Deep down, we all miss those old restaurant chains that are no longer around. A lot of these were places we went with family or where we hung out with friends, which means they hold some pretty special memories. Here are 7 closed restaurants we wish would come back.
Chi-Chi’s
We can all remember that this chain was one of the first big Mexican-style restaurants in the U.S., and people still talk about those deep-fried chimichangas like they were made of gold. The decor was loud and kind of cheesy, but in the best way.
Kenny Rogers Roasters
Believe it or not, this one started with a country music legend. Yes, that Kenny Rogers opened a chicken chain. But the food was no joke. The rotisserie chicken was juicy, and the mac and cheese was dangerously addictive.
It had a slow and steady cult following, and even made a famous cameo on ‘Seinfeld.’ While the U.S. locations eventually disappeared, the chain still exists in parts of Asia.
Howard Johnson’s
Chances are, your grandparents had their first date here. With its bright orange roofs and 28 ice cream flavors, it was once one of the biggest chains in the country. Howard Johnson’s served everything like fried clams to hot dogs, and while the menu wasn’t fancy, it was reliable.
Bennigan’s
Now here’s one that people still talk about with a weird amount of love. Bennigan’s had a feel that was hard to beat. Somewhere between an Irish pub and an American diner, it had a cozy, casual feel with some surprisingly good food. While a few franchise locations still pop up here and there, the full-on chain experience is gone.
Sambo’s
Alright, this one comes with some history. Sambo’s used to be a popular breakfast spot, kind of like a mix between Denny’s and IHOP. The pancakes were fluffy, and the prices were cheap. However, the name and branding were rooted in a problematic history, and that ended up playing a big role in the chain’s decline.
Naugles
You might’ve missed this one if you weren’t in California back in the day. Naugles was a Mexican-American fast food joint that had a loyal following in the ’70s and ’80s. Think tacos, burgers, and breakfast burritos that somehow hit the spot every time.
It eventually merged with Del Taco, and the brand disappeared. In recent years, fans have tried to bring it back with pop-ups and small revivals, but the original chain is still gone.
Casa Bonita (Original Chain)
Without a doubt, Casa Bonita was one of the weirdest, wildest restaurant experiences ever. While the original chain had multiple locations, most of them shut down long ago, leaving just one in Colorado. It was part theme park, part Mexican restaurant, and totally unforgettable.
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Parts of this article were generated using AI.