Restaurant franchises have significantly influenced American consumer culture over the past few decades. Highway and mall sites are dominated by chains like Outback, Friday’s, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Red Robin, and others. But it seems like there are innumerable failed chains for every success tale. While some of the now-defunct restaurant franchises rose to tremendous heights before falling to the ground, others never really got off the ground. Open the menu, take a seat, and let’s have a look at some renowned restaurant chains that you might not even be aware of, as well as some that you might yet pass on your upcoming road trip.
Old Iconic Restaurant Chains Where Are They Now
Howard Johnson’s
The 1920s saw the establishment of the Howard Johnson’s firm, which expanded alongside American car culture. By the 1960s, American roadways were littered with more than 1,000 of the chain’s recognizable orange roofs. However, they vanished in a matter of a few short decades. The hotel division of the company was sold off, however it no longer has the iconic HoJo design features. The restaurants gradually closed down during this time. Only one Howard Johnson’s is still operating as of 2017.
Howard Johnson’s