1. Howard Johnson’s
Howard Johnson’s was a quintessential part of the American dining experience, especially in the ’60s and ’70s. Known for its orange roofs and iconic 28 flavors of ice cream, it was the go-to place for families on road trips. The restaurant chain was a fixture in the hearts of many, offering a comforting sense of familiarity. The fried clams and hot dogs were a hit, and their breakfasts were considered some of the best for a quick and satisfying meal.
Unfortunately, the rise of fast food chains like McDonald’s and a shift in dining trends caused Howard Johnson’s to fall out of favor shares Yahoo. Its appeal slowly faded as diners looked for something faster or more trendy. Despite efforts to revamp the brand, the chain couldn’t regain its footing. Today, only a few remnants of the once-iconic orange roofs remain, with Howard Johnson’s firmly placed in the annals of dining history.
2. Chi-Chi’s
Remember when Chi-Chi’s was the place for Tex-Mex? In the ’80s and ’90s, it was the hot spot for anyone craving fajitas, tacos, and margaritas. The colorful decor, with its bold colors and festive vibe, created an atmosphere perfect for casual dining. The restaurant chain even had its own version of a Mexican fiesta with a selection of cocktails that became legendary in their own right says CBS News.
Sadly, Chi-Chi’s couldn’t survive the changing tastes of American consumers. A salmonella outbreak in the early 2000s did significant damage to the brand, and it wasn’t able to recover. The chain closed its doors in the U.S., leaving behind memories of sizzling platters and nachos with that perfect cheesy topping. While some Chi-Chi’s locations still exist overseas, the original chain is no longer a part of the American dining scene.
3. Red Barn
Red Barn was a regional favorite that brought fast food with a bit of a twist. Known for its “Big Barney” burger and its unique barn-shaped buildings, it was a familiar sight for anyone cruising down a highway. Red Barn was a popular choice for those who wanted to sit down for a meal that felt like a step up from a traditional drive-thru, yet still quick and affordable. The red and white color scheme became synonymous with good food served fast says What Now.
However, the chain couldn’t quite keep up with the competition as fast food giants like McDonald’s and Burger King became dominant forces. Over the years, most of the locations were either closed or rebranded. By the late ’80s, Red Barn had disappeared from the landscape, leaving behind fond memories of those drive-thru Barn-burger meals.
4. Ponderosa Steakhouse
Ponderosa Steakhouse was a beloved chain for anyone looking for a hearty, all-you-can-eat experience in the ’70s and ’80s. The buffet-style dining was perfect for families and large groups, offering a wide variety of dishes from steaks to fried chicken, and everything in between. The steakhouse also featured an endless salad bar, which was a treat for those looking to enjoy a fresh, crisp start to their meal.
Despite its popularity for a long time, Ponderosa couldn’t keep up with changing dining preferences. The rise of more specialized steak and buffet chains contributed to its downfall. As competition grew, the chain slowly closed its doors, leaving a nostalgic gap for those who remembered the satisfying, filling meals. Today, only a handful of Ponderosa locations remain, a shadow of the once-bustling steakhouse chain.
5. Bonanza Steakhouse
Bonanza Steakhouse was another beloved chain for steak lovers in the ’70s and ’80s. It prided itself on offering affordable, hearty meals in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Much like Ponderosa, Bonanza was known for its buffet of meats, potatoes, and vegetables, making it the perfect spot for those looking to satisfy a large appetite without breaking the bank. Its signature steaks were cooked to order, and the casual atmosphere made it easy for families to enjoy a meal together.
However, the rise of newer dining options and competition from chains like Golden Corral led to Bonanza’s decline. Over the years, many of its locations closed, and by the ’90s, Bonanza was no longer a major player in the restaurant scene. Today, its name is mostly a memory, with only a few franchises holding on to the original concept.
6. Sizzler
Sizzler was a household name in the ’80s, particularly for those who enjoyed an affordable steak dinner. The chain offered a signature all-you-can-eat salad bar, which became a huge draw for people who loved variety with their meal. For many families, Sizzler was a treat, offering a wide selection of meals like steak, shrimp, and pasta at reasonable prices. The chain’s tagline, “It’s your way at Sizzler,” made it clear that diners could customize their meals to suit their tastes.
As time went on, however, Sizzler found itself squeezed by the rise of fast-casual dining and buffet-style chains. The chain’s old-school appeal started to wane, and with it came a series of store closures. Although some Sizzler locations still exist today, the once-famous restaurant is now a shadow of what it once was in its prime.
7. Tastee Freez
Tastee Freez was a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the ’50s and ’60s. The chain’s simple menu, centered around soft serve ice cream and burgers, was a perfect treat for those looking for a quick snack on a hot day. With its classic drive-in setup, it was the ultimate spot to grab an ice cream cone or a quick bite with friends. The creamy, delicious ice cream with a variety of toppings became a symbol of summer for generations.
Unfortunately, the rise of larger fast food chains pushed Tastee Freez into obscurity. As other places offered more extensive menus and faster service, Tastee Freez’s niche began to shrink. Today, there are only a handful of remaining Tastee Freez locations, and the brand’s iconic presence is largely a memory for those who remember it fondly.
8. Shoney’s
Shoney’s was a staple of Southern and Midwest dining for decades, offering a little bit of everything on its buffet-style menu. Known for its breakfast items, burgers, and massive salad bars, it was a family-friendly chain where you could enjoy a filling meal without the high cost. Shoney’s also had a signature item: its hot fudge cake, which became a go-to dessert for those looking for a sweet ending to their meal.
Over time, the competition in the buffet-style and casual dining categories became too much for Shoney’s to handle. The chain began to close down locations, and its influence started to dwindle. While it once had a large presence, especially in the Southeast, Shoney’s now has a much smaller footprint and is no longer the iconic chain it once was.
9. The Ground Round
The Ground Round offered a casual dining experience with an atmosphere perfect for families and groups in the ’70s and ’80s. It was known for its relaxed vibe, where diners could enjoy a drink at the bar or a hearty meal in a comfortable setting. The menu was diverse, offering burgers, steaks, and seafood, all served up with generous portions. The chain’s famous “all-you-can-eat popcorn” became a signature touch that guests looked forward to with every visit.
Despite its popularity at the time, The Ground Round struggled to maintain relevance in the face of changing dining trends. The rise of more specialized dining options and a shift in consumer preferences led to its slow decline. Today, The Ground Round is virtually non-existent, with only a few locations left, leaving behind memories of casual nights out.
10. Friendly’s
Friendly’s was a beloved chain known for its classic diner-style food and irresistible ice cream sundaes. The chain’s long history made it a favorite for families, offering everything from burgers and fries to mouth-watering milkshakes. Its ice cream was especially famous, with flavors like “Fribble” becoming synonymous with the brand. For many, Friendly’s was the place to go for a casual, nostalgic meal, and it offered a welcoming atmosphere.
As times changed, Friendly’s found itself in a tough spot, facing competition from larger chains and a shift toward faster dining experiences. Despite a valiant attempt to modernize, the brand couldn’t recover from a series of financial struggles. Today, only a few Friendly’s locations remain, and the restaurant chain has faded into history, though it’s still fondly remembered.
11. Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers was once a favorite fast-food chain, known for its hearty burgers, crispy fried chicken, and signature sauces. The chain’s unique offering of both fried chicken and fast food made it stand out, and its Western-themed restaurants created a fun atmosphere for families. The “double R Bar” burger was one of the standout items on the menu, and many remember the fast-food joint for its satisfying meals and friendly service.
Unfortunately, Roy Rogers couldn’t compete with the expansion of major chains like McDonald’s and Burger King. As the restaurant’s footprint shrank, it was eventually sold to a different parent company. While a few locations still exist today, Roy Rogers’ heyday is long gone, and its name is now mostly tied to nostalgia.
12. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour was a must-visit for anyone who wanted to indulge in both delicious ice cream and a unique dining experience. Its over-the-top, circus-themed atmosphere was a hit with kids and families alike, and the ice cream sundaes served in massive bowls were legendary. Farrell’s became famous for its “Zoo” sundae, a gigantic ice cream dish that could feed a small army.
Sadly, the chain’s extravagant approach couldn’t keep it afloat in a changing market. The cost of operating such a large and elaborate setting combined with rising competition led to its closure. Today, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour is remembered fondly by those who grew up with it, though its once-ubiquitous presence is gone.
13. Spaghetti Warehouse
Spaghetti Warehouse was a beloved Italian-American restaurant that served hearty pasta dishes and signature breads. It became a staple for those craving comfort food, and its “Spaghetti a la Carte” specials were perfect for families or large groups. With its nostalgic décor and charming atmosphere, it quickly became a favorite for anyone in the mood for a big bowl of pasta.
However, Spaghetti Warehouse couldn’t keep up with changing dining preferences, and many of its locations closed over time. Despite a loyal following, the chain struggled to compete with newer, more trendy Italian restaurants. Today, only a few Spaghetti Warehouse locations still exist, and the brand has largely faded from the dining scene.
14. Gino’s
Gino’s was once a regional favorite in the Northeast, especially famous for its pizza and Italian-American cuisine. With locations in several states, it became known for its hot, cheesy pizza and tasty subs. Its simple, straightforward menu was perfect for those looking for a filling meal without fuss. For many, Gino’s was the pizza place to go when craving a delicious, no-frills meal.
Unfortunately, Gino’s couldn’t survive the changing restaurant landscape. As competition increased and dining preferences evolved, Gino’s locations closed, and the brand faded away. Today, Gino’s is a piece of history, remembered fondly by those who grew up with its pizza and sandwiches.
15. Cici’s Pizza
Cici’s Pizza was a beloved buffet chain in the ’90s, known for its all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar. It was the go-to spot for pizza lovers, offering a wide variety of pies to satisfy any craving. Cici’s was popular with families and large groups, who could enjoy a casual, affordable meal together. The chain’s concept of offering multiple pizza options at a flat rate made it an attractive choice for budget-conscious diners.
However, as the buffet dining trend began to fade and competition grew from other pizza chains, Cici’s started to decline. Many locations were closed, and the chain’s former popularity slowly faded. Today, only a few Cici’s Pizza restaurants remain, serving a different audience than the one that once flocked to its buffet tables.