One of America's first casual dining/sports-bar chains, Bennigan's often lagged behind similar concepts from contemporaries like Fridays, Applebee's, and Chili's. Little Tavern was a chain of charming, cottage-style restaurants that felt like a home away from home for many children of the '90s in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area. This is our formal thank you to DLites for being way ahead of its time. The chain not only included classic sports memorabilia and a menu of traditional bar food, but also hosted premieres and events with some of the top celebrities and sports figures in the world. Six decades after its start in the 1920s, Little Tavern had grown to nearly 40 locations. But tides quickly turned when other fast food restaurants started popping up. View More Replies. Recognizable by its A-frame buildings, it served a small menu of roast beef sandwiches, French fries, fried pies, and shakes. The chain's unique menu and distinctive glass-doored storefronts made it popular enough to support 400 locations at one point. The struggle is real. Cash flow problems forced the owners to sell the name to a bigger restaurant conglomerate in the late 90s, which seemed to help the bottom line for a while anyway. Some of the biggest celebrity athletes of the '90s were behind The Official All-Star Cafe. However, a rapid fall from success including failure to evolve and a controversy involving horse meat resulted in just one Henry's location being open today. Krystal bought them out in 1994, so the majority of Mighty Casey's got turned into Krystals instead. Town Square Cafe Magic Kingdom Before it was Tony's Town Square Restaurant, the restaurant at the start of Main Street, U.S.A., was simply known as Town Square Cafe. And if you want to host a '90s party today, you can still pick some up at Walmart. That's a far cry from its peak, but it's good to know that those biscuits are out there. Since the club closed in 1979, the space has remained vacant, and many of the original old art deco fixtures have been removed or damaged. In 1969, it was acquired by a Nashville Company, Performance Systems, but it didn't know quite how to run a restaurant business. Country singer Kenny Rogers ventured into the chicken business in 1991. For 33 years, this New York City family-owned, cafeteria-style institution served as a rallying point for hopeful politicians (both JFK and Ed Koch campaigned here), as well as a favorite dining destination for locals. Various outposts continued operating, but the last Mr. Steak had sizzled out by 2009. The small chain was known for its Club Burger (a precursor to the Big Mac) and its Looney Tunes drinking glasses that were part of a standard order with a large drink. There were nearly 90 worldwide during the chain's heyday in the mid-1990s, as The Telegraph reported. Far from it. But if you need to get your Henry's fix, you still can. There are also major chains of sit down restaurants like Outback Steakhouse, Chili's and many more. The chain was in business and doing well for 42 years, but when the pandemic hit, it basically put the notion of buffets on the chopping block. Marriott purchased the brand in 1982 and slowly turned the remaining Gino's stores into Roy Rogers restaurants. A former employee of Mr. Fables still owns the brands copyright, but so far, it remains in stasis. The hamburger joint was founded in 1959 when Colts captain Gino Marchetti joined forces with owners Joe Campanella, Louis Fisher, and Alan Ameche. And even though our bellies are filled with Big Macs, Whoppers, Extra Crispy Chicken, and Crunchwrap Supremes, wed like to take a moment to honor the fast food joints that have closed their doors once and for all. I am a '90s baby. Ah, the 1990s. 12 Casa Bonita Casa Bonita Denver/Facebook } My top three (almost a three-way tie) are: 1. Compaq. Leggys were 10 inches long, with legs that consisted of at least 75% of that. While Carrols locations became defunct around the '80s, the parent company is now the largest franchise owner of Burger Kings. By the early 1970s, financial issues forced them to sell to Hardee's. At one point, the chain changed its name to Druthers. Contact Vickki Dozier at (517) 267-1342 or vdozier@lsj.com. 11 years ago. "It's an experience you don't want to leave because you may not get back there real soon." Trader Vic's. The Polynesian-themed restaurant was in Seattle's Washington Plaza Hotel (now the Westin) and capitalized on the tiki-fad of the 1950s and 1960s. . 40 Closed Restaurant Chains We Wish Were Still Open By Eric Althoff and Michelle Nati, updated on November 11, 2022 groovyhistorypics / Instagram One of the most amazing things about America is its diversity of cuisine. The mega-bookstore started out with a single location in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and expanded to hundreds of locations throughout the U.S. during its 40-year run. Steak and Ale was a local hit, offering New York strip and herb-roasted prime rib for prices as low as the watts of the bulbs in its dimly-lit restaurants. Tropical Hut / Chicago, IL. How I Lost 10 Pounds For My High School Reunion, The History Of King Cake And The Plastic Baby. View more comments #4 . There are currently 15 Bennigan's restaurants in the U.S. and 18 in Mexico, South America and the Middle East. But after 24 years, the glamorous watering hole closed in 1995. Call us old-fashioned, but sometimes, you just want that fast-food experience. In the 2003 episode, Kyle excludes Cartman from his birthday dinner at the famed Mexican chain, and Cartman will stop at no lengths to get an invite. They were famous for their chicken and fish dishes, homemade salad dressings, and desserts. With help from his family, Wetanson opened the first Wetson's in 1959. However, while KFC flourished, Lum's popularity began to decrease. After all, who doesn't miss looking at the "famous" film props that adorned these restaurants and wondering, "What movie is that even from?". When Mr. DiMatteo passed away, his son and daughter sold the chain, and Dominick's quickly merged with other grocery brands. The Silver Grille was an elegant, 1930s Art Deco restaurant located on the 10th floor of the Higbee's department store on Public Square. The chain, which was owned by Planet Hollywood, first popped up in New York in 1995. Proprietor Robert L. Brock started the chain after he departed (were guessing with animosity) from Chuck E. Cheese. After starting as a small operation in Colorado Springs, the chain eventually grew to over 200 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. Ownership has changed hands a few more times in the past three decades, and now there are several dozen Roy Rogers locations. But for '90s kids, Bob's Big Boy had a very different significance. Come 1981, the corporation folded. As the Lansing State Journal reported, "There are no longer 39-cent menu items, but patrons can buy burgers, fries, and drinks for about $1." Penny's Diner of 12310 Winchester Road LaVale, MD 21502, a 1997 Starlite (#M4472 ), was moved to Low Moor, VA. Today, the total of both stands at under 20 across the country. What a career, right? It opened in 1921, selling radio supplies to ships, and evolved into a mail-order electronics store, as well as a retail operation. These 2023 Makeup Trends Are *Ev-er-y-thing*. Today, 14 Charlie Brown's locations still remain in New York and New Jersey. The chain of taquerias had by then expanded into New Mexico, where a few of the last operating Pups soldiered on bravely (and independently) after the chain shut down in 1984. For every In-N-Out success, theres an also-ran like Koo Koo Roo. Since it doesnt like its coming back for round two any time soon, we recommend you try our pretzel dog beer cheese dip ASAP. The electrical chain, founded in Southend, Essex, in 1937, closed in 2006. Get the best food tips and diet advice The highly controversial American restaurant chain became defunct in 1982. We feel ya, Terminator. Founded in 1978, there were more than 100 locations by 1985 but by 1987, it had sold 90 percent of its restaurants to Hardee's after ceasing to franchise in 1986 and filing for bankruptcy. Think: including operators of the restaurants owning their stores and not leasing from the corporation, and not being required to buy supplies from the corporation. Sorry, Kramer. The 50 Greatest Discontinued '90s Foods and Beverages. Planet Hollywoods popped up everywhere. restaurant reached chain status come 1976. Fashion Cafe in New York City gathered iconic models together, like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Elle MacPherson, and Claudia Schiffer to endorse it. In 1982, Hardee's bought the chain. At its height, there were more than 100 locations across the country. The ensuing expensive lawsuit forced the company to sell off many of its properties, which were rebranded as other restaurants. Sadly, in 2020, the pandemic-battered company announced . Sholl's Colonial Cafeteria ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen ShowBiz Pizza Place Signatures Restaurant Sisters Chicken & Biscuits - founded in 1979, this was Wendy's first attempt to expand beyond burgers [10] [11] [12] Soul Daddy Specialty Restaurant Group Steak and Ale Steve's Ice Cream It gained massive popularity (in part for its fluffy pancakes) and in the years to follow there would be a chain in 47 states. The Midwestern drive-through chain that began in 1984 grew to over 150 locations at its peak in the mid-1990s. In 1946, Olga and Tom Stavros opened a luncheonette called Mom and Pop's in Camden;. Heather DeLuca Updated: December 20, 2022. All Of Dunkin' Donuts' Iced Coffee Flavors, Ranked, These Vegetables Have The Lowest Carb Counts, Starbucks Introduces New Pistachio Cream Cold Brew, 1979: Cloud Club in New York City's Chrysler Building, Here's What Famous Food Network Chefs Are Doing. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); Adobo Grill Adriano's Italian Restaurant Alma Angellino's Angellino's Annie Moore Irish Pub Athanasios Greek Italian Cuisine Aunt Heidi's Italian Restaurant Avanzare Bad Ass Coffee Company . In addition to ethnic foods of all types, the U.S. has a history of self-founded restaurants. (194?-2016) Rapp's Restaurant / 602 W. Northwest Hwy. Sadly, the last storefront with the name closed in 1996. The remaining Seattle store shut its doors in 2012. If you put Canadian in the name of your restaurant, then the most sensible place to locate your franchises is in New York City and South Florida, right? WebThe Top Restaurants in the US by cuisine or features - Restaurants.com Top best restaurants Top Restaurants for Business Meetings in New York City From Michelin-starred restaurants to great budget options, New York City is considered one of the top culinary hotspots in the country, where you can find a bit of everything. If not, then you probably recall South Park's legendary take on the Mexican-themed restaurant chain. Sadly, the chain padlocked the doors of all its restaurants last October, as the business was unable to make things work in the new world ruled by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. College students and late-night drunk eats? Case in point: Married couple William and Nancy Galt got into the health-food craze well before it was cool even in California. Heap Big Beef was one of the first "Wild West" themed restaurants, but it also had a Native American theme that people today would see as culturally insensitive. All of ESPN Zone's nine locationsin Atlanta, Disneyland, Baltimore, Denver, Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.have closed. Googie's was one of the Upper East Side's best causal Italian spots and has been missed dearly since it closed in 2008. Originally founded in 1977 as a fast food bakery chain, the company grew to 140 locations across the US. In 1982, the company was sold to Marriott and used as a foothold to expand their chain, Roy Rogers. Carrols was an upstate New York favorite that people still reminisce about to this day. Unfortunately, though, that wasnt the reality for Doggie Diner. Long story short, the chain was bought and sold a few more times and officially shut its door in 2000. Yankee Doodle lasted for a few years, but all the restaurants were shuttered or converted to Baileys Restaurant & Bar by the end of the decade. Despite the taco specification in the chain's name, you had a much wider variety than simply tacos at Pup 'N' Tacos. But in 2011, Marble Slab and MaggieMoo's merged, and the MaggieMoo's brand was folded into Marble Slab locations. Fast food has always and will always have a special, special place in our hearts and our stomachs. RELATED: Sign up for our newsletter to get daily recipes and food news in your inbox! By the mid-1970s, however, the writing was on the wall. Bars you'd hit with friends until the lights came on and the bartender proclaimed 'last call!'. However, the franchise was bought by South Park creators and Colorado natives, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who have intentions of at least reviving the last casa in Lakewood. While the hotels still exist (the brand is owned by Wyndham), there is one and only one Howard Johnsons restaurant in Lake George, New York. Taco Bell hoped the creation would compete with offerings from big burger chains like McDonald's and Burger King, but it only lasted till the mid '90s thanks to diners' declining interest. What's Your State's Favorite Super Bowl Dip? But '90s kids in the New Jersey area knew there was no salad bar as delicious as the one at Charlie Brown's Steakhouse. Now we have Taco Bell, but way back when, Naugles was the place to get your Mexican food fix. Although Puck owns other locations of Spago, in 2001 the chef decided to close down the original, which had become an institution amongst Hollywood's heavy hitters. By 1986, Gino's was no longer in operation. But all is not lost. Gino's Hamburgers Football Hall of Famer Gino Marchetti opened the first Gino's Hamburgers in 1957, and by the 70s, he was able to boast over 300 locations. The restaurant was serving up roast beef sandwiches throughout the 1960s. Founded in 1933, Valle's Steak House saw huge expansion during the '60s by embracing the dining trend of leaning toward a menu full of steak and lobster. I used to love that as a kid,'" Roy Rogers co-president Jim Plamondon told Eater in 2017. Nautica was immensely popular throughout the '90s, but was sold in 2003 to VF Corporation, who also owns North Face, Vans, and several other brands. There were 10 locations at its height, but come 1974, the chain succumbed to the competition (otherwise known as McDonalds and Burger King). SaharaLee / Via reddit.com. Arlington Hts. You've hit your max! Some reports state that one of Geris founders was actually a former McDs corporate employee, which is why there were several similarities to Geris menu, look and design. In the late '70s, it was hard to find a theme restaurant that didn't do well, but by far the most inventive was Boston Sea Party. These Classic Restaurants No Longer Exist Jan 14, 2023 | Natasha Taylor . But there was a time in the not-too-distant past when Yankee Doodle Dandy was slinging some seriously addictive burgers throughout Chicagoland. Mercari/Fabiola Garcia. "It's not like if a sink is backed up, you can just call a plumber," he said to the newspaper. Good Earth was bought up by General Mills only a few years into the brands existence, and by the close of the millennium, Good Earth was no more. Where: 3117 21st St., Metairie CUVEE Closed: 2011 Formal and elegant. The last Little Tavern closed permanently back in 2008. Burger Chef spread across the United States faster than most restaurants. Beefsteak Charlie's commercials are famous for constantly plaguing viewers with their unlimited salad and shrimp barbut, unfortunately, after getting acquired in 1987, the restaurant slowly went out of business. Despite its tasty food, variety of cocktails, and a cozy interior, this locale struggled to draw in visitors during off-season months and ultimately closed its doors in 2001. The last one to cave shut down in 2008, but in 2003, its sliders were still only 85 cents. Doro wat, the berbere-red chicken stew, is now one of our food scene's biggest draws, but in the mid-'70sas many Ethiopians were fleeing their country's civil war and landing in neighborhoods like Adams Morganyou could find it at only one place: Mamma Desta. Mighty Caseys, which was started in Atlanta, GA, was a southern joint that served quality eats. See if you can remember these totally or nearly defunct chain restaurants from decades ago. The exclusive New York City bar, owned by Bernard Shor served steak and baked potatoes among other things, but the crowd was the real attraction. The chain was founded in 1952 and continued to grow over the years. But as Hollywood exited the golden era, so did the Brown Derby, and by 1987 all four locations were closed. Maybe the birch beer made up for the small portions? 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