1. Howard Johnson’s
Once America’s roadside darling, Howard Johnson’s was a staple for travelers. Known for its orange roofs and classic comfort food, it thrived in the mid-20th century. But as fast food chains grew, HoJo’s struggled to stay relevant. By the 2000s, it couldn’t compete, and the remaining locations quietly shuttered.
2. Chi-Chi’s
Chi-Chi’s was synonymous with Mexican-American food in the ’80s and ’90s. Who didn’t love their chimichangas and bottomless chips? Unfortunately, a devastating Hepatitis A outbreak tied to their green onions in 2003 damaged their reputation beyond repair. Coupled with declining sales, the chain went under, leaving fans longing for one more sopapilla.
3. Bennigan’s
Bennigan’s was the ultimate casual dining spot for a while, serving up hearty Irish-American pub fare. Unfortunately, the chain filed for bankruptcy in 2008, brought down by the Great Recession and tough competition. A few locations still exist, but it’s a shadow of its former glory.
4. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale was a pioneer in the upscale casual dining category, offering affordable steak dinners and a rustic atmosphere. It was huge in the ‘70s and ‘80s but couldn’t keep up with more modern competitors. Parent company Metromedia filed for bankruptcy in 2008, taking Steak and Ale with it.
5. Friendly’s (Most Locations)
Friendly’s was famous for its ice cream and family-friendly vibe. But as times changed, their old-fashioned dining model didn’t evolve. Financial troubles led to multiple closures and bankruptcy filings, with most locations shutting down in recent years. While a few still linger, it’s no longer a household name.
6. Boston Market
Boston Market introduced America to rotisserie chicken as fast food. It exploded in the ‘90s but over-expanded and couldn’t maintain the quality or appeal it was known for. The chain downsized drastically, and while some locations remain, many cities lost theirs years ago.
7. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Thanks to its country music superstar namesake, Kenny Rogers Roasters became famous for its rotisserie chicken and catchy jingles. However, poor management and stiff competition led to its demise in the U.S. You can still find locations overseas, but stateside, it’s a nostalgic memory.
8. Sbarro (in Malls)
Sbarro once ruled mall food courts with its New York-style pizza slices and pasta. But with the decline of shopping malls and changing consumer preferences, many locations closed. Though Sbarro hasn’t vanished entirely, it’s far less prominent than it was in its heyday.
9. Sweet Tomatoes (or Souplantation)
Sweet Tomatoes offered a healthier buffet option with salads and soups, but the pandemic hit buffets hard. Unable to adapt to takeout-focused dining, the chain closed all locations in 2020, leaving health-conscious diners heartbroken.
10. Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse
These sister steakhouses were known for their buffet-style dining and affordable prices. But changing dining trends and a focus on quality over quantity led to a slow decline. Today, only a handful of locations exist, mostly in small towns.
11. Fuddruckers
Fuddruckers built its brand on customizable burgers and a fun, retro vibe. But mounting competition from gourmet burger chains and declining interest in its DIY model led to widespread closures. While a few franchise locations remain, it’s mostly gone from American suburbs.
12. Shoney’s (Most Locations)
Shoney’s was once a cornerstone of family dining, serving hearty breakfasts and comfort food. But over time, it failed to modernize its menu or atmosphere. Many locations closed in the 2000s, and while a few exist, it’s a far cry from its former reach.
13. Rainforest Cafe (in Many Cities)
Rainforest Cafe wasn’t just a restaurant; it was an experience with animatronic animals and thunderstorm sound effects. However, its novelty wore off, and high operational costs led to closures in many markets. Only a handful remain in tourist-heavy areas.
14. Ground Round
Ground Round offered family-friendly dining with a twist—peanuts on the floor and a casual vibe. But mismanagement and the rise of other family chains like Applebee’s and Chili’s pushed it out of favor. It disappeared almost entirely in the early 2000s.
15. Sambo’s
Sambo’s thrived in the ’50s and ’60s, serving classic American diner food. But its name and branding, which carried racist undertones, became increasingly controversial. By the ‘80s, public backlash forced it out of business, and the last location rebranded under a new name.
It’s always bittersweet to remember these chains—once loved but now gone. They remind us how quickly tastes and trends can change in the dining world.
