Back in the 70s, chain restaurants were the go-to spots for family dinners, first dates, and weekend treats. Many of those beloved places have long since closed their doors, but the memories—and the taste of their signature dishes—live on. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the chain restaurants from the 70s that we wish were still around today.
1. Howard Johnson’s
Oh, the joy of pulling into a Howard Johnson’s after a long road trip! With its iconic orange roof and 28 flavors of ice cream, this restaurant and motel chain was a staple of American life. Whether you were stopping in for a fried clam platter or a sundae, Howard Johnson’s was a cozy, familiar place. It wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a part of the fabric of family road trips.
2. Royal Castle
A smaller but beloved chain, Royal Castle specialized in tiny, square burgers and frosty root beer served in frosted mugs. It was the kind of place where you could stop by for a quick snack or hang out with friends, sipping on that cold root beer and enjoying a bag full of sliders. Royal Castle had a charm that made it feel like a hidden gem, and we can still taste those burgers when we close our eyes.
3. Pizza Haven
Before the pizza chains we know today became dominant, Pizza Haven was where you went for a slice of cheesy, saucy goodness. With a laid-back vibe and a focus on quality ingredients, Pizza Haven felt more like a local pizzeria than a big chain. The family-friendly atmosphere and delicious pies made it a favorite for pizza nights out, and we still miss those thick, doughy crusts.
4. Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour
Farrell’s was all about the spectacle. Ice cream sundaes so massive they came with sparklers, staff who sang and cheered as they delivered orders, and an atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement. It was the kind of place you went to for a birthday or celebration because it made you feel like the star of the show. Their “Zoo” sundae was legendary—so big it took a team to eat it!
5. Lum’s
Lum’s was famous for one thing—hot dogs steamed in beer. That alone made it a standout! But it wasn’t just the food that made Lum’s special; it was the welcoming, unpretentious vibe. Whether you were grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a casual meal, Lum’s felt like a neighborhood joint where everyone was welcome. That beer-steamed hot dog is still something people talk about, and we wish we could have just one more.
6. Red Barn
Shaped like—you guessed it—a red barn, this fast-food chain had a distinctive look and a menu that was just as unique. Red Barn offered Big Barney burgers and Barnbuster sandwiches, along with an all-you-can-eat salad bar, which was pretty fancy for fast food back then. The chain’s wholesome, farm-inspired vibe made it feel comforting and different from the usual burger joints.
7. Steak and Ale
If you wanted a good steak dinner without breaking the bank, Steak and Ale was the place to go. With its dark wood paneling and cozy atmosphere, this chain made you feel like you were dining somewhere upscale, even though the prices were reasonable. Their salad bar was also a hit, and who could forget the unlimited bread that came with every meal? It was perfect for a nice night out with the family.
8. Shakey’s Pizza
Shakey’s Pizza was about more than just pizza—it was about the experience. They had live music, arcade games, and an old-timey saloon vibe that made it a fun spot for kids and adults alike. Their thin-crust pizza and fried chicken were legendary, and the camaraderie of sitting at long tables with other families made it feel like a party every time. A slice of Shakey’s pizza today would bring back a flood of happy memories.
9. Gino’s Hamburgers
Gino’s was a burger joint with a football pedigree—it was founded by NFL star Gino Marchetti. But the real draw was the food: delicious burgers, fries, and fried chicken. It had a no-frills vibe, but that’s what made it great. You went to Gino’s for good food, fast service, and the feeling that you were part of the cool crowd. Their fried chicken rivaled some of the biggest chains, and we’d love to see Gino’s make a comeback.
10. Bob’s Big Boy
With its iconic Big Boy statue out front, Bob’s Big Boy was an unmistakable landmark for diners across America. Their double-decker Big Boy burger, served with a side of fries and a shake, was pure diner heaven. It was the perfect spot for a family meal or a post-movie hangout with friends. Walking into a Bob’s Big Boy today would bring back the smell of sizzling burgers and the sound of clinking milkshake glasses.
11. Ponderosa Steakhouse
Ponderosa was the place to go for an affordable steak dinner and a side of nostalgia. Known for its hearty portions and value prices, this chain was beloved for its buffet, where you could pile your plate high with comfort food. The best part? The endless salad bar and dessert options! Families flocked here for a casual night out, and that steak-and-buffet combo is something we wish we could enjoy again.
12. Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips
Before seafood chains became more common, there was Arthur Treacher’s, serving up crispy fish and chips wrapped in newspaper-style paper. The fish was always hot and flaky, the fries perfectly seasoned, and the malt vinegar gave it that authentic British feel. It was fast, satisfying, and just the right amount of greasy goodness. In a world full of fast-food burgers and tacos, Arthur Treacher’s was a standout, and we wish we could still pop in for a quick bite.
13. Chi-Chi’s
Chi-Chi’s brought a taste of Tex-Mex to the suburbs, and their chimichangas were the stuff of legend. It was the place to go when you wanted to spice things up, literally. With margaritas that flowed freely and sizzling fajitas, Chi-Chi’s was all about good times and bold flavors. Today, Mexican food is everywhere, but Chi-Chi’s had a charm that made it special—and we’d love to have just one more chimichanga from them.
These forgotten chains were more than just places to eat—they were woven into the fabric of our lives. Whether it was the excitement of getting a burger at Gino’s or the fun of a family night out at Shakey’s Pizza, these restaurants hold a special place in our hearts. If we could bring them back, we’d line up in a heartbeat, ready to relive those tasty memories.
