12 Restaurant Chains from the Past You May Have Worked At
These once-thriving restaurant chains were staples of the American dining scene, but time hasn’t been kind to them.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Many restaurant chains that once dotted the country have faded into history. Whether you were flipping burgers, serving bottomless coffee, or dishing out all-you-can-eat buffets, these restaurants might bring back memories of paychecks. Let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with 12 restaurant chains that may have been your former workplace.
1. Howard Johnson’s
Wikimedia Commons
Once the king of roadside dining, Howard Johnson’s was famous for its fried clams, 28 flavors of ice cream, and bright orange roofs. Employees served generations of travelers looking for a comforting meal and a slice of Americana.
2. Steak and Ale
Xnatedawgx on Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1966, Steak and Ale set the standard for casual steakhouse dining, offering affordable filet mignon and a popular salad bar. Many employees enjoyed the laid-back yet professional atmosphere, but financial struggles led to its demise in 2008.
3. Chi-Chi’s
Nicholas Eckhart on Wikimedia Commons
If you worked at Chi-Chi’s, you probably remember its massive chimichangas and festive margaritas. This Mexican restaurant chain thrived in the ‘80s and ‘90s but suffered a massive downfall after a hepatitis A outbreak in 2003.
4. Sambo’s
Antandrus on Wikimedia Commons
A controversial name and theme overshadowed Sambo’s successful run as a 24-hour diner chain. Employees served pancakes and coffee to late-night crowds until public pressure and financial troubles forced most locations to close by the 1980s.
5. Red Barn
Kent Kanouse on Flickr
This quirky burger chain stood out with its barn-shaped buildings and signature “Big Barney” burger. Workers enjoyed the casual fast-food environment, but corporate changes led to a steady decline.
6. Lum’s
David E. Lucas on Wikimedia Commons
If you ever steamed hot dogs in beer at work, you might have been at Lum’s. This family-friendly chain gained popularity in the mid-20th century but couldn’t keep up with bigger fast-food competitors
7. Gino’s Hamburgers
Valeria Boltneva on Pexels
Known for its burgers, chicken, and sports tie-ins, Gino’s Hamburgers was a favorite hangout for hungry crowds. Employees churned out meals quickly, but shifting trends led to its decline in the 1980s.
8. Burger Chef
David E. Lucas on Wikimedia Commons
Before McDonald’s ruled the fast-food world, Burger Chef was a serious competitor, pioneering combo meals and flame-broiled burgers. Workers kept up with the fast pace, but corporate shake-ups led to its absorption by Hardee’s in the 1980s.
9. Mister Donut
玄史生 on Wikimedia Commons
If you were making fresh donuts at the crack of dawn, you might have worked at Mister Donut. This chain was Dunkin’s biggest rival until the 1990s, when most U.S. locations were converted or closed.
10. Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips
Wikimedia Commons
Once a go-to spot for crispy fried fish and thick-cut fries, Arthur Treacher’s was a popular alternative to burgers and pizza. Employees spent hours battering fish and scooping coleslaw, but the brand struggled against fast-food giants.
11. Bob’s Big Boy
Junkyardsparkle on Wikimedia Commons
Bob’s Big Boy was a staple for burgers, shakes, and curbside service. Its chubby mascot stood tall outside locations. If you have worked there, you will probably remember its famous double-decker burger and lively dining atmosphere.
12. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Judgefloro on Wikimedia Commons
Country music legend Kenny Rogers launched this chain, serving rotisserie chicken and Southern-style sides. Employees were busy seasoning chickens and handling the ever-popular cornbread muffins, but financial troubles caused its U.S. presence to fade by the early 2000s.