15 Forgotten Fast-Food Chains That Deserve a Comeback
These once-popular fast-food chains served delicious meals but disappeared before their time, leaving food lovers craving their return.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Fast food has always been a competitive business. Many beloved chains struggled to keep up despite loyal followings. Some had legendary flavors that bring back fond memories. Here are 15 forgotten fast-food restaurants that deserve a second chance.
1. Burger Chef
David E. Lucas on Wikimedia Commons
Once McDonald’s biggest rival, Burger Chef pioneered the build-your-own burger bar. Their flame-broiled patties and fun kids’ meals made them a favorite across America.
2. Gino’s Hamburgers
Moe Magners on Pexels
Founded by an NFL star, Gino’s combined great burgers with a love for sports. Their signature “Gino Giant” was an early competitor to the Big Mac.
3. Howard Johnson’s
alex lines on Wikimedia Commons
This iconic orange-roofed chain was once a highway staple, famous for fried clams and 28 flavors of ice cream. It started as a family-friendly roadside stop but struggled to adapt to modern fast-food trends.
4. Red Barn
Charlie Rapple on Flickr
With its barn-shaped buildings and oversized burgers, Red Barn was a quirky, fun place to grab a meal. It introduced some early innovations, like salad bars and self-service drinks.
5. Pup ‘N’ Taco
Daniel X. O’Neil on Flickr
This California-based chain served hot dogs, tacos, and pastrami sandwiches in a unique mix of flavors. In the 1980s, Taco Bell eventually bought out most locations, absorbing its customer base.
6. Sandy’s Drive-In
Jasperdo on Flickr
Originally a Midwestern alternative to McDonald’s, Sandy’s prided itself on quality ingredients at lower prices. The chain thrived in the ‘60s and ‘70s but eventually merged with Hardee’s.
7. Lum’s
Bob B. Brown on Wikimedia Commons
This Florida-based chain was famous for hot dogs steamed in beer and hearty sandwiches. At its peak, it had hundreds of locations, but financial troubles led to its demise.
8. Biff-Burger
Ali Dashti on Pexels
A pioneer of the broiled burger technique, Biff-Burger’s flame-kissed patties had a devoted following. Their secret sauce made them a standout, but aggressive competition caused their decline.
9. Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips
Nicholas Eckhart on Flickr
This chain brought British-style fish and chips to America and was once a seafood powerhouse. Its crispy, golden fillets were a hit, but rising costs and competition from bigger names like Long John Silver’s led to its downfall.
10. Henry’s Hamburgers
*Hajee on Flickr
Before McDonald’s dominated, Henry’s was one of the biggest burger joints in America. Their slogan, “A meal for a deal,” emphasized budget-friendly eats.
11. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Judgefloro on Flickr
Country music legend Kenny Rogers co-founded this chain, which specializes in rotisserie chicken with homestyle sides. It briefly gained fame after a feature in Seinfeld, but financial struggles led to its decline in the U.S.
12. Naugles
Christian Ziebarth on Flickr
A taco and burger fusion joint, Naugles was beloved for its late-night drive-thru and hearty Mexican-inspired meals. After merging with Del Taco, most locations disappeared, but devoted fans helped bring it back in a small way.
13. White Tower
RFParker2 on Wikimedia Commons
Often confused with White Castle, White Tower once had over 200 locations serving small, square hamburgers. Legal battles with White Castle hurt its expansion, and over time, the chain dwindled.
14. Chi-Chi’s
Nicholas Eckhart on Flickr
A staple for casual Mexican dining, Chi-Chi’s was known for its oversized margaritas and fried ice cream. A foodborne illness outbreak and financial struggles led to its exit from the U.S.
15. Roy Rogers Restaurants
Dpbsmith on Wikimedia Commons
Named after the famous cowboy, Roy Rogers served roast beef sandwiches, burgers, and fried chicken. Known for its fixings bar, which let customers customize their meals, it once had a strong East Coast presence.