People have strong opinions about their fast food chains. Especially the more regional chains. But did you know that North Carolina was the birthplace of several fast food restaurants? I for sure have a clear favorite on this list. Though I also have strong opinions about some of the newer locations they’ve opened. My own personal “walk uphill both ways” bias.

Did your favorite North Carolina fast food chain main the list? Did we miss some? Let us know!

• Cookout

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  You can’t convince me there is a better deal than a Cookout tray. The milkshakes, the “side” options, it’s top notch. Cookout was founded in Greenboro in 1989 and now has more than 250 restaurants across the south.

• Bojangles

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  Can you imagine life without cajun chicken, bo-berry biscuits, and those seasoned fries? I’m sure glad we don’t have to. The first Bojangles was right here in Charlotte back in 1977.

• Biscuitville

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  I’ve never actually had Biscuitville (I’d rather sleep than go to breakfast oops) but the lines are always long so I’m sure it’s delicious. Biscuitville’s roots trace back to Burlington in 1966.

• Hardee's

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  Known for their classic Thickburgers Hardee’s is a staple in NC and across the country. The first Hardee’s restaurant opened in Greenville, North Carolina, on September 3, 1960.

• CharGrill

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  If you aren’t from the Triangle you may not have tried CharGrill, but the next time you’re in the area you absolutely should. They pride themselves on being the best burger in Raleigh. CharGrill has 10 locations in and around our state’s capital city.

• Smithfield's Chicken 'N BBQ

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  Known for their eastern NC BBQ Smithfield’s has 40 locations along the coast and the Piedmont.

• Krispy Kreme

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  While some would argue it’s not technically a fast food chain, Krispy Kreme had to make this list. Few things in life are better than a glazed donut while that Hot Now sign is on. The donut chain got its start in 1937 in what is now historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem.

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