# From Texas to Florida, burgeoning and legacy fast-food companies are clustering their offices and growth bets in the South.

*business · news · 2026-04-30 · Business Insider*

## Key points

- Starbucks is opening a satellite office in Nashville, signaling a strategic shift from Seattle.
- In-N-Out is building its first Eastern hub in Franklin, Tennessee, expanding beyond its traditional West Coast base.
- Whataburger plans over 50 new locations in Georgia and 30 in Alabama by 2028.
- Hiring demand for restaurant corporate teams in parts of the South has jumped as much as 50% in the past year.
- Nine of the ten fastest-growing US counties are in the South, sharply increasing regional fast-food demand.

**Companies:** Starbucks, In-N-Out, Whataburger, Cava, Jersey Mike's, Dave's Hot Chicken, Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders, Accurate Franchising, Blue Orbit Restaurant Consulting
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-nashville-office-in-n-out-fast-food-migrates-south-2026-4)

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