10 Must-Have Stores and Restaurants Florida Is Seriously Missing Out On
Ever find yourself daydreaming about that one restaurant from back home that just doesn’t exist here in the Sunshine State? As a Melbourne resident, I’m constantly reminiscing about spots I’ve visited during travels that would absolutely thrive in our beach-loving community. Let’s talk about what Florida – and specifically our Space Coast – is missing out on!
Regional Chains That Need to Make Their Way to Florida
Florida has plenty of culinary and retail options, but there are some notable absences that leave transplants and tourists longing for their hometown favorites. After talking with locals and fellow transplants at Downtown Melbourne events, I’ve compiled the most-mentioned establishments we wish would set up shop here.
Food Favorites We’re Craving
When it comes to dining options, these regional favorites would find a hungry audience in Brevard County:
- In-N-Out Burger – This West Coast burger institution with its not-so-secret menu would have lines around the block if it opened near Melbourne Square Mall.
- Portillo’s – Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches would be perfect after a day at Paradise Beach.
- Waffle House – While they exist elsewhere in Florida, Melbourne residents still need to drive too far for those perfect hashbrowns.
- Whataburger – Texas transplants consistently mention missing these iconic orange-roofed burger joints.
- Shake Shack – Despite having locations in Miami and Orlando, the Space Coast is still Shake Shack-less!
I personally dream about having a Portillo’s chocolate cake shake after paddleboarding at Turkey Creek. Is that too much to ask?
Retail Therapy We’re Missing
Beyond food, these shopping destinations would be welcome additions to our retail landscape:
- H-E-B – This beloved Texas grocery chain would give Publix some friendly competition.
- Meijer – Midwesterners rave about this superstore that rivals Walmart and Target.
- Nordstrom – For upscale shopping without driving to Orlando or West Palm Beach.
- REI – Perfect for our outdoor-loving community – imagine grabbing quality kayaking gear before heading to the Indian River Lagoon!
- Wegmans – This Northeast grocery darling would be a hit with the many transplants in our area.
| Restaurant/Store | Region of Origin | Why We Want It |
|---|---|---|
| In-N-Out Burger | West Coast | Quality ingredients, cult following |
| H-E-B | Texas | Amazing store brands, competitive prices |
| Wegmans | Northeast | Incredible prepared foods, vast selection |
| Portillo’s | Midwest | Authentic Chicago-style food |
| REI | Northwest | Quality outdoor gear for our active lifestyle |
Why These Chains Would Thrive in Melbourne
Melbourne’s unique blend of aerospace professionals, retirees, students, and beach lovers creates a diverse customer base that would support these establishments. With our growing population and steady tourism, especially during snowbird season, these chains would likely find success here.
Think about it – after a rocket launch viewing at Space View Park, wouldn’t an In-N-Out burger hit the spot? Or imagine browsing REI for beach gear before heading to Sebastian Inlet for the weekend.
What’s Holding These Chains Back?
So why haven’t these popular chains expanded to our area? Several factors are at play:
- Supply chain logistics (especially for West Coast chains)
- Regional focus in their expansion strategies
- Competition from established Florida favorites
- Real estate availability and costs along A1A and other prime locations
Some chains, like In-N-Out, are notoriously slow to expand because they refuse to franchise and won’t open locations far from their distribution centers. Others might simply not recognize the potential of the Space Coast market yet!
What You Can Do to Help Bring These Chains to Florida
Want to see your favorite hometown spot in Melbourne? You’re not powerless! Here are some steps locals can take:
- Reach out directly to these chains through their corporate websites
- Start or sign petitions on sites like Change.org
- Contact the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce to express interest
- Share this article on social media and tag the businesses you want to see here!
I’ve personally sent emails to both Portillo’s and REI customer service, and while I got form responses, at least they know there’s interest here in Brevard!
What’s Your Dream Store or Restaurant?
What regional favorite do you miss the most living in Melbourne? Is there a chain you discovered while traveling that you wish would open here? Drop a comment below to let us know what establishment you’re craving in our beachside community!
Until these chains make their way to the Space Coast, we’ll keep supporting our fantastic local businesses while dreaming of chocolate cake shakes and animal-style fries.
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