Tennessee has quietly become one of the hottest states in America for big-name business expansion — and now, three cult-favorite brands are rushing in: In-N-Out Burger, Wawa, and Buc-ee’s.
These aren’t just any chains. Each has a fiercely loyal following, limited geographic footprint, and a reputation for drawing massive crowds wherever they go. So why are all three suddenly planting flags in the Volunteer State?
A booming population — and perfect geography
Tennessee’s population has surged by more than half a million people in the past decade, driven by job growth, affordability, and no state income tax. The Nashville metro area, in particular, has exploded into a national hub for both residents and businesses.
For fast-growing brands, that combination is irresistible. It offers a large, car-dependent consumer base without the costs or regulations of coastal markets.
In-N-Out
In-N-Out, long a West Coast icon, will open its first restaurants east of Texas in Tennessee — along with a major regional office in Franklin. All expected in 2026. The company has already bought land for multiple future locations in the Nashville area and beyond.
Buc-ee’s
Meanwhile, Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based travel center known for its sprawling stores and spotless bathrooms, has made Tennessee a cornerstone of its Southern expansion.
The first Tennessee Buc-ee’s opened in Crossville in 2023, followed by Sevierville, which briefly held the record as the world’s largest convenience store (before the upgraded Luling, Texas location beat it by a few hundred square feet).
New Buc-ee’s locations are also in the works for Gallaway and Murfreesboro, signaling that Tennessee’s prime interstate network is a major draw.
Wawa
Then there’s Wawa, the East Coast’s beloved gas-station-meets-sandwich-shop brand. Wawa broke ground this year on its first Tennessee stores in Murfreesboro and Clarksville, with plans for up to 50 locations statewide.
The company’s leadership has said Tennessee offers the “perfect mix” of highway access, growth, and suburban density — mirroring Wawa’s successful formula in Florida.
Why it matters
For Tennessee residents, these openings mark a new era: the state is becoming a national crossroads for America’s most talked-about regional brands.
For the companies, it’s a calculated bet — that Tennessee’s booming population and central location can deliver sustained growth while preserving each brand’s loyal, road-trip-friendly identity.
From burgers to brisket to breakfast hoagies, the Volunteer State is quickly becoming the crossroads of America’s most beloved comfort food empires.
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