MARYLAND - Drive down Rockville Pike, connect to I-695 around Baltimore, or head over the Bay Bridge, and you’ll see the same thing: construction cranes and "Coming Soon" banners. While the national headlines focus on retail closures, Maryland is currently in the middle of a massive "land grab." National brands view the state—with its dense population and unique position bridging the North and South—as prime territory for expansion.
2026 is shaping up to be the year of the "Chicken Wars," the escalation of the convenience store battle, and the arrival of "eatertainment." From viral sensations to highly anticipated regional favorites, here are the 5 major chains expanding aggressively in Maryland this year.
1. Raising Cane’s (The I-95 Blitz)
The cult-favorite chicken finger brand is finally making its major Maryland push.
- The News: After successful launches in Virginia and Pennsylvania, Raising Cane’s is filling in the gap. 2026 will see multiple openings along the I-95 corridor.
- The Strategy: The brand is aggressively targeting college towns and high-traffic suburban hubs. Expect to see them challenging Chick-fil-A for dominance near Towson, College Park (University of Maryland territory), and the bustling Columbia market. The lines will be long, but the sauce is reportedly worth it.
2. Sheetz (The Eastern Invasion)
The "Wawa vs. Sheetz" border war is shifting east.
- The Situation: For years, Sheetz dominated Western Maryland (Hagerstown, Cumberland), while Wawa ruled the roost from Annapolis to Salisbury. That truce is over.
- The Expansion: In 2026, Sheetz is pushing aggressively into the Baltimore suburbs and the I-83 corridor. They are building larger stores with expanded kitchen capabilities, directly challenging Wawa on their home turf. If you live in Carroll or Northern Baltimore County, your gas and MTO options are about to double.
3. Dave’s Hot Chicken (The Viral Heat)
The Nashville hot chicken craze has found its new king, and it’s setting up shop in the Free State.
- The News: Backed by celebrity investors and massive social media hype, Dave’s Hot Chicken is slated to open several Maryland locations in 2026.
- The Vibe: These aren't typical fast-food joints; they are destinations featuring bright art and sliding scales of spice ranging from "No Heat" to "Reaper." They are targeting dense, trendy areas like Bethesda Row and Federal Hill, looking to capture the late-night and lunch crowds.
4. Puttshack (The "Eatertainment" Upgrade)
Dining out in Maryland is no longer just about the food; it’s about the activity.
- The Concept: Puttshack takes mini-golf, infuses it with tech (the balls track your score automatically), and adds an upscale bar and restaurant menu. It’s "date night" redesigned for 2026.
- The Location: Following the success of similar concepts, Puttshack is eyeing major mixed-use developments in the DC suburbs (Montgomery County) for its Maryland debut this year. It signals a shift away from traditional retail spaces toward experiential destinations.
5. Dutch Bros Coffee (The West Coast Energy)
Move over Dunkin’ and Starbucks; a high-octane competitor is arriving.
- The News: The Oregon-based coffee chain, famous for its hyper-friendly service, loud music, and sugary energy drinks, is continuing its eastward march.
- The Plan: Dutch Bros is targeting suburban Maryland commuter routes in 2026, looking for spots that can accommodate their drive-thru-heavy model. Expect to see their distinctive blue windmill logos popping up in areas like Frederick and Anne Arundel County, offering a different vibe for the morning commute.
