Remember those special places where we celebrated birthdays, had first dates, or just enjoyed a good meal? Many beloved restaurant chains have closed their doors over the years.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit 15 chains we miss and imagine 5 concepts that would be huge hits today.
1. Howard Johnson’s Orange-Roofed Wonder
The iconic orange roofs of Howard Johnson’s once dotted American highways, serving as beacons for hungry travelers. Their 28 ice cream flavors were legendary!
Families planned road trips around HoJo locations, knowing they’d find consistent comfort food and those famous fried clams. The last location closed in 2017.
2. Chi-Chi’s Mexican Fiesta
Nothing beat the excitement of hearing ‘It’s a celebration!’ when birthday sombrero time arrived at Chi-Chi’s. Their chimichanga and seafood enchiladas created loyal fans nationwide.
A hepatitis outbreak in 2003 unfortunately led to the chain’s demise in the US.
3. Bennigan’s Irish Hospitality
Bennigan’s Monte Cristo sandwich achieved legendary status among restaurant fans. This deep-fried marvel came dusted with powdered sugar and raspberry preserves for dipping.
The Irish-themed casual dining spot created the perfect blend of pub atmosphere and family-friendly dining. Chain’s national presence faded after 2008.
4. Steak And Ale’s Medieval Feast
Medieval-themed decor and those iconic wooden salad bowls made Steak and Ale dining an experience. Founded in 1966, it pioneered the affordable steakhouse concept with its famous prime rib.
The dimly lit, Tudor-style interiors created romantic date night vibes. Parent company Metromedia Restaurant Group’s bankruptcy in 2008 sadly ended this dining institution.
5. Burger Chef’s Fun Meal Pioneer
Before Happy Meals existed, Burger Chef created the Fun Meal with toys and themed packaging. At its peak, only McDonald’s had more locations!
Kids loved the Build-A-Burger toppings bar where you could customize your sandwich. The chain’s mascots, Burger Chef and Jeff, starred in their own adventures on meal packaging.
6. Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Rotisserie Revolution
Kenny Rogers brought his country star power to rotisserie chicken in 1991. The chain earned immortality through a classic Seinfeld episode where Kramer becomes addicted to their chicken.
Their corn muffins and cinnamon apples complemented the wood-fired chicken perfectly. While gone from America, Kenny Rogers Roasters thrives in Asia with over 100 locations.
7. Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse Buffet Bonanza
Named after the ranch in TV’s “Bonanza,” these sister chains offered affordable steaks and all-you-can-eat buffets. The concept was simple: order your steak, then hit the massive buffet while waiting.
Kids received sheriff badges and cowboy hats, embracing the Wild West theme. Most US locations have vanished, though a handful remain, mostly in the Midwest.
8. Sambo’s Controversial Pancake Empire
Sambo’s once boasted over 1,100 locations serving breakfast all day. Their fluffy pancakes and 24-hour service made them a roadside staple in the 1970s.
Controversy over the name’s racial connotations contributed to their downfall. Most locations were converted to Denny’s restaurants in the early 1980s, marking the end of a once-mighty breakfast empire.
9. Lum’s Hot Dogs Steamed In Beer
Lum’s unique hot dogs steamed in beer created a cult following. This Florida-born chain expanded to over 400 locations at its peak in the early 1970s.
Their Ollieburger was another signature item with a secret spice blend. Olympic swimmer and actress Esther Williams owned the chain briefly before its slow decline and eventual disappearance.
10. Gino’s Hamburgers’ Sports Legacy
Founded by Baltimore Colts football star Gino Marchetti, this chain combined sports fame with fast food. Their Kentucky Fried Chicken and Gino’s hamburger combo meals were unbeatable!
The restaurants featured sports memorabilia and autographed photos. Marriott Corporation purchased and converted most locations to Roy Rogers restaurants by the 1980s.
11. Minnie Pearl’s Fried Chicken Challenge
Grand Ole Opry star Minnie Pearl lent her name to this KFC competitor in the 1960s. Her signature catchphrase “Howdee!” and price tag-dangling hat appeared on every location.
Despite opening over 500 restaurants, poor quality control and financial mismanagement doomed the chain. It became one of the most notorious franchise failures in restaurant history.
12. Shakey’s Pizza Parlor’s Ragtime Fun
Shakey’s pioneered the pizza parlor with entertainment concept. Families gathered around long tables to enjoy thin-crust pizza while listening to live ragtime piano and banjo music.
The player piano and Dixieland jazz created memorable dining experiences. While mostly gone from the US, Shakey’s remains popular in the Philippines with over 200 locations.
13. Victoria Station’s Railroad Dining Car Experience
Actual retired railroad cars transformed into dining rooms made Victoria Station unique. The British railway station theme extended to staff uniforms and antique train memorabilia decorating the walls.
Prime rib served from gleaming silver carts was their signature dish. After expanding to over 100 locations, financial troubles derailed the chain in the 1980s.
14. Wetson’s New York Fast Food Pioneer
Before McDonald’s dominated NYC, Wetson’s was the Big Apple’s homegrown burger chain. Their 15-cent hamburgers and “Big W” sandwich rivaled the Big Mac before most New Yorkers knew what a Big Mac was.
Yellow and red restaurants dotted the five boroughs from the 1950s to 1970s. The chain’s slogan “Buy a bagful!” encouraged families to bring Wetson’s home.
15. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour’s Birthday Bonanza
The siren of an old-fashioned fire engine announced birthday celebrations at Farrell’s. Staff would rush out with the famous “Zoo” sundae – carried on a stretcher because it was so massive!
Servers in striped vests and straw boater hats added to the turn-of-the-century atmosphere. A handful of revival locations have appeared, but the original 130-store chain magic remains a memory.
16. Automated Food Fantasies That Would Thrive Today
Horn & Hardart Automat’s coin-operated food windows would be Instagram gold today! The concept of inserting coins to unlock fresh food behind little glass doors feels both retro and futuristic.
With today’s contactless technology and labor challenges, a modern automat would solve multiple problems.
17. Farm-To-Table Fast Casual Revolution
A national chain built around truly local sourcing would dominate today’s market. Imagine regional menus that change with local harvests, featuring produce from farms within 50 miles of each location.
Digital screens could show real-time updates about which farm provided today’s tomatoes or lettuce. This transparency would appeal to today’s conscious consumers.
18. Global Street Food Hall Concept
A curated collection of international street foods under one roof would capture today’s adventurous eaters. Stations offering authentic tacos, dumplings, kebabs, and more would create a global food tour experience.
Rotating guest chefs from different countries could keep offerings fresh and authentic.
19. Plant-Based Comfort Food Chain
A restaurant serving exclusively plant-based versions of classic American comfort foods would thrive today. Imagine mac and cheese, fried chicken, milkshakes, and burgers that satisfy cravings without animal products.
The key would be focusing on indulgence rather than health. With plant-based eating growing rapidly, a chain offering guilt-free nostalgia could capture both vegans and flexitarians.
20. Subscription Dining Experience
A membership-based restaurant chain would revolutionize dining out. Members would pay monthly fees for credits toward meals, priority seating, and exclusive menu items.
The model would provide predictable revenue for restaurants while offering value to frequent diners. Special member-only events and personalized service would create community around each location, fostering loyalty in today’s fickle dining landscape.