Fast food isn’t just about what’s trending now; it’s also about the ones we lost along the way. These forgotten fast food chains may have disappeared from our neighborhoods, but they left behind loyal fans and some unforgettable bites. Whether it was the quirky decor, crave-worthy menu items, or childhood memories, these spots still hold a place in our hearts. Here are 10 fast food chains we wish would make a comeback.
10. Wag’s
Walgreens’ 24-hour diner chain Wag’s was around during the ’70s and ‘80s, where it competed with Denny’s. However, the idea of a dining place owned by a company where you buy your medicines doesn’t sit right with customers. Eventually, it was sold to Marriott Hotel Corporation in 1988, but those remaining Wag’s locations were turned into Shoney’s or IHOP.
9. Howard Johnson’s
You may have remembered Howard Johnson’s as HoJo, who invented roadside dining. They served frankfurters, chicken pot pies, and even 28 flavors of thick ice cream. HoJo’s grew to have over 1,000 locations nationwide, and they were considered the largest restaurant chain during their time. However, McDonald’s soon took the lead, and HoJo’s restaurant locations saw a decline during the 1990s. Last 2022, they closed their last location in Lake George, New York.
8. Orange Julius
You may know Orange Julius as a beverage drink offered at Dairy Queen. Well, you’d be surprised to know that it was once a standalone staple stand at many malls back in the day. However, in 1987, the brand was acquired by International Dairy Queen. Many stores were rebranded as Dairy Queen, and they added Orange Julius to their menu. Sadly, today, the Orange Julius drink is only available at select Dairy Queen locations.
7. La Petite Boulangerie
You may have remembered those good old days when your mother would purchase bread at La Petite Boulangerie. They serve French pastries, bread, and other baked goods. The bakery chain is really known for their baguettes and croissants. But by the end of the 2000s, La Petite Boulangerie faded away after being sold by different companies.
6. Sandy’s
A group of four friends who were franchise owners of McDonald’s decided to create Sandy’s, which is a Scottish-themed fast food restaurant that found success. However, the chain ran into financial trouble, and to be able to survive, they had to merge with Hardee’s. By 1979, the last Sandy’s restaurant was rebranded to Hardee’s.
5. Red Barn
The Red Barn, which started in Dayton, Ohio, during the 1960s, has grown to be quite a large chain. It spanned 300 locations across 19 states and even internationally to Canada and Australia. Red Barn serves fried chicken, fish sandwiches, hamburgers, and even a salad bar. However, the chain went out of an early defunct by 1988, and what’s left today are its red structures that have been repurposed to other businesses.
4. Cheeseburger in Paradise
You may have known Cheeseburger in Paradise as one of Jimmy Buffett’s tropical-inspired tunes that scream summer! True enough, Burger in Paradise, which was in business from 2002 to 2020, serves island-inspired beverages with paper umbrellas. Of course, they serve their popular cheesy burgers complete with Muenster cheese and Heinz 57. However, they closed down their chains in September 2020.
3. Arthur Treacher’s
1969 was the year that restaurants serving seafood emerged. One restaurant that you may (or your parents) remember is Arthur Treacher’s. The restaurant was thriving in the ‘70s, serving British-inspired fish and chips. However, the infamous Cod Wars affected the chain where some European nations limited their fishing, leading to a rise in cod prices. Unlike other chains in this list, Arthur Treacher’s is still alive, but with three locations left.
2. Lum’s
The Ollieburger is one of the iconic menu items that long-lost Lum’s served back in its 1971 heydays. The chain even got Hollywood icon Milton Berle as their spokesman! However, the bankruptcy of its parent company led to the downfall of Lum’s. If you really miss eating at Lum’s, then a close choice is Ollie’s Trolley located in Washington, D.C., for a little dose of nostalgia.
1. Burger Chef
Ever wondered who pioneered the way for value menu meals and Happy Meal toys? That’s Burger Chef during its heyday in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The chain reached over 1,000 locations, offering a value menu called Triple Threat complete with burger, fries, and milkshake for only 45 cents. In 1996, the overall Burger Chef name retired following a slow decline, with most of their chains being converted to Hardee’s restaurants.