The Original “No Rules” Neighborhood Pub
Founded in 1969 by Howard Johnson’s, The Ground Round was created as a welcoming neighborhood pub for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
In its early days, the casual dining spot featured a focused, 12-item menu centered on high-quality burgers, classic snacks, and cold beer—each dish crafted with big flavor to keep guests coming back
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Patrons adored this quirky “No Rules” restaurant, which felt like a delightful free-for-all where one could kick back after a long day, chow down on something delicious with friends or family, and engage in hilariously animated conversations—because who wants to worry about proper table manners when you’re one dessert away from a food coma?
This unique concept not only fostered a sense of community but also laid the foundation for the brand’s continued growth and evolution over the years, ultimately becoming a beloved destination for those seeking a fun and enjoyable dining experience.
The Ground Round Beginnings
In 1969, in Massachusetts, nearly a decade before Chuck E. Cheese would modernize the arcade restaurant experience, The Ground Round opened its first location.
It appealed to adults and children alike thanks to its carnival-like atmosphere that was intended to be fun for parents and kids.
One of the most delightful and cherished experiences for guests was the enchanting, bottomless supply of complimentary unshelled peanuts gracing each table.
If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting, you surely remember how the lively servers would enthusiastically invite you to let the shells scatter freely on the floor—a joyful tradition that was so loveably embraced.
It was as if the very atmosphere was alive with the spirit of indulgence, and the floors, a canvas of crunchiness, were perpetually sprinkled with the remnants of carefree snacking.
Moreover, the restaurant would always have at least one big screen showing a slapstick silent comedy film.
And since there were no rules, it wasn’t even considered rude to fix your attention on the black-and-white films if that’s what you wanted to do.
Parents widely favored Ground Round
Parents loved this place because kids’ meals were priced at mere pennies, based on their “pay what you weigh” pricing.
It hosted children’s birthday parties to draw families in on the weekends, where it was common to find Bingo the Clown.
Trouble Begins to Brew
From an external perspective, the Ground Round projected a seemingly thriving business model. However, significant issues commenced behind the scenes following Marriott’s acquisition of Howard Johnson’s in 1979.
Over the next decade, they changed ownership four times before going public in 1991.
Even though the chain owned more than 200 locations by 1993 and had public capital infused into the business, Ground Round was still struggling.
Their business model, which was once considered novel, was more “passé” by this point.
In 1997, it was purchased by Massachusetts-based firm Boston Ventures at a rock-bottom price.
Most people had high hopes for the company because Tom Russo, former Howard Johnson’s President, was heading up the company.
The brand was putting in minimal investment into Ground Round but still expected franchisees to spend 2 percent of their sales on advertising.
Around the same time, Boston Ventures began selling off company-owned locations to try and repay over $26 million in debt.
By 2004, the company owed only $3.5 million but decided to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.
Their next move sent shockwaves across the nation as they closed every company-owned location on the Friday of Valentine’s weekend during the dinner rush.
Another Buyout & Modern Times
Following the Bankruptcy filing by Boston Ventures on February 13, 2004, a group of franchisees joined together to buy out the company.
At this time, the company’s official name was The Ground Round, Inc.
After its final sale, the company’s name was changed to Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative, LLC.
Today, The Ground Round is headquartered in Freeport, Maine.
The chain is still under ownership by the Independent Owners Coop, and they operate 15 locations, each with its own distinct menu, mostly in the Midwest and east.
Next time you’re near one, stop in and experience the delicious food, excellent value, and friendly atmosphere that has made them a beloved dining experience for more than 50 years!
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