Michigan-based chain restaurants that are actually good [PHOTOS]

Dining at a chain restaurant might seem way uncool, especially when you could be spending your money at a small business instead. However, many of the chain spots in and around the Detroit area are actually based in Michigan, and employ local workers and are sometimes even owned by a local franchisee. Plus, plenty are actually good, too.

Of course, “good” is in the eye of the beholder. These restaurants are based in Michigan, have at least three locations, and are beloved by locals in their own ways. How many have you tried?

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Courtesy photo

Olga’s Kitchen

Multiple locations, olgas.com
Founded by entrepreneur Olga Loizon in 1970 in Birmingham, the Greek-American chain grew rapidly during the height of the shopping mall era. Headquartered in Livonia, the chain is known for its Olga bread and especially its Snackers, or triangular pieces of pita served with cheese spread. The eponymous Olga died in 2019 at age 92.

Courtesy photo

Buddy’s Pizza

Multiple locations, buddyspizza.com
Originally a speakeasy known as Buddy’s Rendezvous, what we now call Buddy’s was founded in 1946 and is known as the creator of Detroit-style pizza, which as legend has it was created using a metal tray used for auto parts. The company has grown alongside the square-shaped pies’ popularity, and it now has more than 20 locations across Michigan.

Dwight Burdette, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Biggby Coffee

Multiple locations, biggby.com
This Lansing-based company was originally known as “Beaner’s Coffee” and eventually became one of the fastest-growing coffee chains in the U.S. It has more than 280 locations throughout the country.

Instagram, @baggerdaves

Bagger Dave’s

Multiple locations, baggerdaves.com
Founded in Berkley in 2008, this burger chain once had 26 locations across the Midwest. It now has just six, including two in metro Detroit.

Evan Gonzalez, Detroit Stock City

Fishbone’s Detroit

Multiple locations, fishbonesusa.com
Established in Detroit in 1989, this chain is known for its live music and New Orleans-inspired menu. It has locations in Detroit, St. Clair Shores, and Southfield.

Instagram, @zosgoodburger

Zo’s Good Burger

Multiple locations, zosgoodburger.com
After starting by slinging burgers out of a Dearborn gas station in 2013, this chain now has five locations in the Detroit area. The company is known for its halal-friendly offerings, including its signature “Good Burger” which comes loaded with cheese sticks, onion rings, and special sauce held together under a pretzel bun.

Liza Lagman Sperl, Flickr Creative Commons

Dominos

Multiple locations, dominos.com
Now a massive multinational pizza chain with thousands of stores all over the world, the chain had humble beginnings. It was founded in 1980 in Ypsilanti by two brothers who purchased an existing pizza chain called DomiNick’s with just a $500 down payment. The company’s headquarters is in nearby Ann Arbor Township.

Shutterstock

Halo Burger

Multiple locations, haloburger.com
Halo Burger is one of the oldest burger chains in the U.S., founded in a boxcar-style wagon in Flint in 1923. It’s known for serving other Michigan favorites like coney dogs, Bumpy cake, and Vernors ginger ale, and its Flint location is even a former Vernors soda shop.

Tom Perkins

Sweetwater Tavern

Multiple locations, sweetwatertavern.net
Known for its chicken wings, considered by many to be the city’s best, Sweetwater Tavern’s flagship Bricktown location is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in Detroit, dating back to the mid-1800s. The business came under ownership of Jeffrey Cain in 1991, and the chain has expanded with additional locations in Southfield and Eastpointe.

Shutterstock

Leo’s Coney Island

Multiple locations, leosconeyisland.com
Greek immigrant brothers Leo and Peter Stassinopoulos opened their first restaurant in Southfield in 1972. It now has dozens of locations across metro Detroit serving up Greek-American favorites including saganaki, or flaming cheese. Opa!