Like most heavily populated regions throughout the United States, Orange County houses more than its fair share of chain restaurants. A handful of these eateries, however, stand out as the top, or most prominent, chain restaurants in the somewhat affluent Southern California-based county. While all these restaurants exist throughout the rest of the country, most remain strongly tied to the area due to their origins.
Wahoo's Fish Tacos began as the brain child of the three Wahoo brothers, a trio who longed to combine their love of Asian, Brazilian, Mexican and Hawaiian cuisine. Certain items on the menu, including the Maui Bowl (carne asada covered in teriyaki sauce), achieved just that. Although Wahoo's Fish Tacos originally developed in Orange County's Costa Mesa, California, today the popular chain restaurant boasts over 50 locations in four states.
Ruby's Diner also got its start in Orange County, with its first location sitting at the end of the famed Balboa Pier. Today the chain restaurant offers locations throughout seven states, including as far east as New Jersey. This 1940s-themed eatery specializes in simple diner fare, including burgers, fries, milkshakes and sundaes.
Although Z Pizza resides in 16 states, the majority of the locations lie in the chain restaurant's famed birthplace: Orange County. The first Z Pizza opened in Laguna Beach, California, where the owners strived to create a healthier pizza than most restaurants. As a result, today Z Pizza offers soy cheese, MSG-free pepperoni, organic tomato sauce and soy sausage as just some of its toppings.
Claim Jumper originated in Orange County's own Los Alamitos, California, back in 1977. Known for its massive portions, this popular chain restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, pastas, hot and cold sandwiches, ribs, steak, chicken and seafood. In terms of dessert, Claim Jumper remains most famous for its decadent and enormous Six-Layer Chocolate Motherload Cake, as well as its equally calorie-busting carrot cake, bread pudding and cream cheese pie.
Although it's certainly notorious for its long lines, many Orange County natives will tell you that The Cheesecake Factory remains worthy of both the hype and lengthy wait. The aptly named chain restaurant also features over 30 different cheesecakes, including such rich selections as Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, Adam's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple and Lemon Raspberry Cream. Those unfamiliar with The Cheesecake Factory may underestimate the popularity of its savory menu, yet visitors enjoy hearty meals here as well, including pastas, sandwiches and salads.
