1. A&W Restaurants
While A&W is more famous for its root beer than its fast food, the chain was once a staple in American dining. In the mid-20th century, A&W was a go-to for burgers, hot dogs, and creamy root beer floats. Though it’s no longer the powerhouse it used to be, with many locations closing down, A&W isn’t totally gone. In fact, there are still over 500 locations in operation today. Most of these are attached to gas stations or are co-branded with other chains like Long John Silver’s, but you can still find standalone restaurants scattered throughout the country. So, if you want a taste of old-school Americana, A&W’s got you covered.
2. Rax Roast Beef
If you grew up in the Midwest, you might remember Rax as a rival to Arby’s, serving up roast beef sandwiches and curly fries. At its peak in the 1980s, Rax had hundreds of locations across the U.S., but a series of financial missteps and unsuccessful rebranding attempts left the chain in a steep decline. Today, only a handful of Rax locations remain, mostly in Ohio. If you’re lucky enough to live near one, it’s a blast from the past where you can still enjoy their signature roast beef sandwiches, alongside a nostalgic salad bar that feels straight out of a time capsule.
3. Blimpie
In the sandwich wars, Blimpie was once a contender, especially during the ’80s and ’90s when it seemed to be everywhere. It was the go-to spot for sub sandwiches before Subway took over. Blimpie’s downfall came as larger chains like Subway and Quiznos grew in popularity. While it’s no longer the sandwich giant it once was, Blimpie still has a few hundred locations left—many tucked away in convenience stores or gas stations. If you spot one, don’t pass up the chance to relive the days of fresh-cut deli meats and classic sub sandwiches.
4. Hot ‘n Now
Hot ‘n Now had a simple mission: serve burgers fast and cheap. At its peak, this Michigan-based chain had over 100 locations, drawing in customers with its no-frills, drive-thru-only service. But as larger chains outpaced them, Hot ‘n Now slowly faded into obscurity. Today, only one location remains, in Sturgis, Michigan, and it’s a must-visit for anyone feeling nostalgic for the 1990s fast-food scene. This last Hot ‘n Now is something of a pilgrimage site for burger lovers who want to experience a little slice of fast-food history before it’s gone for good.
5. Roy Rogers
Roy Rogers was once a fast-food juggernaut, known for its mix of burgers, roast beef sandwiches, and fried chicken. At its peak, Roy Rogers had more than 600 locations, especially along the East Coast. But after a series of ownership changes and closures, it’s now a much smaller operation. Still, Roy Rogers lives on, with about 40 locations left, mostly in Maryland, Virginia, and surrounding states. If you’re in the area, you can stop by for a “holster” of fries and their famous Fixins Bar, where you can load up your sandwich with all the toppings your heart desires.
6. Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips
Arthur Treacher’s was once America’s go-to for British-style fish and chips. During the 1970s, it was one of the most popular fast-food chains, with hundreds of locations nationwide. But fast forward to today, and there are only a handful of Arthur Treacher’s left, mostly in Ohio. If you crave crispy battered fish, hush puppies, and a side of nostalgia, visiting one of these last remaining spots will take you back to the heyday of fast-food fish dinners.
7. Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers is still hanging on, though it’s a shadow of its former self. Known for its customizable burgers and self-serve toppings bar, Fuddruckers once had hundreds of locations across the U.S. But after filing for bankruptcy in 2020, many of its restaurants closed for good. There are still about 90 Fuddruckers locations left, so if you’re craving a burger you can build yourself, this is one chain that hasn’t completely disappeared just yet.
8. Kenny Rogers Roasters
You might remember Kenny Rogers Roasters thanks to a Seinfeld episode, but this rotisserie chicken chain was a real contender in the ’90s. Known for its healthier options compared to fried chicken joints, Kenny Rogers Roasters once had hundreds of locations across the U.S. However, after it went bankrupt in 1998, the chain all but disappeared from the American fast-food scene. That said, there are still a few locations in the U.S., and the brand lives on in Asia, where it’s surprisingly popular.
9. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale was a slightly more upscale fast-food option in the 1970s and ‘80s, famous for its affordable steak dinners and cozy, tavern-like atmosphere. At its height, it was a go-to spot for families looking to have a “fancy” dinner out. Unfortunately, the chain went bankrupt in 2008, and most of its locations closed. But Steak and Ale isn’t completely dead yet! There’s one last location hanging on in Texas, where you can still enjoy a classic steak dinner at nostalgic prices.
10. Checkers and Rally’s
Although Checkers and Rally’s aren’t technically defunct, the chains have merged into one entity that feels like a ghost from the past. Known for their double drive-thrus and seasoned fries, Checkers and Rally’s were huge in the ‘90s but have since quietly slipped from the mainstream. While there are still around 900 locations left, it feels like Checkers and Rally’s has disappeared from the spotlight, making it a regional gem if you happen to live near one.
11. Taco Tico
If you’ve never heard of Taco Tico, you’re not alone. This fast-food Mexican chain was once a regional hit, especially in the Midwest and South, where it served tacos, burritos, and enchiladas to hungry customers. But after a slow decline, most of the original locations closed. However, a few Taco Tico spots still exist, mainly in Kansas and Oklahoma. If you’re in the area and craving some old-school fast-food tacos, Taco Tico is the place to go.
12. Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits
Once a popular Southern fast-food chain, Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits was known for its fried chicken and flaky biscuits. In the 1980s, there were more than 200 locations, but after financial trouble hit, most of them were shuttered. Today, only a handful of Mrs. Winner’s remain, mostly in Georgia and North Carolina. If you’re in the South and craving some comfort food, this is one defunct chain worth seeking out.
13. Naugles
Naugles was a Mexican fast-food chain that had a cult following in the 1970s and ‘80s, particularly in California. Known for its late-night hours and simple, delicious tacos, Naugles was beloved by its fans. The chain merged with Del Taco in the 1990s and slowly disappeared. But Naugles made a comeback! A few revival locations have opened in Southern California, keeping the brand alive for old-school fans and newcomers alike.
