These are a few chains that had a significant presence in multiple regions of the United States and Canada. This is obviously NOT a list of every national chain that has ever existed and only includes chains on which I have done some research I’m not updating these chain histories as actively as I’d like right now; my focus in more on the location lists at this point. If your favorite chain is not included, I encourage you to read about my methodology and maybe even submit a history to be included here.

For chains with a more specific regional focus (including some chains that were later absorbed into national chains) visit this page.