We have a ton of food choices today, but that wasn’t the case in the ’80s.
So we REALLY loved the few restaurants that rocked.
Fortunately, many of the restaurants you may have thought had long since died are still around…you just might have to search a little harder!
Let’s find out what seven iconic 80’s restaurants are up to now!
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For me, Bennigan’s was all about the Monte Cristo sandwich!
Dipping a savory-sweet, fried sandwich in jam? Yes, please?
Where to find them today: There are six Bennigan’s you can visit in person in the U.S.: Two in Texas, two in Iowa, one in Illinois, and one in North Dakota. There are also more than two dozen ghost kitchen delivery-only Bennigan’s scattered across the country.
And then, if you get adventurous, there are a few international locations.
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Before McDonald’s and others asserted their dominance, Howard Johnson was the biggest restaurant chain in the U.S. You could get great ice cream in addition to homestyle items like pot pies and burgers!
Where to find them today: Unfortunately, the last Howard Johnson restaurant closed in 2022 (it was in Lake George, NY). You could still go to a Howard Johnson hotel, but that doesn’t quite scratch the itch.
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Before Outback Steakhouse became ubiquitous, Sizzler was THE steak place!
Where to find them today: In the US, there are still dozens of Sizzler location, but you need to be in California or one of its Western brethren states.
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Chi-Chi’s was SOOOO good for Mexican food, margaritas, and fried ice cream. For when you wanted a fancier experience than Taco Bell.
Where to find them today: The last US Chi-Chi’s closed its doors two decades ago. But a couple new Chi-Chi’s are slated to come back this year!
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Ponderosa and Bonanza used to be separate companies but they merged. So you’d have situations like my home town where we had both a Ponderosa and a Bonanza. Either way, you could get a well-priced steak and a wonderful buffet.
Where to find them today: There are still about 20 Ponderosas and Bonanzas left in the U.S., mostly in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.
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If Shoney’s and Big Boy seemed similar to you, it’s because Shoney’s grew out of licensing Big Boys locations. It featured classic American fare like burgers and the Slim Jim sandwich. And the breakfast buffet was amazing!
Where to find them today: There are still about 80 Shoney’s locations, mostly in the South (Tennessee has the most locations with just under 30).
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I love Roy Rogers’ roast beef sandwiches. They may even be better than Arby’s. Add in fried chicken and burgers and Roy Rogers is a strong food stop on a road trip!
Where to find them today: There are still about 40 Roy Rogers locations around the Mid-Atlantic (Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) with over half in Maryland.
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• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
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So there you have it – seven iconic 80’s restaurant chains that are just about gone now.
It’s sad, but I guess such is life.
Who did I miss?
Who do YOU miss most?
Let us know in the comments!
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