10 Forgotten Restaurants Americans Miss The Most

This infographic tracks the current status of five iconic casual dining chains that many Americans still miss.

At a Glance: Status of 5 Iconic Casual Dining Chains

If you are wondering exactly where your favorite retro haunts ended up, this quick reference table breaks down their rise and fall.

Restaurant	Peak Era	Claim to Fame	Current Status
Howard Johnson’s	1960s-1970s	28 flavors of ice cream and clam strips	Defunct in the U.S. (Last closed in 2022)
Steak and Ale	1970s-1980s	The self-serve salad bar and prime rib	Reviving as of 2024 under new management
Burger Chef	1970s	Pioneering the first kids’ meal (Funmeal)	Defunct in the U.S. (Last closed in 1996)
Kenny Rogers Roasters	1990s	Wood-fired rotisserie chicken	Defunct in the U.S., but highly popular in Asia
Arthur Treacher’s	1970s	Authentic British fish and chips	Fewer than 5 standalone U.S. locations open

The Bigger Picture: Why So Many Retro Chains Disappeared

It is easy to look back at these restaurants through rose-colored glasses, but their widespread disappearance was driven by harsh economic realities. In the 1970s and 1980s, the casual dining market was rapidly expanding, and chains aggressively borrowed money to build massive, themed dining rooms. Over-expansion led to thousands of locations fighting for the exact same middle-class demographic.

As the new millennium approached, dining habits underwent a massive shift. Families began favoring the speed and affordability of fast-casual chains like Panera Bread and Chipotle, which offered higher-quality ingredients without the lengthy sit-down wait times. Simultaneously, massive economic downturns—specifically the 2008 financial crisis—decimated the profit margins of legacy chains carrying millions in real estate debt.

When corporate entities filed for Chapter 7 liquidations, the massive physical footprints of these restaurants were often bulldozed or quickly converted into local sports bars, leaving only memories behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any Howard Johnson’s restaurants still open?
No. The final standalone Howard Johnson’s restaurant, located in Lake George, New York, closed its doors in 2022. While the Wyndham Hotel Group still operates Howard Johnson hotels, the original diner concept is entirely defunct.

Why did Chi-Chi’s close down?
Chi-Chi’s struggled with increased market competition in the early 2000s and filed for bankruptcy. Shortly after, a severe Hepatitis A outbreak linked to green onions served at a Pennsylvania location devastated the brand’s reputation, prompting them to close their remaining North American restaurants by 2004.

Is Steak and Ale coming back?
Yes. After closing entirely in 2008, the brand was purchased by Legendary Restaurant Brands. The new ownership successfully opened a revitalized Steak and Ale in Burnsville, Minnesota, in July 2024, featuring classic menu items like the Kensington Club steak and the beloved salad bar.

The memories we made in these iconic booths remain just as rich as the meals themselves. While you may not be able to order a Funmeal or dine inside a vintage train car anymore, the legacy of these restaurants forever shaped the modern American dining experience. If you are lucky enough to live near one of the rare surviving locations like a midwestern Arthur Treacher’s or the newly revived Steak and Ale, go grab a table and enjoy a genuine taste of the past.

The information here is meant for educational purposes. Specific circumstances—including health conditions, finances, location, and goals—may require different approaches. When in doubt, consult a licensed professional or check official sources directly.