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Chicago's recently seen a spat of national chain burger expansion with the arrivals of long-lusted-after names Shake Shack and Umami Burger. But that shouldn't signal to burger executives that there isn't room for more beefy goodness. McDonald's, which celebrates its 60th birthday, was the start, so that should show other national chains that they would do well to consider Chicago as their next move. Here's a list of 11 that would be welcomed:
1) In-N-Out Burger: Many Chicagoans want the chance to order from this west coast burger heaven's secret menu.
2) A&W: The closest A&W is Schaumburg in the northwest suburbs and Oak Lawn in the southwest suburbs. But washing down a burger with a famous root beer float isn't an option for city dwellers.
3) Jack In the Box: Those ads maybe a little creepy, but having another burger option would be worth putting up with the restaurant's mascot.
4) Whataburger: This southern chain stretches as far west as Arizona and to the west to Florida.
5) Steak 'n Shake: Those griddles patties have homes in suburbs, but the haven't made their way to the city proper.
6) Culver's: Yes, butterburger babies will eventually get their fix next year when the delayed Culver's is supposed to arrive in Wrigleyville, but burger fans can be impatient.
7) Fuddrucker's: Four suburban locations aren't enough for Fudd's where burger customization comes in the form of a large toppings bar.
8) Bobby's Burger Palace: Chicago would be the ideal midwest expansion for the chain that was developed by celebrity chef Bobby Flay.
9) Cook Out: Anyone that's lived in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia knows about the joy and value from a meal from Cook Out. Especially college kids.
10) Krystal: Chicago shouldn't be limited to just one place to find small, square-shaped, steamed sliders. Harold and Kumar would be happy.
11) Fatburger: Sure, two attempts to bring the California-based burger chain to the Chicago area have failed, and Kanye West has seemingly washed his hands of his association with the chain. But it's sad that Kanye can't have a burger presence in his hometown. No one likes a sad Kanye.
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