Nostalgia is a powerful thing, especially when it comes to food. Throughout the years, we’ve seen countless beloved restaurants come and go, taking with them not only iconic dishes but also unique atmospheres and memories. Whether it was an after-school hangout, a family-favorite dining spot, or a place with dishes that simply can’t be replicated, some of these establishments left a lasting impact. Here’s a look back at seven unforgettable restaurants that many of us wish would make a comeback.
1. Howard Johnson’s
The last Howard Johnson’s restaurant closed in 2022. At one time, Howard Johnson’s was a staple of American roadside dining. If you were headed out for a road trip, a stop at this restaurant was just a given. It had a reputation for its comfort food and reliable service. However, after nearly 70 years, the doors of the last Howard Johnson’s in the U.S. closed for good. Its loss has left a void in American dining culture, in my opinion.
2. Steak and Ale
I’m getting my wish with this restaurant. Steak and Ale initially closed all of its restaurants in 2008, but it is slowly making a comeback. In July of this year, a new Steak and Ale opened its doors in Minnesota. This restaurant is known for its prime rib and delicious salad bar. It offered somewhat of a fine dining experience at an affordable price. Steak and Ale was welcoming and cozy, making it great for a family dinner or something more special. For me, and many others, it was the first introduction they had to a “fancy” steakhouse. I have a lot of fond memories of Steak and Ale, and I hope they come back my way soon.
3. Chi-Chi’s
There is still one Chi-Chi’s left on the planet and it’s in Vienna, Austria. Chi-Chi’s was known for its casual Mexican fining. It was a fun place to eat and there were a lot of options on the menu, including tasty fried ice cream for dessert. Health scares and financial struggles wound up being the final nails in the proverbial coffin for Chi-Chi’s though. The restaurant filed for bankruptcy in 2003 and closed the doors on all of its locations in the U.S. and Canada in 2004. In 2022, the German and Belgian locations also closed. Fans are still hoping for a revival of the Mexican restaurant, but it may never come.
4. Bennigan’s
The closure of Bennigan’s was a shame. It was an Irish-themed restaurant and pub that was laid-back and family-friendly. Metromedia Restaurant Group, which owned Bennigan’s, filed for bankruptcy in 2008. This led to it closing 150 Bennigan’s locations in the United States. Some franchise-owned locations remained open for a period after the company filed for bankruptcy, but unfortunately, they all wound up closing their doors eventually too.
5. Rainforest Cafe
There are still a few Rainforest Cafe locations open, but a majority of them have closed. Specifically, the one in Downtown Disney in Orlando comes to mind when I think of the fun rainforest-themed restaurant. Sadly, this location is among those that closed down. Unfortunately, the locations that still exist are really just a shadow of its former glory. Many people, myself included, miss the novelty and magic that the Rainforest Cafe brought to dining out. I have a lot of fond memories of eating there as a kid that other children won’t likely get to experience.
6. Burger Chef
While I was still pretty young when Burger Chef closed its doors in 1996, I’ve heard stories about it. I wish I was there to experience the burger joint at its peak. It was one of the first fast-food chains to take on giants like McDonald’s and it was one of the first restaurants to introduce kid-friendly meals. Additionally, I’ve heard their customer service was top-tier. I’d love to experience a Burger Chef burger at some point, but I know that won’t happen.
7. Friendly’s
Like the Rainforest Cafe, I have a lot of fond memories of Friendly’s on vacation. We’d always visit one close to the beach and grab breakfast or get some ice cream. The restaurant is trying to make a comeback. Its parent company filed for bankruptcy back in 2011. It has been bought and sold twice since then. Now, out of 103 locations, 97 are franchise-owned. There are still two locations near Myrtle Beach, where I have fond memories of going to the restaurant, but many others have shut their doors. I’ll always be a little nostalgic when I think of Friendly’s, no matter what the future holds for it.
Dining Memories That Last a Lifetime
For many people, these restaurants weren’t just places to eat. They often hold memories and offered a sense of community that modern chains lack. We’d go for birthday celebrations or they were a place to stop while you’re on vacation. Many of these spots hold a special place in the hearts of former patrons. We can still hold out hope for a comeback for some of these, but until then, we’ll just have to savor the memories.