Folks in MS wish their state had these restaurant and retail chains the most, survey says
Have you ever envied people living in a different state for a chain that doesn’t have locations in Mississippi? You’re not alone.
MarketBeat, a financial media company, did a recent survey to learn which chain brand residents in each U.S. state wanted to open locally the most.
“These results highlight both the emotional pull of national chains and the opportunities that exist for businesses willing to expand into new regions,” Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat, said in an Oct. 15 news release.
The top wanted chain for residents in the Magnolia State is also the most wanted across the nation, according to MarketBeat.
These are the top three brands Mississippians wish they had most and why, according to the survey.
1. In-N-Out
Mississippians craved In-N-Out, a Southern California-based burger chain, the most, according to MarketBeat. The burger chain prides itself on using fresh ingredients and cooking every burger fresh to order, according to the company’s website.
“The simplicity of the menu and cult ‘secret’ items make it one of the most talked about fast food chains missing from the Deep South,” MarketBeat researchers said.
In January 2023, the burger chain announced its expansion to Tennessee, The Hill reported. Unfortunately, In-N-Out enthusiasts in the Magnolia State will have to keep wishing on a star for an expansion as no plans have been announced.
“We have to have some growth, but we also don’t want to be on every corner. We don’t want to be in every state, and we don’t want to ever compromise our values and standards—the cornerstones that my grandparents laid down,” In-N-Out CEO Lynsi Snyder said on the podcast Relatable, The Hill reported.
2. Trader Joe’s
The second-most wanted chain brand in the Magnolia State is Trader Joe’s, according to MarketBeat. The specialty grocery store chain is known for its unique, private-label products and affordable prices.
“At Trader Joe’s, you won’t find a lot of branded items. Instead, you’ll discover a store full of unique and interesting products, along with the everyday basics, in the Trader Joe’s label,” according to the company’s website.
Only eight states — Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming — do not have Trader Joe’s, WTHR reported.
“We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year. At this time, we do not have a location confirmed in Mississippi,” a Trader Joe’s spokesperson told McClatchy News in an Oct. 21 email.
According to researchers at MarketBeat, “locals often cross into neighboring states on road trips to stock up on quirky snacks, frozen meals and bargain wines.”
3. REI Co-op
The third-most wanted chain for Mississippians has more than 180 stores in 44 states, according to its website. However, the outdoor gear, equipment and apparel retailer has not announced plans for a store in Mississippi.
According to MarketBeat, “Mississippians often say it feels like a mismatch that a place with so many natural escapes doesn’t have REI to support it.”
Which other states wanted an In-N-Out Burger?
In-N-Out Burger was the most popular answer across the country, according to the survey. The burger chain was wanted in 15 states, including Mississippi, according to MarketBeat. These are all the states that said they most wanted In-N-Out:
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- Oklahoma
- Minnesota
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Ohio
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
How did financial media company come up with results?
MarketBeat’s survey, conducted in September, asked 3,011 respondents of varied ages, genders and geographies to identify the chain brand they would most like to open locally, according to researchers.
This story was originally published October 21, 2025 at 9:36 AM.
