5. Bennigan’s: Irish Pub Hospitality

Bennigan’s was another brilliant concept from Norman Brinker, opening its first doors in 1976. Designed as a casual dining tavern with an Irish theme, it became the go-to spot for after-work happy hours, appetizers, and lively weekend dinners. Waitstaff covered in flair served up loaded potato skins and massive burgers, but the menu’s true star was the Monte Cristo.

If you ever ordered it, you know exactly how indulgent it was: a stacked ham, turkey, and cheese sandwich, battered, deep-fried until golden brown, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with a side of raspberry preserves for dipping. Like its sister brand Steak and Ale, Bennigan’s fell victim to the 2008 Metromedia bankruptcy, which wiped out 150 corporate locations overnight.

Today, a new management team operates a tiny handful of surviving franchise locations, keeping the Monte Cristo alive for a lucky few.