Chicken George was a character in the 1977 ABC miniseries "Roots," which was based on a novel about slavery by Alex Haley. Unfortunately, it didn't matter how good the chicken tastedthe business met its untimely end to the dismay of fans everywhere. But then, things took a ride. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { 8. Chuys Tex-Mex However, Pappasitos Cantina really stands out for a few reasons. There are five shrimp or fish tacos on the menu as well as meat versions and a grilled vegetable version. The latest edition uses the most recent U.S. sales figures, from 2018, to rank the chains. 2. Eventually, they renamed several locations to No Place Like Sam's or Jolly Tiger instead. > Number of U.S. units: 580. In addition to hot dogs, the menu included tacos. The extensive menu featured foods from around the world: potato skins and fried veggies, chicken . Rip Vip's. We finally started swishing and sipping when La Cave popped open "with a refr eshing idea whose arrival . Tortillas at Chuys are handmade daily, all the ingredients are fresh (not frozen), and there are 10 homemade salsas. At the beginning of the decade, you could get the "chicken in the cart" special for only 59 cents. He continued to grow in the 60s and 70s. And some fan of Fan Favorites - like Burger Chef, G.D.'S Ritzy and Howard Johnson have not fallen by the road. Taco Bueno combines Mexican cuisine with American fast food culture with its meal combos. every day. The menu includes queso, guacamole, both soft and crispy tacos, Big As Yo Face burritos, and Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken (breaded with crushed potato chips). In 1982, a few years after being bought by a Swiss holding company, the chain overextended in its franchising efforts and filed for bankruptcy. And for more failed eateries, Only 1970s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants. By the 1980s, there were more than 350 Gino's locations throughout the East Coast. A couple of years later, things came full-circle when Butler sold to Collins Food International, who decided to merge Naugles with none other than Del Taco in 1988. You could eat as much shrimp, salad, beer, and ribs as you ever could have wantedall for under $20, according to Bklyner. That is, until 2008 when Bennigan's went bankrupt. March 1, 2023 1:10 pm. Unfortunately, no matter the quality of the chicken-taste - the company has encountered its inexpensive end to the consternation of fans everywhere. Chi-Chi's was a Mexican restaurant that first opened back in 1975 and expanded to 237 chains by 1986. . Sambo's shut down by the middle of the decade. There's no denying that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from biting into the burger you've been enjoying since you were a kid. Brought to life by husband-wife team of Juan and Melanie Martinez, the first Don Juan Mexican Grill opened in 2011, and the made-to-order burritos, bowls, and fresh-fruit smoothies were an instant hit on the East Coast. (As any '80s pop culture expert knows, it's where Brad, played by Judge Reinhold, works in the movie. Alberto Lombardi was the king of Dallas Italian food. 11. By the end of this article, you should know of a few new Mexican chain restaurants to try (see also 23 Most Popular Chain Restaurants In The United States)! But according to The Washington Post, Holmes "knew little about cash flow," despite the restaurant's great marketing. Chain restaurants are big business. And thanks to the boom of fast-food chains in the 1970s and 1980s, we've been able to sip the same shakes and munch on the same fries for decades. The original Pollo Loco was in Sinaloa, Mexico, and there is a Mexican chain today, unrelated to the U.S. one. Of course the sections most of us will head to immediately are . ", Beefsteak Charlie's has been a part of New York pop culture since it became a chain in the mid-1970s. You could have the famous "Gino Giant", a massively stacked hamburger nicknamed "a banquet on a bun", everywhere. In 1983. he was elected to Big Bite's board of directors. According to Eater, during the height of its popularity in the 1960s, Howard Johnson's served "more meals outside of the home than any entity in America, except for the U.S. Mexican food may seem like a Southwestern specialty, but that hasn't stopped this Pennsylvania chain from becoming a local institution. } Pizza with Duck Sausage wins quick stardom. Even though it's only been gone a short time, I miss the original Antone's on Taft. "The love affair with Burger Chef remains strong," a Hardee's marketing executive said in 2007when Hardee's brought back Burger Chef's iconic Big Shef. RELATED: The easy way to make healthier comfort foods. Rubios Coastal Grill > U.S. sales: $324 million At its height, there were nearly 100 restaurants nationally, which was quite the coup for founder Graydon D. Webb. Who knows, maybe youll find a new favorite! There are 34 locations in total. At the end of the 1980s, the restaurant was bought out by Foodmaker Inc., but ultimately they continued to experience store closures in the U.S. . Boy, let's miss these clam tapes, Frankfurts and this Signature Hojo ice cream. ), but also offers flautas the rolled, fried tacos sometimes called taquitos. "Prepare food fresh. Not only does On The Border deliver excellent value for money due to its impressive portion sizes, but many of the signature dishes on the menu at this restaurant are cooked on mesquite wooden grills, which enhances the flavor and makes the Mexican food at On The Border some of the best in America. } else { Mexican cuisine is the full package: flavorsome, filling and exciting without being overly complicated. According toEaterFor the height of his popularity in the 1960s, Howard Johnson served "more meals outside the home than any American entity, with the exception of the US military.". Bennigan had its start in Atlanta in 1976, but in the early 1980s they were everywhere. 55 (tie) EL RODEO. And controversy makes for good business! 26. The fun meal, as they called it, launched in the early 1970s and included stories about Burger Chef Lore, including the mascot of Jeff chain, La Burgerini (a magician), Count Fangburger (a vampire), Burgerilla (a gorilla), and Cackleburger (a witch). day, 2022 Galvanized Media. 200 Bennigan National Locationsscreened their doors A decade ago, but the new owners now manage a much smaller operation of Dallas, Texas and the menu includes Irish items inspired by the pub that you liked in the 1980s. This California burger restaurant became all the rage, thanks to an appearance in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Howard Johnson's. Photo courtesy of thedailymeal.com. And for another trip down memory lane, check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback. See more ideas about denver history, denver, childhood memories. After it was acquired by the Marriott Hotel chain in 1971, it grew to 130 locations, but by the late 1980s, most of them had closed. This family includes Pappas Burger, Pappas Bar-B-Q and Pappas Bros Steakhouse to name just a few (see also The Best Menu Items At LongHorn Steakhouse). As you might expect from the name, Torchys Tacos specializes in tacos and offers exciting and adventurous taco fillings such as fried avocado or blackened salmon. There arent as many Baja Fresh locations as there are for other Mexican fast food chains, so be sure to look up the nearest Baja Fresh and try it out when you can! The sale put Walgreen's "completely out of the food business," The New York Times reported. At the over 500 Del Taco restaurants across 16 U.S. states, you can order more adventurous Tex-Mex food like fish and cheese tacos, or stick to the classics with a meat-based tortilla. Bankrupcty. And for another trip in memory memory, check these15 classical American desserts that deserve a return. The Mexican seafood restaurant closed because of high rent costs. While Qdoba mainly sticks to traditional Mexican menu items and flavor combinations for the sake of authenticity, you can still pick from a variety of customizable menu options that allow you to exercise creative freedom and bring your own preferences to the table. Brands, owners of KFC, Pizza Hut, and other chains, it also operates around the world.) Walgreen's has a penchant to bring back beyond your traditional pharmacy products - some even sell beer and wine these days. The original Lum's storefront closed its doors in 1983. First of all, the tortillas at Pappasitos Cantina are made fresh, from scratch, every hour, and you get the satisfaction of watching your guacamole be prepared in front of you at the table, so you never have to worry about stale ingredients spoiling your meal. Family Style. Unfortunately, Webb could only put on the Ritz for so long. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina "Howard Johnson's was the king of the road," one former franchise owner told Eater. The chain's name was a source of controversy: According to the company, the name was . with a character named "Family Sam," a friendly senior citizen chef. 33 Must-Try Gnocchi Recipes For The Ultimate Taste Of Italy, 36 Must-Try Steak Recipes For The Whole Family, 14 Best Southern American Fast-Food Chains, 50 Fun And Fulfilling 4th Of July Desserts, 75 Insanely Delicious And Fun New Years Eve Desserts, The 33 Best Simple And Easy Mexican Chicken Recipes, 55 Of The Best Tantalizing Tailgating Recipes, 23 Most Popular Chain Restaurants In The United States, Mexican Eats is a solid example of a great Mexican chain restaurant, The Best Menu Items At LongHorn Steakhouse, Ranking The Top 18 Pizza Chains In America, 17 American BBQ Chain Restaurants You Need To Visit, 28 Harry Potter-Themed Cocktails To Inject Some Magic Into Your Drinks, 25 Easy Pizza-Based Appetizers You HAVE To Try, 20 Easy Pitcher Cocktails That Are Perfect for Summer, 20 Tasty And Traditional Italian Christmas Desserts, 28 Delicious Summer Pie Recipes You HAVE To Try, 18 Desserts With Dulce De Leche You Will Love, 13 Starfruit Recipes You Will Love Making, 24 Tasty Asian Breakfast Dishes To Start The Day Right, What To Serve With Empanadas (15 Easy Ideas), 13 Delicious Recipes That Call For Powdered Sugar. } > Number of U.S. units: 392. 14. If youre looking for Mexican food that tastes fresh and that you can tell has been homemade from scratch, you need to check out Baja Fresh. In 1956, the Taco puppy started engraving roads in southern California. The Lone Star State is now one of the 19 in which there are Chuys units. First founded in Ohio in 1980, the 1950s-style restaurant grew quickly, with about 100 locations at its peak. 15. In addition to its tacos, enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, and the like, On the Border offers such specialties as grilled queso chicken, Caribbean mango grilled fish, and carne asada at its locations in 17 states. Originating in El Paso, Texas, Pancho's Mexican Buffet grew in popularity, thanks to its all-you-can-eat "buffet"-style service. 72 of 92 73 of 92 Crazy Jose's Patio and Cafe Mexican restaurant Enterprise archive photo Ryan . Bennigan's was fast becoming one of the most successful mid-range casual dining chains in America. Bennigan's got its start in Atlanta in 1976, but by the early '80s, they were everywhere. Chains dont figure, for instance, in our list of, the best Mexican restaurants in every state, Source: Keithready / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons, Source: Photo taken by Bobak Ha'Eri. Whether your usual order consists of nachos, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or even a Mexican-style salad you name it, its on the menu. There are also salads on Moes menu if youre in the mood for something light and healthy which, in addition to the customizability of the menu, means that Moes is the perfect Mexican restaurant for everyone regardless of tastes or preferences. Uncle Julios restaurants can be found in Wisconsin, Texas, Virginia, Oklahoma, Mayland, Missouri, New Jersey, Illinois, North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. Sambo started in 1957 in Santa Barbara, California, reachingMaximum popularity In the late 1970s, more than 1,100 restaurants in 47 states. 15. The five top chains, in fact, all exceeded the $10 billion-dollar mark (the others were Subway, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A). March 2, 2023 11:00 am. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. Many weren't surprised when Metromedia filed for bankruptcy in 2008. Star ratings are for the ones I visited. The first Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant opened in downtown Minneapolis in 1975 and was one of the breakout restaurants of the year; by 1986 a whopping 237 locations had been opened, with 42 opening in 1985 alone. Just some of the delicious Tex-Mex options on the menu at this restaurant include slow-smoked ribs, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, and tacos. Taco Cabana is known for its tortilla machine, which allows customers to enjoy steaming hot tacos just a couple of minutes after they place their order. It continued to grow throughout the '60s and '70s. The chain began in the mid-1950s in Miami but grew to be a nationwide phenomenon, with more than 400 restaurants in the 1970s at the height of its success. > Number of U.S. units: 2,452. > U.S. sales: $398 million 4. If you like to be sure that the ingredients in your food are all-natural and that any meat is raised responsibly in accordance with animal welfare standards, Chipotle is one of the best fast food restaurants you can go to. Ralph Rubio can make a fair claim to having introduced Baja-style fish tacos to America and his fresh Mex chain, based in San Diego, certainly popularized them. It was known for its burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. At the turn of the century, there was less than a dozen the left position of Howard Johnson. This fast food chain was founded by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson in Barstow, California on September 16, 1964. Beefsteak Charlie's was a Manhattan stalwart from the early 20th century to the late '80s. If you were around the early 80's, you may remember Lum for his hot dogs with signature beer steam, and if you were not a hot-dog person, there was always the beloved Ollieburger. I wish it was always there.". > Number of U.S. units: 148. ), in Pollo Fit Bowls, or in the form of burritos, tostadas, or overstuffed quesadillas. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. And for more restaurants that have not resisted the test of time,Only the children of the 1990s will remember these restaurants. In 1988, they sold all but a few of their locations to Marriott. But its flame burned short and bright: By the late '80s, the owners filed for bankruptcy, and all of the locations had closed by the 2000s. About 25 Chicken Delights are operating today, in central Canada and the New York City area. A 1980 commercial famously featured many happy customers saying Chicken George was better than their wife's or mom's chicken. Created by former Green Bay Packers star Max McGee and restaurateur Marno McDermit, it launched in 1975 in the unlikeliest of places for a Mexican food chain: downtown Minneapolis. At its pinnacle in the 1970s, Burger Chef had 1,200 locations and was a thriving competitor of McDonald's. 2. Beyond Meat vegan options are available, and ground turkey tacos are also offered, as a lower-fat alternative to the ground beef versions., 4. The latest edition uses the most recent U.S. sales figures, from 2018, to rank the chains. VIP was a casual catering chain on the 24-hour west coast that started from Oregon in 1968. Annie's Santa Fe was a popular Mexican restaurant during the 1980s and 1990s which had locations at several local malls, including Oak Park Mall and Bannister Mall. > U.S. sales: $4.805 billion Each television show based in the city, fromFriends ToSaturday Night Live, has blocked about it for a few decades. Customers find the chain's classic fried chicken, and now the menu also includes buffalo wings, chicken fingers and family combos with cheesecake for dessert. Qdoba Mexican Eats is a solid example of a great Mexican chain restaurant, and we highly recommend it next time youre in the mood for Mexican food!