Runza

Runza is a regional quick-service restaurant chain based in Lincoln, Nebraska, recognized for its distinctive Runza sandwich, a baked roll filled with beef, cabbage, and onions that draws on Volga German culinary traditions. The company began in 1949, when Sally Everett opened the original Runza Drive-In on South 11th Street in Lincoln. Since then, Runza has expanded from a single family-run location to a network of 87 company-operated restaurants as of November 2025. Most locations are in Nebraska, with a growing presence in Kansas, Colorado, and Iowa.

Over the past five years, Runza has maintained steady, deliberate growth. The company has entered new markets in Kansas and Colorado, choosing sites in suburban communities and college towns where its brand is already well known. All restaurants are company-owned, reflecting the Everett family’s ongoing leadership and commitment to private ownership. The brand does not franchise or operate under a parent restaurant group.

Runza’s menu centers on its namesake sandwich but also includes burgers, fries, salads, and seasonal offerings, appealing to a broad customer base. The company operates both freestanding drive-thru units and endcap locations, emphasizing visibility and accessibility in its site selection. Runza’s consistent growth, regional credibility, and proven operational formats make it a familiar and reliable presence in its core markets. Its approach to expansion and site selection has helped the brand build a loyal following and maintain high operational standards across all locations.