9 Georgia Chains Locals Have Moved On From & 9 New Favorites Winning Everyone Over

Georgia’s restaurant scene is always changing, with old favorites fading and new spots capturing hearts and taste buds.

Some chains once loved by locals just don’t hit the mark anymore, while fresh players bring inventive flavors, welcoming vibes, and menu twists that keep everyone talking.

From comfort food classics to surprising innovations, the state’s dining landscape proves that staying on top takes creativity, quality, and a little bit of magic that keeps people coming back for more.

1. Applebee’s: The Fading Neighborhood Grill

Applebee's: The Fading Neighborhood Grill
© Tripadvisor

Remember when Applebee’s was the spot for half-price appetizers and birthday celebrations? The chain that once dominated suburban dining now sits with half-empty parking lots across Georgia.

Many locals cite declining food quality and the rise of more authentic dining options as reasons for abandoning ship.

The frozen-then-microwaved food model just doesn’t cut it anymore for Georgians seeking fresher alternatives.

2. Ruby Tuesday: Yesterday’s News

Ruby Tuesday: Yesterday's News
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Ruby Tuesday’s salad bar used to be the talk of the town, drawing families and office workers alike.

Now, the chain has shuttered dozens of Georgia locations, leaving behind empty buildings and nostalgic memories.

Competition from fresher concepts and failure to innovate beyond basic American fare contributed to its downfall.

Many Georgians can’t remember the last time they stepped inside one, despite growing up with the brand.

3. Golden Corral: The Buffet Left Behind

Golden Corral: The Buffet Left Behind
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Golden Corral once represented the ultimate value proposition for hungry Georgia families. All-you-can-eat for one price seemed like a dream come true!

Post-pandemic concerns about shared serving utensils and buffet-style dining have accelerated this chain’s decline.

The endless food troughs and chocolate fountains that once amazed kids now strike many locals as outdated and unhygienic in today’s dining landscape.

4. Krystal: Sliding Off the Scene

Krystal: Sliding Off the Scene
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Those tiny square burgers fueled many late-night college adventures across Georgia campuses. Krystal’s distinctive sliders were once a southern fast-food staple you couldn’t miss.

Struggling to compete with newer fast-food concepts, Krystal has closed numerous Georgia locations.

The chain filed for bankruptcy in 2020, and while some loyal fans remain, many Georgians have moved on to fresher, more innovative quick-service options.

5. Checkers: Drive-Thru Driving Away

Checkers: Drive-Thru Driving Away
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Checkers (or Rally’s, depending on where you’re from) with its distinctive double drive-thru lanes was once the fast-food spot for late-night fry cravings. Those seasoned fries were legendary!

Aging buildings and inconsistent service have pushed many Georgia customers to competitors.

Despite loyal fans of their Big Buford burger, the chain struggles to attract younger diners who prefer newer fast-casual concepts with mobile ordering and loyalty programs.

6. Hardee’s: Breakfast Champion No More

Hardee's: Breakfast Champion No More
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Hardee’s biscuits were once worth waking up early for, with Georgia locations packed during morning rush hours.

Those made-from-scratch breakfast items created loyal followers across the state. The chain has struggled to maintain relevance as competitors stepped up their breakfast game.

Many Georgia locations have closed, and younger diners often don’t have the nostalgic connection that kept their parents coming back for those famous cinnamon raisin biscuits.

7. Captain D’s: Sailing Into Obscurity

Captain D's: Sailing Into Obscurity
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Captain D’s brought fast-food seafood to landlocked parts of Georgia, making fish dinners accessible to everyone.

Those hushpuppies and crinkle-cut fries were simple pleasures for many families on a budget. The dated interiors and limited menu innovation have caused many Georgians to jump ship.

While some locations maintain loyal customers, younger generations have gravitated toward healthier seafood options or more upscale fish restaurants.

8. Subway: Sandwiches Submerged

Subway: Sandwiches Submerged
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Subway’s “$5 footlong” jingle once echoed through Georgia’s strip malls, with locations popping up everywhere. The chain represented a healthier fast-food alternative in the early 2000s.

Quality concerns, scandal, and fierce competition from fresher sandwich concepts have hurt Subway’s reputation.

Many Georgia locations have closed as customers seek out local delis and newer sandwich chains with more exciting flavors and fresher ingredients.

9. Pizza Hut: The Former Pizza King

Pizza Hut: The Former Pizza King
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Pizza Hut’s red-roofed restaurants were celebration destinations for Georgia kids of the ’80s and ’90s.

The Book It program, personal pan pizzas, and arcade games created core childhood memories for an entire generation. Most dine-in locations have disappeared, replaced by delivery-only outposts.

As artisanal pizza places and better delivery options emerged, many Georgians relegated Pizza Hut to nostalgic memories rather than current dining choices.

10. Raising Cane’s: Chicken Finger Phenomenon

Raising Cane's: Chicken Finger Phenomenon
© Raising Cane’s

Georgia folks are going crazy for these chicken fingers! Raising Cane’s simple menu focuses on doing one thing perfectly: juicy chicken tenders with that secret Cane’s sauce that people try desperately to replicate at home.

New locations across Atlanta and beyond regularly see lines wrapping around buildings.

The combination of consistent quality, friendly service, and that addictive sauce has made Raising Cane’s a fast-food force that keeps expanding throughout the Peach State.

11. Whataburger: Texas Invasion Welcomed

Whataburger: Texas Invasion Welcomed
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Texans in Georgia rejoiced when Whataburger finally crossed state lines!

The iconic orange-and-white striped chain brings its famous oversized burgers to eager Georgia customers who previously had to road trip for a taste.

Lines formed for days when new locations opened in Atlanta suburbs.

The 24-hour service and made-to-order approach have quickly won over locals who appreciate the fresh ingredients and distinctive flavor profiles not found at other fast-food joints.

12. CAVA: Mediterranean Magic

CAVA: Mediterranean Magic
© Foodservice Equipment Reports

CAVA has Georgians rethinking fast casual with its build-your-own Mediterranean bowls.

The chain’s explosion across Atlanta and beyond speaks to our growing appetite for international flavors with healthy options.

Fresh ingredients like spicy lamb meatballs and crazy feta dip create customizable meals that feel indulgent yet nutritious.

The bright, modern interiors and efficient service attract busy professionals and health-conscious diners looking for quick meals that don’t sacrifice quality.

13. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken: Nashville Heat Heads South

Hattie B's Hot Chicken: Nashville Heat Heads South
© Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Georgia has fallen hard for Nashville hot chicken, and Hattie B’s leads the spicy charge! The Tennessee transplant brings various heat levels from “Southern” (no heat) to “Shut the Cluck Up” (extremely hot).

Atlanta locations draw crowds willing to wait in long lines for that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior.

The sides deserve their own recognition too – those pimento mac and cheese and banana pudding offerings complete a meal that’s worth every minute in line.

14. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: Conveyor Belt Craze

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar: Conveyor Belt Craze
© kurasushi_usa

Sushi on a conveyor belt? Georgia diners can’t get enough of this interactive dining experience! Kura’s colorful plates circle the restaurant while diners pluck their favorites directly from the belt.

The tech-forward approach includes touchscreen ordering and a prize system that rewards frequent eaters.

Each plate typically costs just $3.25, making this an affordable way for Georgia families to enjoy fresh sushi while being entertained by the novel delivery system.

15. Velvet Taco: Not Your Abuela’s Taqueria

Velvet Taco: Not Your Abuela's Taqueria
© WhatNow

Velvet Taco turns the traditional taco on its head with globally inspired creations that have Georgia foodies buzzing.

Where else can you find a Nashville hot tofu taco next to a spicy tikka chicken option? Late-night hours make this a popular post-event stop in Atlanta.

The creative weekly taco features and red velvet cake shake have created an almost cult-like following among adventurous eaters looking beyond conventional Mexican restaurant offerings.

16. Dave’s Hot Chicken: Spice Seekers’ Paradise

Dave's Hot Chicken: Spice Seekers' Paradise
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From food truck to fast-growing chain, Dave’s Hot Chicken has Georgia heat lovers forming lines around the block!

The Nashville-style hot chicken tenders come in seven spice levels, from No Spice to Reaper (which requires signing a waiver). Celebrity investors like Drake and Samuel L. Jackson have helped fuel the hype.

The simple menu focuses on quality over quantity, with perfectly crispy chicken, house-made kale slaw, mac and cheese, and those crinkle-cut fries dusted with Dave’s spice that keeps Georgians coming back for more.

17. sweetgreen: Salad Gets Serious

sweetgreen: Salad Gets Serious
© WhatNow

Sweetgreen has transformed salad from sad desk lunch to craveable cuisine for health-conscious Georgians.

The seasonal menu showcases local ingredients and chef-created combinations that make eating vegetables actually exciting. The sleek app and efficient pickup system appeal to busy professionals.

While not the cheapest lunch option, the quality ingredients and substantial portions have convinced many Atlanta diners that premium salads are worth the splurge for a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

18. Chopt Creative Salad Co.: Chopping Up Competition

Chopt Creative Salad Co.: Chopping Up Competition
© WTOP

Watching Chopt employees wield those mezzaluna knives is half the fun of visiting this growing salad chain!

Georgia locations feature seasonal specials highlighting regional flavors alongside classic combinations. The warm grain bowls have won over even salad skeptics.

Chopt stands out in the healthy fast-casual space with its commitment to sourcing and its distinctive chopping technique that ensures perfectly distributed dressing and consistent bites – no more awkwardly large lettuce leaves to navigate!