The Top 5 chains we wish were in Kansas City

Everybody has irrational love for a particular fast food establishment or chain restaurant — witness the 2,484 fans on the ‘I Love the Taco Via!!!’ Facebook group. And so I decided to think about what chains could improve the lives of the residents in the city of fountains.

Dunkin’ Donuts would have been a natural fit for this list — but the first of several area stores in Overland Park (7722 W. 151st Street) opens today! So below are the five other chain establishments that Fat City wishes were coming to Kansas City: 

5. Friendly’s — This East Coast chain serves the classic diner food: melts, chicken fingers and burgers. But the reason you eat all your chicken fingers is so you can have dessert — from Candy Shoppe Sundaes to the Fribble, a shake that requires maximum effort on the other end of the straw. (For Charles Ferruzza’s take on two classic Kansas City diners, read this week’s Cafe review.)

4. White Castle — Kansas City hasn’t been the same since White Castle slid out of town. Mini cheeseburgers make the world go round and the classic sliders that turn the white bag shiny with grease before you’re out of the parking lot would be welcomed back with open mouths.