8 Beloved Restaurant Chains People Still Miss Today

When we think back on restaurants we used to love, nostalgia can hit hard. Some chains left a mark on our hearts, whether it was the comforting smell of grilled steaks, the strange themed decor, or the signature dishes we can’t quite make at home. In this article, we’ll talk about eight restaurant chains that people still talk about, remember fondly, or even hope to see come back someday. We’ll look at what made them unique, why they went out of business or faded away, and why people still remember them.

Howard Johnson’s

Howard Johnson’s used to be a must-stop on American road trips. They had comfort food and ice cream stops that felt like they were always there and always reliable. The chain’s bright orange roofs became famous, and their menu items, like fried clams, hot dogs, and 28 flavors of ice cream, felt like reliable road food. Howard Johnson’s closed many of its locations as travel patterns changed and more modern fast-food and chain models became more popular. People still remember how it felt to arrive at a place they already trusted, especially on long trips.

Victoria Station

The railroad-themed decor at Victoria Station, which included boxcars, cabooses, and antique railroad items, as well as a focus on prime rib, drew in diners. At its height, it had about 100 locations in the U.S. and was popular with people who liked themed dining experiences and hearty steakhouse food. The chain went bankrupt in the 1980s because of high costs, changing dining trends, and money problems. It slowly closed down after that. In 2017, the last U.S. location closed. But for those who went there when it was at its best, the amazing sights and theatrical dining setting will always be in their minds.

Steak and Ale

When Steak and Ale opened in 1966, it helped define the casual steakhouse genre by serving high-quality steaks at a lower price than other upscale restaurants. Customers loved the cozy atmosphere, the free bread, and the salad bar that was always open. The chain grew steadily, but in 2008 it went bankrupt and closed its last 58 stores. The brand is making a comeback, which is interesting. The first new Steak and Ale location opened in 2024, showing how strong the emotional pull is for long-time fans.

Chi-Chi’s

Many neighborhoods now have Tex-Mex restaurants thanks to Chi-Chi’s, which serve festive dishes like chimichangas, fajitas, and fried ice cream. But in 2003, an outbreak of hepatitis A linked to green onions made hundreds of people sick and led to lawsuits, which hurt public trust. The chain had already been having trouble with money, and in 2004 it left the U.S. Even so, its name lives on in salsa products, and there have been attempts in recent years to bring it back.

Koo Koo Roo

Koo Koo Roo was a fast-casual chain that served grilled chicken, salad bars, and other lighter, healthier foods. It grew across the U.S., especially in California. But it slowly went away because it wasn’t making money and the owners changed. The last location closed in 2014. But in the last few years, the brand has come back under new ownership, and they are planning new openings as people remember how simple the menu used to be.

Wag’s

Walgreens ran the family-friendly diner chain Wag’s in the 1970s and 1980s. The restaurants were like diner chains like Denny’s or Shoney’s, and they served breakfast, burgers, and other comfort food 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 1988, Walgreens sold the unit, and by 1991, Wag’s was no longer in business. A lot of people who grew up eating at Wag’s remember the low prices, the friendly atmosphere, and the menu that was open all day.

Fast Eddys

Fast Eddys was an Australian chain that was famous for being one of the few restaurants open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Perth and beyond. It had both table service and takeout, and it served breakfast, burgers, steak, and other comfort foods. In May 2019, its last location closed after 41 years. For many people in Western Australia, this marked the end of an era because they saw it as a late-night option that was always there.

Perkins

People know Perkins (also called Perkins Restaurant & Bakery) for its breakfast menu, pies, and baked goods. At its height, it had hundreds of stores all over the U.S. But many stores closed because customers’ tastes changed, they got into more debt, and they had trouble keeping up with the times. The chain is much smaller now, but some locations are still open. A lot of people remember the bakery case displays, warm pie slices, and friendly breakfast settings when they went out with their families.