Chain Restaurants That Vanished Across America

Babboonbobo · Feb 25, 2022

Forgot about Chi-Chi's and we had a Don Pablo's we used to enjoy also, all gone:-(

Bob Lee · Feb 25, 2022

joepistol said:
Watching that video brought back a bunch of memories.. many places I'd forgotten. I remember many of the places, even if I didn't eat there, often or ever.
There were many of these places close to where i grew up ( Pontiac, Mi) . I remember A&W Rootbeer stands ( I know 1 still in business )
Red Barn, Hardee's, Ponderosa, Old Country Buffet ( Mom liked to be taken there), Steak & Shake, Burger Chef, The Rocket, all no longer there.
Also gone, but remembered are Dog & Suds, Howard Johnsons, Bonanza, Arthur Treachers, The Sweden House, Chi-Chi's ( liked their margaritas), and I even remember going to a Farrell's. had not remembered it until I saw the video. I did a google serch & there was near where we lived.
Hard to forget those old time costumes employees had to wear. And some outrageous offerings on their menu.. see the 2 guys carrying the stretcher-like device?
Don't remember what it was called ( the pig trough ? ) Humongous bowl of ice cream & toppings.. if I remember correctly, if you ate it all, it was free.

White Castle, McD's, Burker KIng KFC remain.. though I don't eat @ any of them.

Yes it WAS the Pig Troth! You have a good memory! There was a Robbies burger place too. The Red Barn near where I grew up was a porn place lol. It was on 28th street East of Eastern Ave. in Gr. Rapids Mi. My cousin managed the Sweden House restaurant in Grand Rapids in the early 70's, also on 28Th. St. That was and still is a main thoroughfare thru Grand Rapids. Thank you for reminding me. Good times!

Bob Lee · Feb 25, 2022

Babboonbobo said:
Forgot about Chi-Chi's and we had a Don Pablo's we used to enjoy also, all gone:-(

Yessss!

rmc51 · Feb 25, 2022

joepistol said:
Watching that video brought back a bunch of memories.. many places I'd forgotten. I remember many of the places, even if I didn't eat there, often or ever.
There were many of these places close to where i grew up ( Pontiac, Mi) . I remember A&W Rootbeer stands ( I know 1 still in business )
Red Barn, Hardee's, Ponderosa, Old Country Buffet ( Mom liked to be taken there), Steak & Shake, Burger Chef, The Rocket, all no longer there.
Also gone, but remembered are Dog & Suds, Howard Johnsons, Bonanza, Arthur Treachers, The Sweden House, Chi-Chi's ( liked their margaritas), and I even remember going to a Farrell's. had not remembered it until I saw the video. I did a google serch & there was near where we lived.
Hard to forget those old time costumes employees had to wear. And some outrageous offerings on their menu.. see the 2 guys carrying the stretcher-like device?
Don't remember what it was called ( the pig trough ? ) Humongous bowl of ice cream & toppings.. if I remember correctly, if you ate it all, it was free.

White Castle, McD's, Burker KIng KFC remain.. though I don't eat @ any of them.

Yep!
A&W Rootbeer stands late 50's kid size IIRC 10 cents.
White Castle 1970 I had 12 everyday while driving to work. IIRC 42 cents.
Bridgeman's Ice Cream Shoppe® https://www.bridgemans.com/history.html
William Bridgeman, who co-invented the gut-busting La La Palooza Sundae.