This is obviously NOT a list of every noteworthy regional 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 regional chain is not included, I encourage you to read about my methodology and maybe even submit a history to be included here.

These are histories of chains that were limited to one specific geographical region; use this link to see national chains.