Restaurant franchises have shaped American consumer culture for decades, with names like Outback and Chili’s becoming household names across the country. Yet, staying relevant in the restaurant business is hard, and for every successful restaurant, numerous ventures have failed. Join us on a culinary trip down memory lane as we look at the once-beloved American food chains that haven’t lasted the test of time.
#1: Howard Johnson’s
Beginning in the 1920s and thriving during the heyday of American car culture, Howard Johnson’s burgeoned to over 1,000 restaurant and hotel locations by the 1960s. However, as societal shifts occurred, this once-prominent icon witnessed the closure of its restaurants, with only one solitary location remaining by 2017.
Meanwhile, its hotels transformed, shedding their signature appearance while retaining Howard Johnson’s name. This evolution reflects the changing landscape of American dining and hospitality, marking the end of an era for a brand once synonymous with roadside travel and family-friendly dining experiences.