Restaurants that no longer exist

What Happened to Bennigan’s?

What Happened to Bennigan’s? Founded in 1976, Bennigan’s has built its reputation on a simple yet powerful foundation: great food, genuine hospitality, and a friendly, inviting ambiance. The restaurant chain was established by Norman Brinker, a visionary in the casual dining sector. From its inception, Bennigan’s sought to offer an experience that was more than…

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Wendy’s Sunrooms – What Happened To Them?

Farewell to Wendy’s Sunrooms In the ever-evolving world of fast-food chains, Wendy’s has long been a beacon of innovation and adaptability. However, recent changes have left many patrons curious and nostalgic. One such change that has stirred conversation is the removal of sunrooms from Wendy’s restaurants. Let’s delve into the reasoning behind this decision and…

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Lone Star Steakhouse – The Rise and Fall

Lone Star Steakhouse: A Journey from Start to Finish Lone Star Steakhouse began its journey in 1989 with a sizzling ambition: to serve up delicious steaks in a Texas-style setting. Founded by Jamie Coulter and partners, it quickly became a favorite haunt for steak enthusiasts, offering a taste of the Lone Star State with every…

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Roy Rogers Restaurant

Saddle Up for a Taste of History In the vast landscape of American fast-food chains, there are few that hold the same nostalgic charm and enduring appeal as Roy Rogers Restaurants. Named after the iconic singing cowboy, Roy Rogers, this beloved chain has been serving up hearty meals with a side of western flair since…

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Pizza Hut – Back in the Day

What Happened to Pizza Hut? Yes, we all know that Pizza Hut is still serving pizza today, but this article will delve into the heartwarming nostalgia of what we cherished about the chain from the Good Ole Days! Don’t you yearn to revive those magical moments and bring them back? Time Machine Hop aboard our…

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Kenny Rogers Roasters – Good Chicken!

Kenny Rogers Roasters: A Legendary Dining Experience In the realm of iconic restaurants, Kenny Rogers Roasters stands out as a beacon of flavorful excellence. Established in 1991 by the country music legend Kenny Rogers himself, this restaurant chain has garnered a reputation for its succulent rotisserie chicken, mouthwatering side dishes, and warm hospitality. Let’s delve…

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Pizza Day at School – Who Remembers?

Celebrating Pizza Day in Schools: A Slice of Fun and Flavor Pizza Day in schools is a highly anticipated event that brings students, teachers, and staff together to savor the joy of this universally loved dish. Whether it’s a traditional cheese pizza, a meat-lover’s delight, or a veggie-packed creation, pizza has the power to unite…

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Steak and Ale – Bring them Back!

Steak and Ale, an American casual dining chain, declared bankruptcy in 2008. Legendary Restaurant Brands, LLC, the parent company of Bennigan’s, currently owns the brand, recipes, and intellectual property. Originally founded in Dallas, Texas, by Norman E. Brinker on February 26, 1966, the chain closed its remaining 58 locations in 2008 due to bankruptcy. The…

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Chi Chi’s Restaurants – What Happened?

What Happened to Chi Chi’s? CHi Chi’s Mexican Restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of many who fondly remember its vibrant atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and lively gatherings. While the restaurant chain is no longer as prevalent as it once was, the memories of its unique charm and flavorful dishes continue to linger. In…

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Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour

Farrell’s Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, established in 1963 in Portland, Oregon, was an American ice cream parlor and sandwich chain. The chain ceased operations after the closure of its final location in Brea, California, in 2019. Farrell’s History Founded in 1963 by Bob Farrell and Ken McCarthy in Portland, Oregon, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour gained…

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Kmart Deli Subs – We Loved Them

Kmart Subs: A Taste Sensation When it comes to satisfying your hunger with a delectable sandwich, Kmart Deli Subs shined as a hidden gem in the world of quick and tasty meals. Aside from being a tasty and affordable meal, these subs bring back so many wonderful memories of days gone by In this article,…

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Beefsteak Charlie’s

Beefsteak Charlie’s Beefsteak Charlie’s gained prominence as a renowned Manhattan restaurant in the early 20th century. Later, it evolved into a restaurant chain centered in the New York metropolitan area, expanding to over 60 locations by the early 1980s. Charles W. Chessar Charles W. Chessar, known as “Beefsteak Charlie,” earned his nickname from Howard Williams,…

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Chicken Delight

Don’t cook tonight, call Chicken Delight The current Chicken Delight operation is a descendant of a much larger chain. Founded in Illinois in 1952, the chain grew during the 1960s to over 1,000 locations. It was purchased in 1964 by Consolidated Foods. The jingle “Don’t cook tonight, call Chicken Delight,” emphasizing their delivery and take-out…

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Sambo’s Restaurants

All About Sambo’s Sambo’s decor featured artwork from the book, showcasing a dark-skinned boy, tigers, and a whimsical unicycle-riding figure known as “The Treefriend.” Despite starting with this imagery, by the early 1960s, the illustrations transitioned to a light-skinned boy wearing a jeweled Indian-style turban alongside the tigers. Sambo’s Tiger Tamers To cultivate a family-friendly…

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Why Do Restaurants Give Free Bread?

Free Bread? How Does This Place make Any Money? When you step into a restaurant and are seated at your table, it’s not uncommon to be greeted with a basket of warm, freshly baked free bread. This simple yet delightful gesture has become a tradition in many restaurants around the world. Have you ever wondered…

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Long John Silver’s – Deep Fried History

Long John Silver’s: The Story Long John Silver’s, previously recognized as Long John Silver’s Seafood Shoppes and occasionally abbreviated as LJS, stands as an American fast-food restaurant chain with a distinct focus on seafood. Its name finds its origins in the classic novel “Treasure Island” penned by Robert Louis Stevenson, wherein the pirate Long John…

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White Castle Hamburgers – 10 Fun Facts

Top 10 Crave-Worthy Facts About White Castle Say “belly bomber,” and you’ll see faces light up with fond White Castle memories. This fast-food icon, known for its small yet powerful burgers, has been winning over fans for nearly a century. But there’s more to the story than just its famous sliders. Curious? Below are 10…

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The Top 10 Fallen Restaurant Chains

Do you remember those old restaurants that felt like more than just places to eat? The ones where the burgers tasted exactly how you wanted, or where you could pile your plate high at the salad bar? These long-gone restaurant chains were more than just spots to grab a bite; they were places where memories…

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Kmart Cafeteria – Did You Ever Visit?

The Kmart Cafe: A Forgotten Icon Do you remember the tantalizing aroma of freshly made burgers, the sizzle of golden fries, and the inviting warmth of a cup of coffee at the Kmart cafeteria? If you are a product of the late 20th century, chances are, you’ve spent more than a few afternoons at one…

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Bonanza Steakhouse – Top 10 Food List

We Listened! In a recent Facebook post, we asked our members what was some their favorite things to order at Bonanza (yesterday or today). Below is the Top-10 list we compiled using those comments #10 Shrimp Cocktail (appetizer) If you’re a fan of shrimp, the Bonanza shrimp cocktail should be on your radar. Were you…

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The Ground Round – History and More

The Original “No Rules” Neighborhood Pub Founded in 1969 by Howard Johnsons, The Ground Round was designed as a neighborhood pub where people of all ages and backgrounds could feel comfortable and relaxed. In its formative years, the casual dining restaurant proudly showcased a meticulously crafted menu of just 12 items, brimming with mouthwatering burgers,…

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Sizzler Restaurant – What Happened?

For over fifty years, Sizzler steak houses have offered a wallet-friendly choice for families wanting a good meal. Founded in 1958, it is a U.S.-based restaurant chain located in Mission Viejo, California. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable names on the West Coast for salads, seafood, and steaks. History of Sizzler Sizzler Family…

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Big Boy – Where Did They Go?

The Home of the Original Double-Decker Burger Much like the freckled, red-haired girl from Wendy’s and the Golden Arches of McDonald’s, Big Boy, the chubby little boy in overalls carrying a hamburger on a plate, is something of an icon. In fact, more than 70 percent of Americans know who you’re talking about by just…

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Bonanza Steakhouse – What Happened?

The Ever Famous All-You-Can-Eat Bonanza Steakhouse Eric “Hoss” Cartwright was a beloved character on the popular television show Bonanza. Bonanza aired for 14 consecutive seasons on NBC from 1959-1973. Anybody who was around in the 1960s saw at least one episode of the show Bonanza. Bonanza was synonymous with that era! The series featured a…

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A&W – A True American Classic!

It All Started With One Roadside Stand Though many people credit White Castle as being America’s first fast food chain, the recognition actually belongs to A&W Restaurants. Founded in 1919 in Lodi, California; this chain is most known for its root beer floats. Roy Allen had created a root beer blend that combined 16 secret…

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Red Barn – Where Did it Go?

Mid-century Americans knew The Red Barn Restaurant as a popular eatery and hangout, a cherished destination where families gathered to enjoy hearty meals and create lasting memories. They have very special memories of a big barn-shaped building adorned with a charming silo and a bright red and yellow sign that beckoned diners from afar. This…

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Friendly’s Restaurant

What comes to mind when you hear, “Reese’s Pieces Sundae?” If you get immediate visions of globs of vanilla soft serve ice cream, peanut butter, marshmallow, hot fudge, Reese’s Pieces, whipped cream, and a cherry all piled high in a giant fishbowl-like sundae glass that was probably bigger than your head, than you remember Friendly’s…

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KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken Facts

Whether you’re a fan of their chicken or not, there’s no denying that KFC is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world. With its roots dating back to the 1930s, the company has a long and interesting history. It is known for its fried chicken and its signature green and red logo.…

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Howard Johnson’s: The Facts About HOJO’s

Everybody Loved Ho Jo’s. My time at Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge in the late 1970s was nothing short of magical, filled with the enchanting melody of a jingle that would linger in my heart. Howard Johnson was more than just a place to stay; it was a cherished “home away from home.” As I stood…

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Ponderosa Steakhouse – What Happened?

Ponderosa and Bonanza The first Ponderosa Steakhouse burst onto the scene in 1968 in the vibrant city of Kokomo, Indiana, thanks to the visionary founders Dan Lasater and Norm Wiese, igniting a culinary revolution that dazzled steak lovers everywhere. With an inviting atmosphere and a menu crafted to satisfy every appetite, Ponderosa not only offered…

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Tastee Freez – An American Tradition

The Story of Tastee Freez In Mid-Century America, if you were looking for a delicious and affordable way to cool off, you were sure to know about Tastee Freez. Tastee Freez was a popular fast food chain best known for its soft serve ice cream, which came in a variety of flavors. The chain also…

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Lum’s Hot Dogs – An American Tradition

Lum’s Hot Dogs Lum’s Hot Dogs fast food chain became known for its delicious food, friendly service, and its quirky slogan, “Beer Makes ‘Em Taste Good!” In the early 1900s, a new type of hot dog became popular in the United States: the all-beef hot dog. These hot dogs were made with only beef, as…

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Shakeys Pizza – An American Classic

Shakey’s Pizza: The Beginning Shakey’s Pizza was formed on April 30th in Sacramento, California in the year 1954, by Sherwood “Shakey” Johnson and Ed Plummer. Johnson got the nickname “Shakey” because of some neurological damage he suffered as a result of malaria while serving in WWII. During it’s grand opening, Shakey’s only sold beer because…

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Arthur Treacher’s – What Happened?

Who the heck was Arthur Treacher? Arthur Treacher was a British character actor who was widely known for his butler-type roles in the old Shirley Temple and Mary Poppins movies. When Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips was founded in 1969, the above mentioned actor was chosen as the spokesman. Some people speculate that he had…

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What Happened to Burger Chef?

The Burger Champs Does the name “Burger Chef” ring a bell? If it does, you were a part of thefast-food explosion of mid-century America. The history of this great chain is long and storied. The term “Burger Chef” was coined in the early 1900s. It specialized in burgers. These restaurants usually had a wide variety…

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Top 5 Best Restaurants in Clermont Florida

If you are looking for the best restaurants in the Clermont Fl area, we have compiled an biased Top-5 list based on actual customer reviews #5 – The Crooked Spoon in Clermont Located on Citrus Tower Blvd in Clermont, this gastropub is without a doubt one of the Top 5 Best Restaurants in Clermont Florida.…

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