3. The original Pioneer Chicken opened in 1961 next to a Pioneer Market, a grocery store chain in Los Angeles. Whether you are in their delicious skins of red potatoes or the iconic Irish tower O'Rings, Bennigan was a success in the 1980s. So, if youre in the mood for some Mexican flavors with an American twist at a reasonable price and an accessible location, Taco Bell is an excellent choice! And although there was a unique showcase holding a dear life life in Nebraska, toofirm In 2017. "I used to eat here as a kid at lunchtime with my father," one Yelper wrote. "Man, I miss him. Whether you are in their delicious skins of red potatoes or the iconic Irish tower O'Rings, Bennigan was a success in the 1980s. And thanks to the boom offast food Chains In the 1970s and 1980s, we could sip the same shakes and nibble the same fries for decades. Chi-Chi's. Wikimedia Commons/Nostaljack/Public Domain. Similar restaurants that were more adaptable to the evolution of tastes have become ferocious competitors. 8 of America's Most Beloved Mexican Chains | FSR magazine Feb 9, 2022 - Explore ben mccullough's board "Denver Colo old restaurants no longer here" on Pinterest. 20 Alabama restaurants we wish we had back - al.com In 2003, after it had grown to 85 locations in 16 states, Qdoba was acquired by Jack in the Box, which ran it until it was sold to a private equity firm in 2018. Miss these emblematic meals of children? (Well,not quite the same fries.) . It was known for its burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. 11. And for another trip in memory memory, check these15 classical American desserts that deserve a return. Nevertheless, if you had the chance to experiment with the puppy 'N' Taco, you probably can not get thetinkle out of your head. Taco Bueno. But according toThe Washington PostHolmes "knew little about cash flows", despite the great marketing of the restaurant. Chain Restaurants We Bet You Forgot Existed - The Daily Meal What started as a hobby in college quickly turned into a passion with which I surrounded my life. By the 1980s, there were more than 350Gino places throughout the east coast. The basic staples remain native foods such as corn, beans and chili peppers, but the Europeans introduced many other foods, the most important of which were meat from domesticated animals (beef, pork, chicken, goat and sheep), dairy products (especially cheese) and various herbs and many spices. Unfortunately, Webb could only put on the Ritz for so long. All Rights Reserved. Taco Johns Lots of Transients ate there. Taco Bueno is a famous fast food restaurant chain situated in the southern United States. TIO JUAN'S MARGARITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT. Bankrupcty. Get the best food tips and diet advice AlthoughCharlie Beefsteak slogan Was: "I will feed you as there is no tomorrow," sadly, tomorrow came for this chain restaurant by the end of the 1980s. Translating to the crazy chicken in Spanish, El Pollo Loco is one of the most famous Mexican-style chain restaurants in the United States, and definitely the winner of the funniest name contest! > Number of U.S. units: 63. 1. Perkins logo, 1960. We promise this Tex-Mex chain restaurant will quickly become a family favorite! The five top chains, in fact, all exceeded the $10 billion-dollar mark (the others were Subway, Taco Bell, and Chick-fil-A). 20 extinct Twin Cities restaurants that we still miss - Star Tribune Dick Nager has had a story to help create successful catering chains. 15 Best Mexican Chain Restaurants in 2023 - Asian Recipe > Number of U.S. units: 204. "Come on into Pup 'n' Taco and give your tummy a treat"we wish we could! One food that is better left in the past? Not only does Chuys serve some examples of classic Mexican food, but youll also find menu items inspired by Southern Texan cuisine and the Rio Grande Valley. This California burger restaurant became all the rage, thanks to an appearance in the 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. And for more 1980s trivia, Only 1980s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants. From authentic Mexican food to Mexican-American fusions like Tex-Mex and West-Mex, theres so much variety in these top 16 restaurants. Posted on March 19, 2016. Another famous item on the Taco Cabana menu is the queso, which many lovers of Tex-Mex have labeled the best queso at any of Americas Mexican fast food restaurants. The menu includes queso, guacamole, both soft and crispy tacos, Big As Yo Face burritos, and Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken (breaded with crushed potato chips). 4. Casa Gallardo went up against two other chains, Southern California-based El Torito and Minnesota's Chi-Chi's, during the late 1970s and early 1980s in the fight for America's Mexican-food obsession. Posted September 13, 2004. Oklahoma City Mexican Restaurants 1983. (As any '80s pop culture expert knows, it's where Brad, played by Judge Reinhold, works in the movie. And though there was a sole storefront holding on for dear life in Nebraska, it too closed in 2017. In the early 1990s, Bennigan was sold to Metomedia's restaurant group. 14. Family Style. } It was the kind of offer they could not refuse, but it was also the beginning of the end for VIP. "They just leave that Ritzy is a little atrophy of Ritzy over the next eight or ten years, and he decreased at seven locations"Webb saidThe observer of Dallas in 2004. 26 Bloomington-Normal restaurants from years past - The Pantagraph That is, until 2008 when Bennigan's went bankrupt. Beefsteak Charlie's was a big-time restaurant that had over 60 locations in the early 1980s. A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Possibly - with a lot of enthusiasm and tons of help Ziebarth has been able to open aNew rental of Naugles In 2017. > U.S. sales: $324 million Mexican cuisine is primarily a fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking with European, especially Spanish, elements added after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. But if you killed for an ollieburger, check thisCopycat Recipe satisfy your desire. But increased competition and a slew of unfortunate events . . The original Chuys appeared in 1982 in Austin, Texas. Fast food history: Southern California is at the center - Los Angeles Times Ever wonder if your favorite is actually the most popular? The G.D. Ritzy's menu stood out for all the ways you could customize your hamburgers, drinks and ice cream. This trap unfortunately brought Chicken George in 1986, when Holmes tabled for liquidation after declining more than $ 1.4 million in debt to private creditors and IRS. > U.S. sales: $348 million > Number of U.S. units: 484. If you like to be sure that the ingredients in your food are all-natural and that any meat is raised responsibly in accordance with animal welfare standards, Chipotle is one of the best fast food restaurants you can go to. Theres a huge range of flavors, ranging from the cooling cilantro cucumber and watermelon options to the fiery jalapeno cucumber margarita. Founded in 1974, Chi-Chi's was a Mexican-restaurant chain operating in the United States and Canada up until it filed for bankruptcy in 2004, according to a Journal Times report. This restaurant is part of a larger family of restaurants known as the Pappas family-owned restaurants. The most talked-about item on the menu is the fire-grilled chicken, which you can get incorporated into various dishes at the restaurant, from tacos to burritos. Bennigan's got its start in Atlanta in 1976, but by the early '80s, 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. 20 American Fast Food Chains We Grew Up With (That Are No - TheTravel The monster of the Mexican chain business (though how Mexican it is may be argued), with sales more than twice those of second-place Chipotle, Taco Bell has outposts in all 50 states (though not, for some reason, Washington, D.C.) an average of 141 per state. The Top 15 Mexican Chains in America - 24/7 Wall St. Fast . Taco Bueno has been established since 1967, and like all good Tex-Mex restaurants, it originated in the state of Texas itself in Abilene, to be exact. And controversy makes for good business! Boy, do we miss those fried clam strips, frankfurts, and that signature HoJo ice cream. And for kids, in particular, Burger Chef was the top choice: It was the first fast-food chain to include toys with its kids' meals. Alberto Lombardi was the king of Dallas Italian food. Mexican cuisine is the full package: flavorsome, filling and exciting without being overly complicated. Whether you were into their delicious cheesy potato skins or the iconic Irish Tower O'Rings, Bennigan's was a hit in the 1980s. Del Taco Check out the top 10 Mexican chains in the United States according to Restaurant Business based on sales: All the Roy Rogers locations were sold off in the '90s. Forsaken Fotos / Flickr. In the mid-1980's. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. America's disappearing restaurant chains - USA TODAY > Number of U.S. units: 100. There are a few states where people should leave quickly. New Balance (CC BY 2.0) by Mike Mozart 5. EatThis.com is part of the AllRecipes Food Group. If you were around in the early '80s, you might remember Lum's for its signature beer-steamed hot dogs, and if you weren't a hot dog person, there was always the beloved Ollieburger. 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). Family Style. Chuys Tex-Mex Ted N. Holmes founded Chicken George in 1979. Unfortunately, no matter the quality of the chicken-taste - the company has encountered its inexpensive end to the consternation of fans everywhere. First founded in Ohio in 1980, the 1950s-style restaurant grew quickly, with about 100 locations at its peak. While not for everyone, Mexican chain restaurant dining is a popular dining destinations for families all across . New French Cafe. Army.". The restaurants your family ate at when you were growing up might not have been the finest dining establishments, but they probably hold a special place in your heart. Taco Bueno combines Mexican cuisine with American fast food culture with its meal combos. to promote fast food franchises serving pita sandwiches. Any American fan of Mexican food will be familiar with Chipotle. Ann Arbor's lost eateries - Ann Arbor - LocalWiki Although the company liquidated in 1991, there are a handful of independently owned stores left around the United States. Wish it were still there At its pinnacle in the 1970s, Burger Chef had 1,200 locations and was a thriving competitor of McDonald's. At the beginning of the decade, you could get the "chicken in the cart" special for only 59 cents. That's what you call to live your childhood dream. > Number of U.S. units: 148. The menu at Del Taco goes to show that Mexican chain restaurants in the U.S. are capable of delivering both authentic Mexican food as well as American variations. The chain began in the mid-1950s in Miami but grew to be a nationwide phenomenon, with more than 400 restaurants in the 1970s at the height of its success. Uncle Julios Cheeseburger in Paradise. By the 1990s, the Cuellars owned more than 100 El Chico . The French and Italian eatery was a favorite of E.&J . Second-place Starbucks managed a mere $19.66 billion, just over half the McDonalds number, but still not bad. To determine the famous restaurant chains that are now hard to find, 24/7 Wall St. identified brands that, according to Technomic, had hundreds of U.S. locations at their peak between the 1980s . Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the chains locations are focused in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Chicken George was a character in the 1977 ABC miniseries "Roots," which was based on a novel about slavery by Alex Haley. But this same year, 99 of them wereSold in Taco Bell, all but erase the brand. Torchys Tacos Though Restaurant Business lists this chain in the chicken category, not the Mexican, and although chicken is the only protein on the menu, El Pollo Loco calls its food L.A. Missing those iconic kids' meals? Big Bite expanded to a chain of approximately 30 restaurants. Taco Bell 31 once-beloved chains that no longer exist in the Lehigh Valley and I wish it was still here. "I used to eat here as a child at lunch time with my father," wrote a Yelper. 55 (tie) TEQUILA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT. Today onlySome restaurants remain. We won't fault you for getting misty-eyed over these failed fast-food chain restaurants from the 1980s. The channel started in the mid-1950s in Miami but became a phenomenon at the national level, with more than 400 restaurants in the 1970s at theHeight of his success. . But plenty of people are still nostalgic for this restaurant chain. Chipotle. Keep the place clean!" . But then, things took a turn. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Bennigan's was fast becoming one of the most successful mid-range casual dining chains in America. Damon . Another Tex-Mex chain Taco Cabana has close to 200 locations throughout the United States, but most of them are in the restaurants town of origin, which is, of course, Texas! Annie's Santa Fe was a popular Mexican restaurant during the 1980s and 1990s which had locations at several local malls, including Oak Park Mall and Bannister Mall. While Qdoba mainly sticks to traditional Mexican menu items and flavor combinations for the sake of authenticity, you can still pick from a variety of customizable menu options that allow you to exercise creative freedom and bring your own preferences to the table. Pappasito's Cantina is considered one of the best Mexican restaurant chains in the U.S., and it is easy to see why. Celebrating Denver's Lost Restaurants - Denver Public Library History Unfortunately, to the consternation of fans across the country, Burger Chef has not continued to follow and finally sold to the owner of Hardee's in the early 1980s. In addition, DoorDash, the nations number-one food delivery service, revealed recently that five of 2019s 15 most popular food orders in America were Mexican in style. > U.S. sales: $213 million (est.) More than half of the locations were eventually converted to Roy Rogers, and the rest were closed. But in 1987, Beefsteak Charlie's was sold in Bombay Palace Restaurants and came out of business soon. 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)! Baja Fresh has been around since 1990, and its yet another Mexican restaurant chain to emerge from California. There were at least 140 locations at its height, with spots serving up bread in Denver, New Jersey, San Francisco, and more. The chain closed down around 1983, after a decade of dealing with growing national fast food chains. Walgreen's has a penchant for branching out beyond your traditional pharmacy goodssome even sell beer and wine these days. 2. At the time, the addition of tacos was a game changer, as opposed to the integral part of the fast food lexicon it is today. By 1984, there were 60 locations. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { 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. In the mid-1980s, the company was sold to Marriott, which sold off the hotel chain and began converting non-franchise HoJos into Big Boy restaurants (which Marriott also owned). It was launched by Howard Johnson himself in the 1920s as a soda fountain and lunch counter, and by 1954 there were 400 outposts in 32 states. This fast food chain was founded by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson in Barstow, California on September 16, 1964. You could have the famous "Gino Giant", a massively stacked hamburger nicknamed "a banquet on a bun", everywhere. In 1983. he was elected to Big Bite's board of directors. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. It might not be very widespread, but this family-owned restaurants 25 locations across Texas and Georgia never fail to keep customers coming back for more. Moes Southwest Grill The first On the Border location was in Dallas, so the choice of name goes beyond the style of cuisine served at this restaurant. Dont forget to try one of El Toritos frozen margaritas while you have the chance! At one point, the Burger King-esque chain had as many as 27 restaurants around Illinois, but by the early 1980s, the chain was finished. El Pollo Loco is famous for its Mexican-style chicken dishes specifically, grilled chicken. Another extremely popular Mexican restaurant chain in America is Del Taco. 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 best Mexican restaurant chains list includes fast food Mexican restaurants like La Salsa, Rubio's Coastal Grill, and Chipotle as well as sit down Mexican chains like Acapulco and Chevy's. Mexican chain restaurants include any taco restaurant where you can order Mexican cuisine. Family Style. 1983 The Food Marketing Institute reports that 2/3 of all fish consumed in the U.S. is eaten in restaurants. Nine years in, Naugle sold his modest three-location chain to a businessman named Harold Butler, who took the concept and ran with it. is the restaurants focus on fresh, non-processed ingredients. Most of them are in the Southwest, though, with few locations in North America. Chuys may not have as many locations as other Mexican chain restaurants (there are fewer than 100 of these restaurants across 17 states) but when it comes to amazing Tex-Mex, its one of the top contenders in America. In 2010, he became recognized as aOfficial city. Sam Battistone and Newell F. Bohnet opened the first Sambo's restaurant in 1957. Get the best food tips and diet Children of the 1980s certainly remember savoring their last spoonful of HoJos ice cream. Regardless, Mexican food and chains, in particular, have become increasingly popular in the United States over the years. JoJos in the ring around the mall 625 . It quickly expanded 225 points of sale by 1986. 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. The timing was perfect, with Mexican food a trendy choice for diners at that time. 11. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Taco Bell just getting started in Arizona (1966) Bell started his specialized Mexican food drive-in at Barstow [California] in 1962. There are also salads on Moes menu if youre in the mood for something light and healthy which, in addition to the customizability of the menu, means that Moes is the perfect Mexican restaurant for everyone regardless of tastes or preferences. > U.S. sales: $371 million Chain restaurants are big business. Bennigan had its start in Atlanta in 1976, but in the early 1980s they were everywhere. Fast-food tacos, burritos, tostadas, and quesadillas make up much of the menu, though there are also American-style burgers. 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. 321. Here are 19 Old Happy Meal Toys That'll Bring You Back to Your Childhood. } else { 2. Sold anything but some of their locations, Only the children of the 1990s will remember these restaurants, Long Island and News sites that are no longer / Facebook, The 80's snack that you should never eat again, says science, Only the children of the 1970s will remember these restaurants, Only the children of the 1980s will remember these restaurants, 40 habits to reduce your risk of dementia after 40, The FDA says "Do not get" COVID vaccine if you have this condition. Really good, not expensive home cooked food. Get the best food tips and diet And for another trip down memory lane, check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback. With the rise of fast-food chains though, . But the chain got an extra boost in the 1980s, thanks to its spokesman,O.J. Franchises dominate in this market, with Taco Bell having more than twice as many restaurants as its nearest non-franchised competitor, and Qdoba and Moe's taking third and fourth place in the list of . But not all of them have survived over the years. At its peak popularity, Doggie Diner had 30 locations in the Golden State, but unfortunately, competing with larger chains like McDonald's lead to this chain's unraveling. And for more restaurants that have not resisted the test of time,Only the children of the 1990s will remember these restaurants. The original Lum's storefront closed its doors in 1983. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina In the early 1990s, Bennigan's was sold to Metromedia Restaurant Group. So, if you want a spoon of this Dory Chunky fudge, head toOhio WhereKentucky. If youve ever heard the phrase Taco Tuesday, this was actually coined by Taco Johns, and what many people dont know is that the phrase has actually been trademarked by the restaurant! Pappasito's Cantina. Vegan-friendly Beyond Meat tacos, nachos, and bowls are available, too. Howard Johnson's. Photo courtesy of thedailymeal.com. What sets Baja Fresh apart from the Mexican fast food chains dotted around the U,S. Taco Bell, as noted, is in the top five, and there are four other Mexican-inspired chains in the top 100. California has the most with 822. Burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, nachos, salads, and more are available. Whether you were into their delicious cheesy potato skins or the iconic Irish Tower O'Rings, Bennigan's was a hit in the 1980s. So, if youre an ethically-conscious fan of Mexican cuisine, you should definitely check out Chipotle if you havent already! Today, only a few restaurants remain. "Howard Johnson's was the king of the road," one former franchise owner told Eater. In many cases, these restaurants serve a variation of Tex-Mex (Americanized Mexican cuisine) but its also possible to find authentic Mexican food at several of these chains. Don Pablo's is another Mexican-inspired chain . To his pinnacle in the 1970s,Burger chef EU 1,200 locations and was a flourishing competitor of McDonald's. 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. The chain has locations in 15 states today, focusing on California, Oregon, and Washington (though Las Vegas has more Del Tacos than any other city). This chain of Mexican restaurants got its start in Minneapolis in 1975, sharing space with a bar owned by an ex-NFL player. Credit: Visit Houston Texas. Of all the fast-food chains out there, only one could be the first to ever use . In business in 47 states and the nations capital (as well as Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany), Chipotle has been one of the great fast-food success stories of the late 20th and early 21st century despite repeated problems, apparently now solved, with food safety, leading to hundreds of cases of food poisoning.