10 Restaurant Chains That Tried To Make It In North Carolina (And Totally Flopped)
North Carolina has always been a battleground for restaurant chains hoping to win over Southern hearts and appetites.
Some chains arrived with big dreams and flashy menus, only to discover that Tar Heel State diners had other plans.
From mismatched concepts to poor timing, these ten restaurant chains learned the hard way that making it in North Carolina requires more than just good intentions.
Their stories serve as cautionary tales for any brand hoping to plant roots in this competitive culinary landscape.
1. Steak And Ale
Back in the day, Steak And Ale was the place where families celebrated special occasions with sizzling steaks and endless salad bars under dim lighting that made everyone feel fancy.
The chain rolled into North Carolina with high hopes, banking on its Tudor-style architecture and upscale-yet-affordable vibe to capture hearts.
Unfortunately, changing tastes and fierce competition from newer steakhouse concepts left Steak And Ale struggling to keep tables full.
By the time the economy took a downturn, North Carolinians had moved on to fresher dining experiences, and the chain quietly closed its doors across the state, leaving behind only nostalgic memories of better days.
2. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Kenny Rogers may have known when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em in poker, but his rotisserie chicken empire couldn’t quite crack the code in North Carolina.
The chain arrived with wood-fired rotisserie ovens and promises of healthier fast-casual dining that seemed perfect for health-conscious Southerners.
Despite the initial buzz and celebrity backing, Kenny Rogers Roasters found itself outmatched by established chicken joints and barbecue legends deeply rooted in local culture.
North Carolinians remained loyal to their beloved regional flavors, and the chain eventually retreated, proving that even a country music legend can’t always strike the right chord with Southern diners.
3. Howard Johnson’s Restaurant
Howard Johnson’s once dominated American roadways with its iconic orange roofs and promise of consistent comfort food for travelers crisscrossing the country.
The chain planted several locations across North Carolina, hoping to become a reliable pit stop for families and road-trippers exploring the state.
However, as fast food evolved and dining preferences shifted toward quicker service and trendier menus, Howard Johnson’s started feeling like a relic from a bygone era.
North Carolinians gradually lost interest in the dated decor and predictable menu, choosing instead to support local diners and modern chains that offered fresher concepts and faster turnaround times.
4. Bennigan’s Irish Pub
Bennigan’s burst onto the casual dining scene with shamrock-filled charm and a menu packed with loaded potato skins, Monte Cristo sandwiches, and enough Irish pub atmosphere to make anyone feel like they’d stepped into Dublin.
Several North Carolina locations opened their doors, eager to bring that convivial pub energy to Southern soil.
Sadly, the chain struggled with identity issues and mounting debt as competition from Applebee’s and Chili’s intensified.
North Carolinians eventually grew tired of the gimmicky Irish theme and repetitive menu offerings, leading Bennigan’s to shutter most locations during the late 2000s financial crisis.
5. Ponderosa Steakhouse
Ponderosa Steakhouse rode into North Carolina with all the confidence of a Wild West cowboy, offering budget-friendly steaks and an all-you-can-eat buffet that promised something for everyone in the family.
The concept seemed like a slam dunk for value-conscious diners who wanted variety without breaking the bank.
Yet as food trends evolved and consumers became more selective about quality over quantity, Ponderosa’s appeal started to fade like an old Western movie.
Customers began gravitating toward restaurants with fresher ingredients and more modern atmospheres, leaving Ponderosa struggling to fill seats and eventually riding off into the sunset across most of the state.
6. On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina rolled into North Carolina hoping to spice things up with sizzling fajitas, bottomless chips, and margaritas strong enough to make anyone forget their troubles.
The Tex-Mex chain believed its lively atmosphere and extensive menu would win over locals craving south-of-the-border flavors.
However, North Carolina already had a thriving landscape of authentic Mexican taquerias and beloved local Tex-Mex spots that offered better value and more genuine flavors.
On The Border found itself unable to compete with these established favorites, and most locations eventually closed their doors, proving that flashy decor can’t always compensate for lackluster authenticity.
7. Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse ventured into North Carolina with a casual, family-friendly steakhouse concept that emphasized hearty portions and a relaxed dining experience perfect for weeknight dinners.
The chain hoped its unpretentious approach would resonate with families seeking affordable yet satisfying meals without the stuffiness of upscale establishments.
Unfortunately, the steakhouse market in North Carolina was already saturated with both national competitors and beloved local joints that had earned customer loyalty over decades.
Charlie Brown’s struggled to carve out its own niche, and as operational costs climbed and foot traffic dwindled, the chain eventually retreated from the state, leaving behind empty buildings and unfulfilled promises.
8. Ground Round Grill & Bar
Ground Round Grill & Bar arrived in North Carolina with a playful, family-oriented concept that featured buckets of peanuts, classic American comfort food, and a fun atmosphere where kids could throw shells on the floor without getting scolded.
The chain seemed perfectly positioned to capture families looking for affordable dining with entertainment value.
Despite the initial novelty, Ground Round couldn’t maintain momentum as newer casual dining chains with trendier menus and better marketing moved into the market.
North Carolinians eventually lost interest in the gimmicks, and the chain’s outdated decor and limited menu innovation led to dwindling patronage and eventual closures across the state.
9. Po Folks Restaurant
Po Folks Restaurant set up shop in North Carolina believing its down-home Southern cooking and country charm would feel right at home in a state known for its hospitality and comfort food traditions.
The chain served up fried chicken, biscuits, and hearty breakfasts that seemed tailor-made for Tar Heel appetites.
Ironically, North Carolinians already had countless local diners and family-owned restaurants serving authentic Southern cuisine with more heart and history than any chain could replicate.
Po Folks found itself unable to compete with these deeply rooted establishments, and as financial troubles mounted, the chain eventually folded, proving that you can’t fake genuine Southern hospitality and homemade cooking.
10. Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers charged into North Carolina with a bold promise of fresh-ground burgers, bakery-fresh buns, and a build-your-own toppings bar that let customers customize their meals to perfection.
The chain’s theatrical approach to burger-making, complete with visible meat grinders and in-house baking, seemed like a recipe for success.
Yet despite the fanfare, Fuddruckers couldn’t compete with the explosion of fast-casual burger joints and local burger spots that offered similar quality with better service and atmosphere.
Fuddruckers eventually closed most of its locations, learning that gimmicks alone can’t sustain a restaurant in such a competitive market.