Our childhood memories revolve around the places we have been to and one major visiting point is the food joint we used to visit. However, we grow out of that zone and find new favorite food spots. Did you notice that some of those fast-food chains have shut down?
If you are still living in a bubble, we are here to burst it for you.
Howard Johnson’s
Also referred to as HoJo, had over 1000 outlets over the country. In fact, it was one of the largest food chains across the nation during the 1960-70s. This chain of restaurants was known for its iconic buildings, including orange roofs, peaks and weather vanes.
However, they lost their hold in the business due to a lack of innovation and financial efficiency.
A critic said, “The downfall of Howard Johnson’s was ultimately their competitors. Friendly’s had their ice cream, KFC was all about fried chicken, and in comparison, HoJo’s was just too basic.”
Official All-Star Café
Founded in 1995, Official All-Star Café was owned by Planet Hollywood. They managed to bag a huge amount of investments from the biggest sports stars of that time such as Andre Agassi, Joe Montana, Ken Griffey Jr., Shaq, and Wayne Gretzky.
They managed to open 10 outlets in all prime locations such as Times Square and Walt Disney World but they were unable to keep up the sports theme like other famous cafes and bars. Hence, they shut their last restaurant in 2007.
VIP’s
All the northwestern people must be aware of this food chain. It was based in Oregon and started in 1968. At some point of time, it was the largest food chain and had 53 outlets when it was on peak.
Back in the day, it was known as a coffee shop but in today’s slang, it can be called as a diner.
When they entered the 80s, they started going under and sold 35 of their outlets to Denny’s Inc.
Horn & Hardart
This one food chain was not just a restaurant, in fact, they were automated fast-food joints known as “automats”. At this place, you could buy food from behind the glass window, like you do with vending machines.
The last outlet closed in 1991 and this similar concept is now being taken ahead by Europe and Japan.
Burger Chef
General Electric in Indianapolis founded this hamburger chain in 1954. When the food chain reached its peak, they managed to open 1200 outlets. But this glory didn’t last long. Their competitor was McDonald’s and to bet them, Burger Chef started increasing their outlets.
However, in the race of outlets, they lost in the race of quality. Hence, the food chain was sold off to General Foods and it was later sold to Hardee’s.
Isaly’s
Founded in the 19th century, Isaly’s definitely left a mark on American History. This restaurant was known for its chipped chopped ham and the Klondike Bar. The name of the bar was based on the name of the owner but the tag line suggested something else. It said, “I Shall Always Love You, Sweetheart”
The company was sold off a few times and later disappeared in the wave of other restaurants.
Lum’s
Opened in 1965, in Miami Beach, it was one of the best-known family restaurants of the days long gone. By 1961, they had four locations and were known for their beer-steamed hotdogs and their business expanded rapidly.
The pace was high and they managed to open 400 outlets and the locations included Hawaii, Puerto, Rico, and Europe. However, this didn’t go well with their bank balance and they went bankrupt. Their last store was shut down in 1982.
White Tower
When the White Castle reached heights, imitators had to come in play and take their chances of making it big. White castle was set up in 1921 and along with it came white tower in 1922. Also, it wasn’t just the “white” they took from White Castle.
They took everything from the white castle except their kitchen sink. They copied the menu, the style, the advertising, and everything. By 1950, they had reached 230 locations but due to legal action against them, they were shut down and their last location closed in 2004.
Schrafft’s
Started off as a candy store, Schrafft’s was set up in New York in 1989 and their growth was remarkable. Soon they were converted into full-fledged restaurants and one of them was even allowed unescorted women.
By the time they reached 1937, they had 43 outlets on the Eastern Coast, mainly in the area of New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. By the early 1980s, they were faded out.
Red Barn
As the name suggests, this restaurant was known for its red barns. All the barns and exterior walls were painted red and it was a great design for as everyone could spot a red barn from a distance. Also, there was no chance for it to be misunderstood as any other restaurant.
During the peak, the food chain had over 400 outlets in the U.S. and overseas. However, in the current scenario, there is just one outlet left in Racine, Wisconsin but with the name, “The Farm”.
Henry’s Hamburgers
An ice cream company opened up this restaurant just to expand their shakes and malts. This brand was based on the structure of McDonald’s even though they were competitors. As a marketing stunt, they gave away 10 hamburgers for as low as a dollar.
In the 1960s, the food chain was a big name but within 10 years they started to decline and it was due to lack of competitiveness. Currently, there is just one outlet left in Benton arbor, MI.
Sandy’s
This restaurant started in central Illinois and four partners started it. They initially wanted to start McDonald’s but they didn’t have enough finances. Hence, they all decided to open a different food chain that was similar to McDonald’s.
They lasted in the scene for 20 years and once the competition started getting tough, Sandy’s lost its hold and disappeared.
Naugles
Established in 1970, Naugles was a chain of Tex-Mex restaurants. It was set up in Southern California with a slogan, “Prepare Food Fresh. Serve customers fast. Keep the place clean.” Not the best grammar but okay!
The food chain later merged with Del Taco and the name for most outlets changed from Naugles to Del Taco. As of now, two locations still have Naugles, Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach, California.
Casa Bonita
Back in the day, if you needed good food and an evening full of entertainment, Casa Bonita was the answer. Started in the late 60s, in a few locations, this Mexican restaurant provided you the best entertainment while you munched n snacks.
It had its branches in Oklahoma, Tulsa, and Lakewood, Colorado. At present day, there is just one outlet left and that too in Lakewood but under a different name.
Kenny Rogers Roasters
Kenny Rogers Roasters opened its first restaurant in 1991 in Coral Springs, Florida. Within 4 years, they had their branches open over 350 locations and the credit for its popularity goes to a Seinfeld episode.
However, all the branches of this food chain were shut down in the U.S. by 2011. However, the chain is still very much functional in different parts of Asia. There are still 156 outlets opened worldwide.
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses
We have all heard about the television series Bonanza. These restaurants were derived from the idea of the show. The menu had different options like steaks, seafood, and chicken entrees and all of this came with a side buffet.
They were set up in 600 different locations but then the owner sold off the business. Now both names are under one company and have just 20 outlets.
Royal Castle
If you want that mom and pop vibe, this is your go-to place. Yes, you can still get that at one location and that is Miami. Royal Castle was known for its mini hamburger with a motto, “Fit for a king”. It started off with Miami, Florida and then went on to spread in areas such as Georgia, Ohio, and Louisiana.
They were spread in 175 locations and their service was something you can’t find these days. So, you are still in luck because of their one outlet.
Pup ‘N’ Taco
This food chain started in Southern California and had the best tacos, hot dogs, and pastrami sandwiches. The very first branch opened up in 1965 in Pasadena and within 8 years, there were 62 outlets just in the States.
This restaurant was at all the prime locations and it attracted customers but not enough. The company couldn’t bear the real estate prices and ended up selling it to Taco Bell in 1984.
G. D. Ritzy’s
G. D. Ritzy’s tasted like nostalgia. If you wanted to revisit the 50s, this place gave you the exact vibe. Started in 1980 by an ex-executive of Wendy’s, Graydon Webb, Ritzy’s was a place that was a luxury grill with 50s diner feel.
They even offered homemade ice cream but their 120 locations came down to three in no time. By 1991, they had liquidated their assets.
Valle’s Steak House
This one was a revolution for its time. The restaurant was opened up by Donald Valle in 1933 and they offered famous surf and turf meals at a low price.
Throughout the 70s era, they expand and opened numerous branches. The restaurant was expanding but the downfall of this food chain was not far away. The prices of oil increased and the economical problems were on high. In 2000, they closed the doors of the last outlet in Portland, Oregon.
