12 Restaurant Chains from the ’80s That Quietly Shut Down
These once-bustling restaurant chains were ‘80s icons; now, they’ve faded into quiet oblivion.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1980s were booming with food revolutions. Many restaurant chains soared during that decade, becoming regular family hangouts, only to disappear without much fanfare. Here’s a nostalgic look back at 12 chains that once ruled the dining scene but eventually closed their doors for good.
1. Bennigan’s
Phillip Pessar on Flickr
This Irish-themed casual chain was once a go-to for loaded potato skins and big burgers. However, overexpansion and financial missteps led to a sudden collapse in the late 2000s.
2. Chi-Chi’s
Nicholas Eckhart on Wikimedia Commons
Known for its chimichangas and giant margaritas, Chi-Chi’s brought Mexican food to middle America. A deadly hepatitis outbreak in 2003 was the final blow to an already struggling brand.
3. Rax Roast Beef
Dan Keck on Wikimedia Commons
Rax tried to be a fancier Arby’s with salad bars and more upscale décor. Unfortunately, confusing branding and rapid growth killed its momentum.
4. Sambo’s
Steven Miller on Flickr
A controversial name and outdated theme sealed this pancake house chain’s fate. Despite once having over 1,100 locations, public pressure led to rebranding or closure.
5. Steak and Ale
Net on Flickr
This steakhouse offered affordable cuts in a Tudor-style setting, complete with salad bars and dim lighting. It was a hit with boomers, but changing tastes and competition led to its downfall.
6. Red Barn
Gerry Dincher on Flickr
Famous for its barn-shaped buildings and “Big Barney” burgers, Red Barn had a loyal fan base. However, poor management decisions and buyouts slowly dissolved the brand by the end of the ’80s.
7. Gino’s Hamburgers
Thiago Diniz on Pexels
This chain co-owned by NFL legend Gino Marchetti once rivaled McDonald’s in popularity on the East Coast. Known for its combo of fast food and fried chicken, it eventually lost ground to bigger players.
8. Horn & Hardart
Brecht Bug on Flickr
The original automat experience—meals served from vending-style compartments. Its once futuristic concept was perfect for the fast-paced city lifestyle, but modern fast food outpaced it.
9. Mr. Steak
Wystan on Wikimedia Commons
A budget-friendly steakhouse chain that peaked in the ‘70s and limped into the ‘80s. Stiff competition and poor marketing led to a quick fade-out.
10. Lum’s
Phillip Pessar on WIkimedia Commons
Originally famous for hot dogs steamed in beer, Lum’s expanded rapidly during the ‘60s and ‘70s. Changing tastes and ownership shifts in the ‘80s caused its slow unraveling.
11. Wag’s
Jason Leung on Unsplash
Walgreen’s answer to Denny’s, this diner-style chain served up breakfast all day and hearty American classics. It never quite found its niche and was sold off in the late ‘80s.
12. All-Star Café
steviep187 on Flickr
Planet Hollywood launched this sports-themed restaurant with numerous athlete endorsements. Despite the star power, it couldn’t maintain momentum beyond the novelty.