Fast food chains have been part of American culture for a long time and they even spread around the world! While some seem to be here to stay such as McDonald's and KFC, others did not stick for as long.
Let's take a trip back in time!
Here are 15 restaurant chains that are no longer popular, but were loved by many.
1. Howard Johnson’s
According to Wikipedia : Howard Johnson's, or Howard Johnson by Wyndham, is an American chain of hotels and motels located primarily throughout the United States. It was also a chain of restaurants for over 90 years and widely known for that alone. Wikipedia
2. Chi-Chi’s
Chi-Chi's is a Mexican restaurant chain that left the United-States and Canada in 2004. It is still popular in Belgium, Austria, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. You might be able to find Chi-Chi's brand products in grocery stores if you are lucky!
3. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale was chain of casual steak restaurants, that unfortunately went bankrupt in 2008.
4. Burger Chef
Burger Chef was a rival of McDonald's that ceased its operations in 1996. They were the first to include toys with kids meals!
5. Big Boy
Big Boy is still operating in the Midwest and California, but was once popular all over America.
6. Bennigan’s
This chain closed many locations in 2008 and now there is only about 20 locations left. They are known for big screen TVs and their Irish pub theme.
7. Druther’s
This chain began as Burger Queen before changing its name to being a play on the word "druthers". There is only one Druther’s location left in Campbellsville, KY.
8. A&W
A&W is the perfect example of a comeback story! After almost going extinct, they are opening more locations! Do you remember their famous root beers?
9. Claudia Sanders
Claudia Sanders was the wife of Harlan Sanders, also known as Colonel Sanders from the famous KFC restaurants. There’s is only one Claudia Sanders left and is located in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
10. Minnie Pearl's Chicken
The famous country comedian opened a chain of fried chicken restaurants to compete with Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, after going public on the stock market, the venture collapsed amid allegations of accounting irregularities and stock price manipulation, according to Wikipedia.
11. Kenny Rogers Roasters
This chain of chicken-based restaurants was founded by country musician Kenny Rogers. The chain didn't last in the U.S. but is popular in Asia and Dubai.
12. Pup 'n' Taco
The menu of this chain included tacos, tostadas, pastrami sandwiches, burgers and several varieties of hot dog! A combination that didn't last.
13. Sambo’s
This chain was believed to be racist because of the connection the children’s story “Little Black Sambo.” The chain had sold most of its units and filed for bankruptcy protection by 1982.
14. White Tower
This chain was supposed to compete with White Castle. They couldn't even think of an original name! It closed in 2004.
15. Wimpy's
Wimpy's is chain loved by many of its burgers and delicious breakfast. While they are not as popular in the U.S. anymore, they are quite in demand overseas and especially South Africa.
Do you remember other chains you loved that are now gone?
