The ’90s were a special time for dining out, with many restaurant chains becoming gathering spots for friends and families. We remember the bright signs, unique menus, and the atmosphere that made these places more than just somewhere to eat.
Some of these popular chains faded away after the decade ended, leaving behind memories but few lasting footprints. In this article, we’ll look back at five such chains that once thrived but then quietly disappeared from the scene.
Chi-Chi’s
We all remember Chi-Chi’s as a go-to spot for Tex-Mex in the ’90s. It was famous for its casual vibe and even introduced many of us to fried ice cream. At its peak, the chain had over 200 locations.
Unfortunately, Chi-Chi’s faced serious setbacks after a Hepatitis A outbreak linked to green onions. This hit the chain hard, leading to bankruptcy and the closure of most restaurants by 2004. While it vanished from many neighborhoods, Chi-Chi’s still lives on in our food memories.
Happy Joe’s
We used to love Happy Joe’s for its family-friendly vibe and pizza topped with a smile. It was a go-to spot for casual dining with fun themes and arcade games that kept kids entertained.
In the ’90s, it stood out for combining diner comfort with playful extras. Sadly, it couldn’t keep pace as the restaurant scene changed.
Though fewer locations remain, we still remember the laughter and good times shared there. Happy Joe’s will always hold a special place in our ’90s dining memories.
Black Angus Steakhouse
We remember Black Angus Steakhouse as a go-to spot for casual, affordable dining. Founded in 1964 in Seattle, it quickly grew to over 100 locations by the early 1980s. The idea of a steak, salad, and baked potato at a great price made it popular with families.
Unfortunately, sales have dropped significantly since the ’90s. By 2023, the chain was facing serious financial challenges, with a notable decline in revenue. It’s still around in a smaller form, but the golden days of Black Angus being a nationwide favorite feel behind us.
Sambo’s
We remember Sambo’s as a popular spot known for its pancakes and 24-hour service. In the 1970s, it had over 1,000 locations, making it a go-to place for breakfast and late-night meals.
However, controversy over the chain’s name and imagery grew through the 1980s and 1990s. This pressure led many Sambo’s restaurants to close or rebrand.
It’s interesting to see how something once so widespread can fade away. Sambo’s remains a reminder of how culture and business can intersect over time.
HoJo’s (Howard Johnson’s)
We all remember Howard Johnson’s as a classic stop on American road trips. At its peak, HoJo’s had over 1,000 locations and was famous for its bright orange roofs and family-friendly menu. It was a go-to spot for comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Over time, though, the rise of fast-food chains made it tough for HoJo’s to keep up. By the 2000s, many locations closed quietly, and the brand slowly faded away.
The last Howard Johnson’s restaurant closed in 2022 in Lake George, New York. While the restaurants disappeared, the hotels under the HoJo name are still around, owned by Wyndham.