10 Fast Food Chains That Fell Off The Map & 10 That Are Seeing A Huge Resurgence
10 Fast Food Chains That Fell Off The Map & 10 That Are Seeing A Huge Resurgence
Sink Or Swim
Remember those fast-food spots that felt like they were everywhere but are nowhere to be found anymore? Well, some of those beloved chains couldn't keep up with changing times. But on the other hand, many unsuspecting chains figured out how to bounce back stronger than ever. So let's look at 10 fast food chains that fell off the map and 10 that have completely blown up in recent years.
1. Burger Chef
Back in 1954, this burger joint invented the first kids' meal with toys—yes, before McDonald's Happy Meal! Founded in Indianapolis, they grew to around 1,200 locations by 1972. Even though flame-broiled patties and "Works Bar" made them a serious competitor to McDonald's, Hardee's bought them out in 1981.
2. Howard Johnson's
Everyone remembers the orange roofs and 28 ice cream flavors that made HoJo's America's largest restaurant chain in the 1960s. Howard turned his dad's loan of $2,000 into an empire of several restaurants. However, they dominated highway travel until fast food competition and changing tastes led to their gradual decline.
3. White Tower Hamburgers
Here's a story that starts with copying White Castle's look in 1926—from the white fortress-style buildings down to similar burgers. At their peak, 230 locations served those famous 5-cent hamburgers. A lawsuit forced them to change their castle design, but they kept slinging burgers until 2022, when the last location closed down.
4. Gino's Hamburgers
Till 1982, sports memorabilia covered these walls while diners munched on their famous Gino Giant burgers. Founded by NFL star Gino Marchetti and his Baltimore Colts teammates in 1957, this place was where sports met burgers. Their clever Kentucky Fried Chicken partnership had brought both brands under one roof.
5. Sambo's
Just 20 stores in 1969 exploded into a chain of 1,117 locations in 1981. Their $2 all-you-can-eat pancake deal and 24-hour service made them popular. If it wasn't for financial troubles and public pressure that forced Sambo's to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it would still be around post-1980s.
Sambo's Restaurants 1979 breakfast commercial by robatsea2009
6. Wetson's
Can you imagine a burger, fries, and shake for just 25 cents? That's what made Wetson's a New York favorite from 1959 to 1975. They owned the fast food scene in the Big Apple and their "Look for the Yellow Roof" slogan. Sadly, rising costs and bigger chains pushed them out.
The original uploader was Y6y6y6 at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
7. Red Barn
An actual barn-shaped restaurant with a weather vane on top? Wow! This Ohio-based chain went all-in on the farm theme from 1961 onwards. After hitting 300-plus locations, constant ownership changes led to their 1988 closure. However, they were the ones who introduced the first fast-food salad bar called "Open Barn Board."
Red Barn Commercial (Loni Anderson, 1977) by Bionic Disco
8. Carrols
Carrols had an interesting mascot, which was a cartoon slug named Carrols who rocked a chef's hat. Starting in the 1960s in Syracuse, they grew in the Northeast with menu items like the Club Burger. The company later switched gears in the 2000s, withdrawing its name and taking shelter as a Burger King franchise.
vintage Carrols Family Restaurants TV commercial by robatsea2009
9. Chi Chi's
A devastating hepatitis A outbreak in 2003, combined with bankruptcy, led to this restaurant's complete US exit. Founded in 1975 in Minnesota, they brought yummy chimichangas and fried ice cream to the masses. Would you believe a Midwesterner created one of America's most successful Mexican restaurant chains?
10. Steak And Ale
The chain was present at 280 locations before facing competition, but the 2008 recession forced it to close every restaurant. When Norman Brinker opened the first location in 1966, he created the concept of a casual dining steakhouse. Very smartly, they offered an affordable $1.95 filet mignon.
1. Popeyes
Those 2019 chicken sandwich wars weren't just hype—they started one of fast food's biggest comebacks ever. Popeyes’ sandwich broke the internet, sparked Twitter battles with Chick-fil-A, and had lines wrapped around the block. Since then, they've grown globally, doubled their sales, and even launched successful chicken wings.
2. Taco Bell
Just when everyone thought fast food was getting boring, Taco Bell said, "Hold my Baja Blast." Their Mexican Pizza addition was crazy, and partnerships with Dolly Parton and Pete Davidson went viral. Today, it's going well with Gen Z; their rewards program has hit 10 million members, while their menu innovations have increased sales.
3. Wendy's
Who knew breakfast would save the redhead? After years of playing third fiddle to McDonald's and Burger King, Wendy's breakfast menu changed during the pandemic. Their social media presence and fresh entries like French Toast Sticks helped them reach record profits. They're still opening hundreds of fresh stores.
4. Arby's
Remember when Arby's was the center of every fast-food joke? Well, nobody is laughing now because their "We Have The Meats" campaign turned them into a meat lover's paradise. They're dropping new Wagyu burgers, crushing market share records, and planning new locations. The roast beef kings became premium sandwich emperors.
5. Burger King
The Home of the Whopper just pulled off one of fast food's biggest turnarounds ever! After falling behind competitors, they pumped $400 million into a "Reclaim the Flame" comeback plan. Their viral Whopper Melts and Ghost Pepper menu items sparked a new following alongside marketing campaigns like "Take That McDonald's."
6. Little Caesars
The Hot-N-Ready kings pulled off the impossible—they went high-tech without losing their budget-friendly soul. Little Caesars is seeing record growth with their Pizza Portal pickup technology, which affected carryout and delivery operations. Even after prices were raised to $5.55, they continued to gain traction.
7. Jollibee
A loved Filipino sensation is taking over the world. Their Chickenjoy recipe is so good that new store openings cause traffic jams. Jollibee is not just growing—the brand is gobbling up other chains like Coffee Bean and Smashburger. Even Anthony Bourdain called them "the wackiest, jolliest place on Earth."
8. Jack In The Box
Late-night fast food's comeback kid just keeps winning. After buying Del Taco and redesigning their stores, Jack In The Box is only getting better. The brand's 24-hour service and wild marketing with the mascot, Jack, attract younger customers. After surviving a massive crisis in 1993, they bounced back stronger.
9. A&W
A&W, which started off as a tiny roadside stand, is winning hearts again! After breaking free from corporate giants, A&W went back to its family restaurant roots—no frozen patties and fresh ingredients. Their cheese curds became TikTok famous, and they're opening locations faster than ever.
10. Church's Chicken
Born in San Antonio across from the Alamo, George W. Church Sr. sold chicken for 49 cents and threw in jalapeños for a nickel. Their hand-battered chicken and honey-butter biscuits have apparently helped them expand into 29 countries. What's even cooler is that they used to be among the first chains to offer spicy chicken.
Clotee Pridgen Allochuku from Sherman Oaks, California, United States on Wikimedia
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