortillas on site and not throwing one wrapped in plastic on the heater.

A favorite among many Iowans, there are 73 locations throughout the country. Many of them are on or near college campuses. The East Lansing, Michigan location is very close to the Michigan State University campus.

The chain was founded in 1992 and has become a staple in many Iowan's lives ever since.

Piiiiiiiza Time!

And our last chain on the list is the incomparable Pizza Ranch. Headquartered in Orange City and sporting over 200 locations around the country, Pizza Ranch is a favorite for all ages.

Kids and adults, like me, love the buffet, dessert pizza and who doesn't want soft serve ice cream to wrap it all up?

Pizza Ranch restaurants have a distinct design and welcoming, friendly presence that make you feel like you're dining at a family-friendly restaurant each time you visit.

There are a couple of other chains that claim Iowa as home including The Other Place and B-Bops. All are worth a visit... or, another visit!

Staying close to home? Check out the highest-rated restaurants in Iowa City, according to Yelp.