349,000 chains: Local spots to rival national favorites

Industry estimates place the total number of chain restaurants in the United States at approximately 349,000. That figure equates to one chain location for every 1,000 Americans. Over the past 75 years, corporate food providers have become a daily standard for convenience and affordability. However, many residents prefer to direct their spending toward locally owned businesses. A recent feature from Nashville Scene contributors identifies specific Davidson County and Nashville spots that offer comparable experiences to major national chains.

For those seeking the loaded fries and burgers of In-N-Out, local options include Dino’s, Schulman’s Neighborhood Bar, and M.L.Rose. Dino’s serves a version of Animal Style fries using Velveeta instead of American cheese. Schulman’s offers Beastie Style fries with the same three-topping combination. M.L.Rose provides overflowing waffle fries that require a side of homemade ranch. In the Tex-Mex category, Inglewood Lounge, Redheaded Stranger, and The BE Hive Deli & Market serve crunchwraps as an alternative to Taco Bell. Redheaded Stranger charges $12 for its version, while Inglewood Lounge lists the price at $13. The BE Hive offers a vegan classic for $12 and a hot chicken version for $14, with the classic priced at half on Wednesdays.

Coffee and smashburger enthusiasts also have local substitutes. Sip Café in North Inglewood operates as a local alternative to 7 Brew, offering a drive-thru and staying open until 9 p.m. on weekdays. The shop is housed in a former bank and features a rotating coffee cup outside. For smashburgers, Gabby’s, Brown’s Diner, and Bad Luck Burger Club compete with Shake Shack. Brown’s Diner, which has operated since 1927, added 10 creative smashburgers to its menu. Bad Luck Burger Club recently opened a second location in The Nations, adding to its original East Nashville outpost. Gabby’s serves grass-fed beef smashburgers and maintains a secret menu.

Diners looking for fried chicken, pastries, or Cajun food can also turn to local establishments. McDougal’s Chicken in Brentwood and near The Gulch offers an alternative to Raising Cane’s, featuring juicier tenders and a house sauce. For French pastries, Cocorico! in Music Row serves croissants and quiche, providing a local alternative to Paris Baguette. Little Gourmand in Green Hills and Melrose offers tartlets and mille-feuille. Olala French Cafe operates as a casual cafe by day and a bistro by night. In the Cajun category, Spicy Boy’s, Gumbo Bros, and Voodoo Gumbo replace Kelly’s Cajun Grill. Spicy Boy’s serves roast beef po’boys on Leidenheimer rolls, while Voodoo Gumbo in Bellevue offers étouffée with crawfish and shrimp.

Additional local recommendations include Fat Mo’s as an alternative to McDonald’s. The first location opened in Antioch in 1992, and the Gallatin Pike branch features primary colors and hand-painted signs. Golden Prawn #3 on Riverside serves as a local option for Chinese takeaway, with Mongolian beef as a menu favorite. Nashville Biscuit House in East Nashville offers Southern cooking as a local alternative to Cracker Barrel, which is headquartered in Lebanon, Tennessee. The menu includes the Ultimate Platter, a large serving of loaded biscuits and gravy. Sarabha’s in Hillsboro Village provides an ice cream alternative to Jeni’s, with a presence on 21st Avenue South.

These establishments span various neighborhoods across Davidson County, from East Nashville to The Nations and Hillsboro Village. Prices for specific items range from $12 to $14 for crunchwraps at local Tex-Mex spots. Brown’s Diner has been operating for nearly a century, while Fat Mo’s has been in business since 1992. The local alternatives cited include specific menu items such as Beastie Style fries, grass-fed smashburgers, and roast beef po’boys. These options provide residents with the opportunity to support local businesses while dining on menu items similar to those found in national chains. The selections cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert categories, including coffee, burgers, tacos, chicken, pastries, and ice cream.