Today onlySome restaurants remain. Get the best food tips and diet advice 55 (tie) TEQUILA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT. Bennigan's 200 nationwide locations shuttered their doors a decade ago, but the new owners now run a much smaller-scale operation out of Dallas, Texas, and the menu does include the Irish pub-inspired items you loved in the 1980s. But many people are still nostalgic for this restaurant chain. / Wikimedia Commons, ALSO READ: The 15 Most Popular Food Orders in America, ALSO READ: These Are the Top 15 Foods on the Rise for 2020. 1 of 3. But in 1970, he left this company to build his own Mexican style chain: Naugles in the south of California. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. (Like any expert from the pop culture of the 80s knows, that's where Brad, played by Judge Reinhold, works in the movie. Simpson. Founded in 1976 and has remained in same location. In 1983. he was elected to Big Bite's board of directors. Another extremely popular Mexican restaurant chain in America is Del Taco. Chi-Chi's. Wikimedia Commons/Nostaljack/Public Domain. So if you want a scoop of that Chunky Dory Fudge, head to Ohio or Kentucky. The timing was perfect, with Mexican food a trendy choice for diners at that time. There are 6 types of combo meals at Taco Bueno that allow you to pair your favorite Tex-Mex foods with your choice of beverage. here is19 old joyful toys that will bring you back to your childhood. advice every day. His fried chicken joint quickly became one of the country's largest minority-owned chains. Friday's, the chain fell behind. Tortillas at Chuys are handmade daily, all the ingredients are fresh (not frozen), and there are 10 homemade salsas. Burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, salads, and more are available. At its height, there were nearly 100 restaurants nationally, which was quite the coup for founder Graydon D. Webb. Among the meats offered, are unusual sweet pork barbacoa and spicy Hatch chile pork options. They sold roast beef sandwiches, fried chicken, and milkshakes throughout America. At its footwear popularity, Doggie Dinner had 30 places in the golden state, but unfortunately competing with larger chains such as McDonald's in this chain unfolds. NumerousNaugles became del TacosAnd finally, Naugles has disappeared. Beefsteak Charlie's was a big-time restaurant that had over 60 locations in the early 1980s. However, it is also a pejorative term used to designate black Americans, which was part of the reason for which this chain restaurant finally failed. Scott Mercer (left) was helped by Bob Scura and Kurt Cameron of Grand American Fare chain in assembling dcor for P.O. Not only is El Toritos extensive menu filled with Mexican favorites like beef enchiladas, flame-grilled fajitas and traditional burritos, but you also get the option of building your own plate made up of the restaurants most popular menu items. More than half of the locations were finally converted to Roy Rogers, and the rest was closed. Chuys sets itself apart from much of the competition in the Mexican restaurant industry by rolling their tortillas by hand and serving only fresh ingredients. Fast-food chains aren't necessarily known for their healthy options (especially in 1980s America), but that's what D'Lites sought to do with its menu. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. There's no denying that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from biting into the burger you've been enjoying since you were a kid. 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). In 1982, Denny's offered the company about $12 million to buy out 35 VIP's locations. However, in the late '80s, La Petite Boulangerie was purchased by Mrs. Field's, where cookies were the name of the game. But with more customers came more scrutiny, and it wasn't long before anti-discrimination protests against Sambo's began. One of the first major restaurant chains, it went public in 1961 with 605 . Former regulars might remember the antique decor of the restaurant or the Greek . Qdoba first opened under the name Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill in 1995, which then changed to Z-Teca and became Qdoba in 1999. Bennigan had its start in Atlanta in 1976, but in the early 1980s they were everywhere. However, if youre lucky enough to live in one of the states that has Torchys Tacos, or if you happen to be passing through, you should make a point to order from this incredible menu. And for more 1980s trivia, Only 1980s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants. Pappasitos Cantina is undoubtedly one of the best Tex-Mex chain restaurants in America. The original Lum's storefront closed its doors in 1983. After a booming start in the late 1970s and a growth spurt in the early 1980s, Chi-Chi's sales and store count declined. Nine years in, Naugle sold his modest three-location chain to a businessman named Harold Butler, who took the concept and ran with it. If you were wondering where this restaurant gets its name from, its called On The Border because its named after the border between Mexico and Texas. West-Mex is Midwest-based Mexican cuisine, and thats exactly what you can find on the menu at Taco Johns. The original Pollo Loco was in Sinaloa, Mexico, and there is a Mexican chain today, unrelated to the U.S. one. 14. Walgreen's has a penchant for branching out beyond your traditional pharmacy goodssome even sell beer and wine these days. Sadly, that was the beginning of the end for Gino's. Unlike some other Mexican restaurant chains, Taco Bell restaurants are not confined to a small selection of states, and most states in the U.S. have at least one if not many more Taco Bell restaurants. Whether you were into their delicious cheesy potato skins or the iconic Irish Tower O'Rings, Bennigan's was a hit in the 1980s. 26. If youve never been to Torchys Tacos, we suggest you do so as soon as possible, especially if you enjoy spicy tacos and margaritas. The fortress ofMcDonalds,Pizza hut,Burger KingAnd other giants from the 80s made the competition steep. By 1982 or 1983. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-53563316-1&cid=f144672c-2951-48cc-b4dc-791ab362ad06&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=1634620965478683196'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); About 25 Chicken Delights are operating today, in central Canada and the New York City area. Theres no doubt that we love our Mexican food. In 1982, they sold the bulk of their restaurants to Marriott. Howard Johnson's is synonymous with 1950s and '60s dining. 22. The timing was . 58 (tie) SANTIAGO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-53563316-1&cid=6027c9e2-a210-42ba-aaf9-2e2df23e78e4&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=73057989978068432'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); But there is a sliver of good news: Today, two rebranded Gino's Burgers and Chicken remain in Marylandand yes, they do serve the Gino Giant. Taco Johns Although there is an independent restaurant of the same name in New York, the latest All-American All-American Burger on Sunset Boulevard has since closed. After her family migrated from Mexico to Texas in the 1890s, Adelaida Cuellar began selling her handmade tamales at her county fair. Two Baltimore Colts professional football players helped to create Gino's Hamburgers back in 1957. And for more failed restaurants,Only the children of the 1970s will remember these restaurants. A few of Buffalo's favorite (chain) restaurants of the past 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. 9. > U.S. sales: $214 million (est.) In the late 1980s, if you lived . This Mexican restaurant is the original home of the frozen margarita, tableside guacamole, and the fajita platter, so other Mexican chain restaurants owe a lot to this establishment. But there is a glow of good news: today, two Gino Rochette burgers remain in the Maryland - and yes, they serve the ginois ginner. Mr. Davis was a primary investor in Big Bite. El Pollo Loco first opened in 1975. According to Yelp reviewers, it was going downhill. So, if youre an ethically-conscious fan of Mexican cuisine, you should definitely check out Chipotle if you havent already! Chipotle specializes in Mexican food favorites such as burritos, but it has an extensive menu ranging from burrito bowls to tacos and fajitas. ), but also offers flautas the rolled, fried tacos sometimes called taquitos. Briazz. And for more nostalgia, do not miss these17 chain restaurants in the 90s. 24/7 Tempo delved further into the list to come up with the top 15 Mexican chains in America (the farthest down came in at No. La Belle Vie. 22 20 Best Mexican Chain Restaurants in America - Shopfood.com; 23 8 of America's Most Beloved Mexican Chains | FSR magazine; 24 The 20 Restaurant Chains That No Longer Exist - PopCulture.com; 25 Top Mexican Restaurant Chains in The United States of America; 26 Mexican Restaurant Chains That Closed Recipes - TfRecipes Moes Southwest Grill isnt just famous for its classic Mexican food (which is incredible) but also for the carefully-chosen music thats always playing at this chain restaurant. But all hope wasn't lost. Howard Johnson could simply hold the title of the most failed failed restaurant chain, not only the 80s, but a time. If youre an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. But the chain got an extra boost in the 1980s, thanks to its spokesman,O.J. It's risky ranking Chipotle at the bottom of a Mexican-American food roundup, considering the sheer size and ferocity of Chipotle's die-hard fan club. There are still a couple of Rax locations in Ohio today, but the chain has diminished significantly since its heyday. to promote fast food franchises serving pita sandwiches. But if you'd kill for an Ollieburger, check out this copycat recipe to satisfy your craving. If you're from that neck of the woods, then you probably remember the chain's seven-foot-tall, rotating dachshunds in chef's hats and bowties that stood outside each of the restaurants. The menu at G.D. Ritzy's stood out for all the ways that you could customize your burgers, drinks, and ice cream. "Howard Johnson was the king of the road," said a former franchise led by eater. In 2006, however, food blogger Christian Ziebarth posted about Naugles, and the response was through the roof. With the exception of six locations in Florida, Rubios remains a western chain, with shops in Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado, as well as California. In 1982, a few years after being bought by a Swiss holding company, the chain overextended in its franchising efforts and filed for bankruptcy. Unfortunately, no matter the quality of the chicken-taste - the company has encountered its inexpensive end to the consternation of fans everywhere. There were at least 140 locations at its height, with spots serving up bread in Denver, New Jersey, San Francisco, and more. Family Style. The five top chains, in fact, all exceeded the $10 billion-dollar mark (the others were Subway, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A). Any American fan of Mexican food will be familiar with Chipotle. there was a well-known family style restaurant chain called . Today, only a few restaurants remain. There are five shrimp or fish tacos on the menu as well as meat versions and a grilled vegetable version. Family Style. every day. The company sold most of its locations in the '90s, though, before they all fizzled out. U.S. sales alone for the industry leader, McDonald's, exceeded $38 billion in 2018. Howard Johnson's. There is one Howard Johnson's restaurant left in the country, in New York's Lake George. A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. SmartAssets free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. 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. First opened a half-century ago in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and still based there, Taco Johns calls its fare West-Mex. Now operating in 22 states, the chain offers some unusual additions to the usual Mexican chain menu for instance, a meat and potato burrito, stuffed grilled tacos, and flauta-like Mexi Rolls, served with a choice of dipping sauces. 8 Classic Restaurant Chains That Went Out of Business - Spoon University Another Dallas-born chain, on the border launched in 1982, featuring mesquite-grilled meats, hand-pressed tortillas, and small-batch salsas. RELATED: Your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here! Boy, let's miss these clam tapes, Frankfurts and this Signature Hojo ice cream. California has the most with 822. Local Chains - Columbus Restaurant History Support . Lucia's Restaurant. Of all the fast-food chains out there, only one could be the first to ever use . 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)! Whether you were into their delicious cheesy potato skins or the iconic Irish Tower O'Rings, Bennigan's was a hit in the 1980s. . Because Mexican food is so beloved throughout the United States, there are many chain restaurants that either specialize in or exclusively serve Mexican food.