7 California Chain Restaurants That Started Here (And Locals Are Still Proud Of)
California has given the world far more than Hollywood dreams and Silicon Valley innovations—it has also reshaped the way America eats.
The Golden State’s unique mix of cultural diversity, fresh ingredients, and entrepreneurial spirit has fueled the rise of some of the nation’s most beloved restaurant chains. I grew up visiting these spots on family outings, watching them evolve from humble neighborhood hangouts into coast-to-coast icons.
Each brand carries with it a piece of California’s creative energy, and even today, locals swell with pride whenever we spot these homegrown eateries while traveling across the country, reminding us of home.
1. In-N-Out Burger: The Original California Fast Food Legend
Nothing says “I’m a true Californian” quite like defending your In-N-Out order to out-of-staters! Born in Baldwin Park back in 1948, this burger joint pioneered the drive-thru concept with a simple intercom ordering system.
The menu hasn’t changed much since then – just burgers, fries, and shakes made with fresh ingredients. No freezers allowed! The not-so-secret menu (Animal Style, anyone?) creates an instant club of insiders who know the lingo.
Family-owned for three generations, In-N-Out refuses to franchise or go public, maintaining quality over rapid expansion. Those crossed palm trees outside? They’re a subtle nod to founder Harry Snyder’s favorite movie, “It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.”
2. The Cheesecake Factory: Where Portion Sizes Match the Menu Length
My jaw dropped the first time I walked into The Cheesecake Factory’s original Beverly Hills location. The Egyptian-inspired decor seemed completely unrelated to cheesecake, but that unexpected flair is part of its charm!
Founded in 1978 by Evelyn Overton, who had been selling cheesecakes from her basement since the 1940s, this restaurant empire now boasts over 200 locations. The spiral-bound menu resembles a small novel with over 250 dishes from wildly different cuisines.
Despite expanding nationwide, they still make their legendary cheesecakes in a central bakery to maintain consistency. My personal recommendation? Skip dinner and go straight for a slice of the Original cheesecake – sometimes classics can’t be improved upon.
3. Panda Express: From Food Court Favorite to Global Phenomenon
Who knew a humble Glendale mall food court stall would eventually feed astronauts on the International Space Station? Panda Express, founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, transformed American-Chinese cuisine into a fast-food powerhouse.
The Cherngs already owned a successful sit-down restaurant called Panda Inn when they gambled on a quick-service concept. Their signature Orange Chicken – created in 1987 by Chef Andy Kao – now sells over 70 million pounds annually!
Every time I grab their chow mein on a road trip, I smile thinking how this California creation now spans 2,200+ locations worldwide. Despite their massive success, the company remains family-owned and proudly displays its Pasadena headquarters address on every store’s signage.
4. Del Taco: The Fast Food Rebel With Fresh Ingredients
Taco Bell might be more famous nationally, but ask any California local – Del Taco reigns supreme in the quick-service Mexican food battle. Founded in Yermo in 1964, this scrappy underdog chain built its reputation on freshly grated cheese and beans cooked from scratch daily.
The secret weapon? Del Taco serves both Mexican AND American fast food under one roof. Late-night cravings for both fries AND tacos? Problem solved!
Growing up in SoCal, the red logo with that sombrero-wearing sun was a beacon for affordable, filling meals. Their Dollar Menu saved me during my broke college days. While they’ve expanded to 580+ locations across 15 states, Del Taco maintains that distinctly California approach to Mexican-inspired fast food.
5. Round Table Pizza: Where Medieval Meets Mouthwatering
The Knights of the Round Table weren’t just Arthurian legends – they became California pizza royalty! Founded in 1959 in Menlo Park by Bill Larson, this medieval-themed pizza chain started with a simple philosophy: use honest ingredients and plenty of them.
I remember birthday parties where paper crowns were mandatory attire and the pizza was cut in squares, not triangles – pure rebellion! Their three-cheese blend and made-from-scratch dough created loyal subjects across the West Coast.
The chain’s “Last Honest Pizza” slogan isn’t just marketing – they really do load up toppings edge to edge. Though they’ve expanded to over 400 locations across the western states, Round Table maintains that neighborhood pizzeria feel that made them California pizza pioneers before CPK was even a twinkle in someone’s eye.
6. California Pizza Kitchen: The Pizza Innovator That Changed The Game
BBQ chicken on a pizza? Pure California culinary rebellion! When attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax opened the first California Pizza Kitchen in Beverly Hills in 1985, they revolutionized America’s pizza scene with unexpected toppings.
These former federal prosecutors traded courtrooms for kitchens, collaborating with Wolfgang Puck to create thin-crust masterpieces. Their Original BBQ Chicken Pizza became an instant icon – I still remember my first bite as a wide-eyed teenager, thinking “this isn’t pizza…but it’s amazing!”
CPK brought California’s fresh, fusion approach to pizza nationwide, proving that pineapple wasn’t the only controversial pizza topping. While they’ve expanded to airports and frozen food aisles, their creative spirit remains quintessentially Californian – always willing to break rules and blend cultures on a pizza canvas.
7. Claim Jumper: Gold Rush-Sized Portions That Won The West
My family had a standing rule for Claim Jumper visits: skip lunch entirely and bring home half your dinner. Founded in Los Alamitos in 1977, this Gold Rush-themed restaurant became legendary for portions that would satisfy a miner after a long day panning for gold.
Creator Craig Nickoloff built the concept around hearty, oversized comfort food served in a rustic, timber-filled setting. Their six-layer Chocolate Motherlode Cake stood nearly a foot tall – a dessert that required a team effort to conquer!
Though ownership has changed hands over the years, Californians still feel a twinge of pride seeing those wagon wheel logos. The original mining-town aesthetic captured California’s frontier spirit, proving that sometimes bigger really is better – especially when it comes to slices of cake.