15 Fast Food Chains from the ’80s That No Longer Exist

These 15 fast food chains were once popular in the 1980s but have since shut down or nearly disappeared.

Sophia Zapanta
May 19, 2025
5 min read

15 Fast Food Chains from the ’80s That No Longer Exist — Maksim Romashkin on Pexels

The 1980s saw a wide range of fast food chains that attracted loyal customers across the United States. Some closed due to poor management, health issues, or stronger competitors. This list looks back at 15 chains that were once well-known but are now gone or nearly extinct.

1. Burger Chef

John Margolies on Wikimedia Commons

Burger Chef started in the 1950s and was once one of McDonald’s biggest competitors. It introduced innovations like the Funmeal, which was a precursor to the Happy Meal. The company expanded quickly but faced legal challenges and inconsistent management. Hardee’s bought the remaining locations in the early 1980s and phased out the brand.

2. Chi-Chi’s

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Chi-Chi’s was founded in 1975 and became one of the largest Mexican restaurant chains in the United States. It was popular in the 1980s for its large portions and festive atmosphere. The company struggled financially in the 1990s and filed for bankruptcy in 2003. A hepatitis A outbreak that same year led to the closure of all U.S. locations.

3. Howard Johnson’s Restaurants

Curt Teich & Co. on Wikimedia Commons

Howard Johnson’s operated both motels and full-service restaurants. In the 1980s, it was still known for its fried clams, ice cream, and family-style dining. As fast food chains grew in popularity, Howard Johnson’s lost market share. The last location closed in 2017 after years of slow decline.

4. Rax Roast Beef

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Rax was founded in the 1960s and expanded during the 1980s by offering roast beef sandwiches and salad bars. The brand attempted to rebrand itself multiple times, which confused customers. It lost ground to competitors like Arby’s and Wendy’s. Most locations closed, and only a few remain today in the Midwest.

5. Pup ‘N’ Taco

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Pup ‘N’ Taco began in California and offered a menu of tacos, hot dogs, and burgers. The chain had over 100 locations at its peak. In 1984, Taco Bell acquired most of its restaurants. After the purchase, the Pup ‘N’ Taco brand was discontinued.

6. Gino’s Hamburgers

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Gino’s was co-founded by NFL player Gino Marchetti and served burgers and Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was mostly located on the East Coast. In the early 1980s, the Marriott Corporation bought the company and merged it with Roy Rogers. Gino’s locations were either closed or rebranded shortly after.

7. Steak and Ale

Steak and Ale on Wikimedia Commons

Steak and Ale was created in 1966 and grew quickly in the 1970s and 1980s. It offered affordable steak dinners in a casual setting. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2008 after years of declining sales. All remaining locations were closed after the filing.

8. Red Barn

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Red Barn was founded in the 1960s and had a distinct barn-shaped building design. It served burgers, fried chicken, and fish. The chain changed ownership several times, and expansion slowed by the 1980s. Most locations were closed or converted to other restaurants by the mid-1980s.

9. Sambo’s

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Sambo’s was a national breakfast chain with hundreds of locations at its peak. The name and branding were based on a 19th-century book, which drew increasing criticism. Public pressure led to protests and a sharp decline in business. Most locations either rebranded or closed by the late 1980s.

10. Bennigan’s

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Bennigan’s was founded in 1976 as an Irish-American casual dining chain. It became well-known in the 1980s for its bar food and large menu. The parent company filed for bankruptcy in 2008, which resulted in many franchise closures. Some locations still operate today under different ownership.

11. Yum Yum Tree

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Yum Yum Tree was a buffet-style restaurant chain known for its family-friendly setup. It was often found in shopping malls or near suburban centers. The chain started to decline in the late 1980s as consumer tastes shifted toward fast-casual dining. Most of its locations were closed or sold off by the 1990s.

12. Druther’s

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Originally called Burger Queen, the chain rebranded as Druther’s in 1981. It offered a menu of burgers, fried chicken, and breakfast items. The company was based in Kentucky and had a strong regional presence. Most locations were sold to Dairy Queen in the late 1980s.

13. All-American Burger

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All-American Burger was based in California and gained national attention from its appearance in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The chain had a traditional burger and fries menu. It was popular locally but did not expand outside its region. By the early 1990s, all locations had closed.

14. Wag’s

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Wag’s was started by Walgreens as a 24-hour diner-style restaurant. It offered typical diner food such as pancakes, sandwiches, and coffee. Walgreens exited the restaurant business in the late 1980s. The chain was sold and eventually shut down by the early 1990s.

15. Henry’s Hamburgers

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Henry’s started in the 1950s and had over 200 locations at its peak. It was known for its low prices and basic burger menu. The company failed to keep up with growing competition from McDonald’s and Burger King. By the late 1980s, almost all locations had closed, and only one survives today.