15 Restaurant Chains We Miss From the ’80s
Many restaurant chains that were popular in the 1980s have closed, but they are still remembered by people who once enjoyed them.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1980s were a strong period for restaurant chains in the United States, offering new dining styles and family-friendly experiences. Some chains grew quickly but later struggled with financial problems, cultural changes, or stronger competition. While most have disappeared, they remain part of dining history and are recalled with nostalgia.
1. Chi-Chi’s
Nostaljack on Wikimedia Commons
Chi-Chi’s opened in 1975 and became a leading Mexican-style restaurant chain in the 1980s. It was known for its casual atmosphere, large portions, and popular salsa. The chain expanded quickly but faced food safety lawsuits and financial problems in the early 2000s. Today, the brand only survives in Europe, but it is remembered in the United States as a once-thriving chain.
2. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale on Wikimedia Commons
Steak and Ale was founded in 1966 and reached its peak in the 1980s. It offered affordable steak dinners in dimly lit dining rooms, accompanied by an unlimited salad bar. The chain was unable to adapt to newer dining trends and stronger competition. It closed most of its locations, although there have been attempts to revive the brand.
3. Bennigan’s
Jjdav on Wikimedia Commons
Bennigan’s began in 1976 and grew quickly during the 1980s and 1990s. It became known for casual American food, family meals, and an active bar scene. Financial problems and bankruptcy led to a large number of closures in the 2000s. A few locations remain, but the chain no longer has the national presence it once enjoyed.
4. Ground Round
Corey Coyle on Wikimedia Commons
Ground Round was founded in 1969 and became popular in the 1980s for its family-friendly dining. Restaurants featured free peanuts, cartoons on television, and casual American meals. Despite its popularity, the chain suffered from management changes and financial difficulties. Only a limited number of locations remain in operation today.
5. Ponderosa Steakhouse
Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouse on Wikimedia Commons
Ponderosa grew in popularity by offering steak dinners with an all-you-can-eat buffet. It was especially attractive to families who wanted affordable meals with variety. Competition and shifting customer preferences caused the brand to lose ground. Today, only a small number of locations remain, mainly outside the United States.
6. Sizzler
RegionalQueenslander on Wikimedia Commons
Sizzler became a well-known casual chain in the 1980s for its combination of affordable steak, seafood, and salad bars. It was one of the first restaurants to combine menu service with buffet-style dining. Over time, its appeal declined, and many U.S. locations were closed. Some restaurants still operate, but the chain is far smaller than in its prime.
7. Bob’s Big Boy
Junkyardsparkle on Wikimedia Commons
Bob’s Big Boy was founded in 1936 but was still prominent in the 1980s. It was recognized for its double-decker burger and its iconic mascot statue outside each restaurant. The chain has declined in size but still has locations in certain states. It remains part of American diner history even though it is no longer widespread.
8. Sambo’s
Antandrus on Wikimedia Commons
Sambo’s was once a nationwide breakfast and diner chain. Its name became increasingly controversial due to racial associations, which led to boycotts and public criticism. The company was unable to overcome the backlash, and most restaurants closed by the 1980s. The final restaurant using the name was rebranded in 2020.
9. Kenny Rogers Roasters
Larsdominic on Wikimedia Commons
Kenny Rogers Roasters opened in 1991 and gained popularity for its roasted chicken and side dishes. It was strongly promoted through its connection with country singer Kenny Rogers. The chain faced strong competition from KFC and Boston Market and gradually disappeared from the United States. It remains active in Asia, where it still has loyal customers.
10. Red Barn
Gary Rogers on Wikimedia Commons
Red Barn was founded in the 1960s and became recognizable for its barn-shaped buildings. It offered fast-food staples like hamburgers, fried chicken, and fish. Poor corporate management and buyouts led to its decline, and by the 1980s, most locations had closed. Fans still remember its distinct architecture and menu items.
11. Lum’s
Florida Memory on Wikimedia Commons
Lum’s was known for hot dogs steamed in beer and casual dining menus. It expanded quickly in the 1960s and 1970s but had already started to struggle by the 1980s. Ownership changes and poor business decisions led to closures. By the late 1980s, very few locations remained, and the brand eventually disappeared.
12. Howard Johnson’s
Curt Teich & Co. on Wikimedia Commons
Howard Johnson’s was once the largest restaurant chain in the United States, paired with its hotel business. It was known for its orange rooftops, ice cream, and family meals. In the 1980s, it faced growing competition from newer fast-food and casual dining brands. The final restaurant closed in 2017, marking the end of an era.
13. Beefsteak Charlie’s
Internet Archive Book Images on Wikimedia Commons
Beefsteak Charlie’s grew in the late 1970s and 1980s by promoting all-you-can-eat shrimp, salad, and free drinks. It became popular for its value-driven menus and advertising campaigns. Overexpansion and rising operating costs made the business unsustainable. Most locations closed by the early 1990s.
14. Pizza Haven
Seattle Municipal Archives on Wikimedia Commons
Pizza Haven began in Seattle in the 1950s and expanded regionally. It became a favorite spot for pizza and pasta during the 1980s. Larger chains such as Pizza Hut and Domino’s created strong competition that Pizza Haven could not match. The brand eventually disappeared, although it is still remembered in the Pacific Northwest.
15. York Steak House
York Steak House on Wikimedia Commons
York Steak House was founded in the 1960s and was widely present in shopping malls in the 1970s and 1980s. It offered affordable steak dinners in a cafeteria-style format. As mall traffic declined, the chain’s business model suffered. Only one York Steak House remains in operation today in Columbus, Ohio.