A lot of the restaurants that you might think are dead are actually still around … just not in many places anymore.
Here are five beloved restaurant chains that have seen better days.
I guarantee there’s at least one that’ll make you say, “Oh wow, I haven’t seen one of those in years!”
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The vibe: Ice-cream-centric diner.
At its peak: In the ’70s, there were about 500 Friendly’s.
Current situation: After a few banktruptcies, there are just over 100 Friendly’s left. This is the healthiest total of the five restaurant chains…
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The vibe: Irish pub (I love its Monte Cristo sandwich…yum!)
At its peak: Started in 1976, it came on strong in the ’80s as it grew to hundreds of locations.
Current situation: After its 2008 bankruptcy, its store count rapidly deteriorated. Under current ownership, it’s down to six actual restaurants in the U.S. as well as a couple dozen ghost kitchens (i.e. delivery only) called “Bennigan’s On the Fly.” It’s also got over a dozen international locations with a few more slated to come soon (including a few in Central America and Pakistan!).
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The vibe: Super-fun concept that sprung out of Howard Johnson’s. There were big screen movies, children’s parties, a clown, and peanuts whose shells you could toss on the floor.
At its peak: Started in 1969, the Ground Round got to a couple hundred locations by the 90s.
Current situation: After bankruptcy in the early 2000’s, the Ground Round is down to just two or three locations in North Dakota and one in Ohio. Surprisingly, a new one is slated to open in Massachusetts in 2025!
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The vibe: Pretty similar to Long John Silver’s.
At its peak: Over 800 stores in the ’70s.
Current situation: There are only two stand-alone Arthur Treacher’s left, both in Ohio (both in between Cleveland and Akron). There are a few more that share kitchens with other restaurants.
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The vibe: Rotisserie chicken and comfort food like meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
At its peak: Well over 1,000 locations in the ’90s.
Current situation: There are less than two dozen left, scattered about 8 states (six near Philly).
Those are our five beloved, nostalgic restaurants that are still around, but barely. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.
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