Regional burger chains surge past fast-food giants

Regional burger chains like In-N-Out, Whataburger and Culver’s are driving growth in the US hamburger market, delivering quality, loyalty and customization that outpace bigger brands even as overall fast-food sales slow and prices rise; Whataburger is expanding with 60 new locations, In-N-Out posted about 10% domestic sales growth in 2025, and Culver’s emphasizes service and menu breadth to maintain momentum.