The fast-food industry is experiencing a boom while traditional table-service restaurants are still struggling to recover from the impact of 2020. A surge of new drive-thru joints is expected to hit Nashville in the coming years. In-N-Out, the popular “animal-style” chain from California, has plans to open at least three locations around the city. Meanwhile, Whataburger is also expanding its presence, with new locations popping up regularly.
According to a study conducted in 2024 by price-tracking site PriceListo, Tennessee is among the top 10 states in the country with the highest number of fast-food restaurants per capita, with 44.72 fast-food restaurants per 100,000 residents. The study further reveals that Tennessee has the third-highest number of Sonic Drive-Ins with 228 branded restaurants in the country.
Popular fast-food chains like In-N-Out Burger, Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, and Raising Cane’s are expanding their reach in Nashville, alongside the continuous growth of beloved local chains such as Chick-fil-A.
Fast-food companies have managed to thrive in the unpredictable restaurant industry by understanding consumer habits and operating on narrow profit margins.
The popularity of quick-service restaurants has been steadily increasing ever since the introduction of drive-thru concepts in the 1970s. Despite the market being affected by various disruptors such as dynamic pricing, worker shortages, and automated ordering, the demand for fast-food remains strong.
According to Hudson Riehle, the Senior Vice President of Research at the National Restaurant Association, a staggering 74% of restaurant traffic in the United States consists of off-premises orders. This means that customers are either opting for takeout food or having it delivered to their doorstep. Interestingly, this figure has risen by 13% since 2019.
According to Riehle, even after almost five years since the pandemic started, consumers still prefer off-premises options over on-site restaurant patronage. This trend has remained consistent across all three meal periods.
According to him, the fast-food industry is currently being driven by convenience, demand for off-premises options, and value pricing.
Fast-food restaurant hiring up ‘substantially’
According to the National Restaurant Association, the table-service sector of the restaurant industry has witnessed a decline in employment by over 230,000 individuals over the past four years. Conversely, quick-service employment has seen a significant increase, as confirmed by Riehle.
According to him, the job market is a reliable indicator of sales trends. He notes that the younger demographic, in particular, has a strong preference for the quick-service segment.
According to him, fast-food concepts have become an essential part of the younger generation’s lifestyle, particularly Gen Z and millennials.
What’s the latest with In-N-Out Burger coming to Nashville?
In January 2023, In-N-Out Burger revealed its plans to establish a corporate hub in Franklin, California, and open a minimum of three drive-thru restaurants in the district by 2026.
The opening of the new Williamson County location on Goose Creek Bypass in the Berry Farms area has been moved up to 2025 by the company. Additionally, two more locations will be established in Antioch at Century Farms and in Goodlettsville near RiverGate Mall.
According to Denny Warwick, Chief Operating Officer of In-N-Out Burger, construction is set to commence within the next six months.
Warwick expressed gratitude towards the customers in Tennessee for their constant feedback and requests for an In-N-Out restaurant in their vicinity. He mentioned that the customers have been eagerly checking for updates about the progress of the upcoming restaurants. Warwick further added that In-N-Out looks forward to the day when they can finally cater to their first customers in Middle Tennessee.
Will Raising Cane’s open more restaurants in Tennessee?
Raising Cane’s, a Louisiana-based chicken shop, has been rapidly expanding its presence in Tennessee. The brand has been focusing on growth in the state, making it another fast-casual restaurant to watch out for.
According to a spokesperson from Cane’s, the brand currently has six restaurants operating in the state. However, the plan is to triple that number by 2026. The new flagship store recently opened on Broadway, and there are plans to open another 10 restaurants throughout the state.
“In the coming year, we are looking forward to launching new stores in Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Clarksville, with plans to expand further into both existing and new cities such as Chattanooga, Memphis, and beyond,” shared a spokesperson from the company in a statement.
What new fast food restaurants are opening in Nashville soon?
-
- Raising Cane’s, Lower Broadway, 212 Broadway, opened June 26
- Whataburger, North Mt. Juliet, 11190 Lebanon Rd., opened July 8
- Whataburger, South Mt. Juliet, Rutland Drive, opening spring 2025
- Whataburger, Antioch, Century Farms, recently opened
- Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, Antioch, Century Farms, opening date unannounced
- In-N-Out Burger, Antioch, 4136 William Turner Pkwy., expected opening in 2026
- In-N-Out Burger, Franklin, near Berry Farms, opening by 2025
- In-N-Out Burger, Goodlettsville, near RiverGate Mall, expected opening in 2026
- Chick-Fil-A, Antioch, Century Farms, opening date unannounced
