Every TV show based in the city, from Friends to Saturday Night Live, has joked about it for the last few decades. The lamentations on those departed culinary landmarks have been thorough and frequent . A 1980 sales department accounted for many happy customers who say that Chicken George was better than the chicken of their wife or mother. Chains dont figure, for instance, in our list of the best Mexican restaurants in every state. On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina Brands, owners of KFC, Pizza Hut, and other chains, it also operates around the world.) 1. Dick Nager has had a story to help create successful catering chains. By the turn of the century, there were fewer than a dozen Howard Johnson's left standing. Theres no doubt that we love our Mexican food. Vegan-friendly Beyond Meat tacos, nachos, and bowls are available, too. But it was true only for so long. Bennigan's got its start in Atlanta in 1976, but by the early '80s, they were everywhere. 1982 Having introduced nouvelle cuisine at Ma Maison in Los Angeles, Chef Wolfgang Puck presents "California cuisine" to patrons of his new chic-casual Sunset Strip restaurant, Spago. > U.S. sales: $214 million (est.) An animatronic hillbilly bear named Billy Bob greeted kids as they watched a show, played arcade games, and ate not-super-outstanding pizza. With the rise of fast-food chains though, . With that being said, Taco Bells menu has expanded and evolved a lot in recent years, including some exciting and creative options such as the Mexican Pizza and the Cheesy Gordita Crunch. But all hope was not lost. Reduced-calorie dishes included hamburgers made with lean beef, high-fiber buns, and low-calorie cheese. Fast-food chains continued to grow, with the number of companies increasing by about two-thirds. In business in 47 states and the nations capital (as well as Canada, the U.K., France, and Germany), Chipotle has been one of the great fast-food success stories of the late 20th and early 21st century despite repeated problems, apparently now solved, with food safety, leading to hundreds of cases of food poisoning. Established: 1976 What happened: The Irish-themed bar and grill was a popular spot for both happy hours and family gatherings in the 1980s and '90s.But it failed to distinguish itself from a growing field of casual-dining chains that included T.G.I. Similar restaurants that were more adaptable to changing tastes became fierce competitors. But the chain got an extra boost in the 1980s, thanks to its spokesperson, O.J. Sambo's shut down by the middle of the decade. 4. "Come on into Pup 'n' Taco and give your tummy a treat"we wish we could! 3. Sambo started in 1957 in Santa Barbara, California, reachingMaximum popularity In the late 1970s, more than 1,100 restaurants in 47 states. The sale put Walgreen's "completely out of the food business," The New York Times reported. We finally started swishing and sipping when La Cave popped open "with a refr eshing idea whose arrival . Without further ado, were going to be listing the 16 best Mexican chain restaurants in America, describing the style of the menu for each one (see also Americas Best Buffet Restaurants). Moes Southwest Grill Not only is El Toritos extensive menu filled with Mexican favorites like beef enchiladas, flame-grilled fajitas and traditional burritos, but you also get the option of building your own plate made up of the restaurants most popular menu items. Unfortunately, to the consternation of fans across the country, Burger Chef has not continued to follow and finally sold to the owner of Hardee's in the early 1980s. Army.". Del Taco is headquartered in Lake Forest California, and is led by CEO John D. Cappasola Jr. Only 1980s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants. The name Sambo's comes from a combination of the founders' names: Sam Battistone and Newell F. Bohnett. Bennigan's was fast becoming one of the most successful mid-range casual dining chains in America. That pitfall sadly brought Chicken George down in 1986, when Holmes filed for liquidation after falling into over $1.4 million in debt to private creditors and the IRS. But in 1989, Red Barn did not come out of bang, but a groan. And for another trip in memory memory, check these15 classical American desserts that deserve a return. The British-based market research and data analytics company, determined recently that some 86% of Americans who had tried Mexican food liked it; the only cuisine scoring higher was Italian, at 88%. Its one of the biggest Mexican food chains worldwide, but its especially well-loved in the U.S., where more than 3,000 Chipotle restaurants have opened in total since 1993. Boy, let's miss these clam tapes, Frankfurts and this Signature Hojo ice cream. The chain was sold 630 million dollars in 1979 and heading towards the 80s, Hojo became avictim of his own success. (Now owned by Yum! Anyone who lived in middle America and grew up in the '80s likely knows the odd name G.D. Ritzy's. Taco Cabana is known for its tortilla machine, which allows customers to enjoy steaming hot tacos just a couple of minutes after they place their order. Check out the top 10 Mexican chains in the United States according to Restaurant Business based on sales: Uncle Julios A couple of years later, things came full-circle when Butler sold to Collins Food International, who decided to merge Naugles with none other than Del Taco in 1988. In 1982, they sold the majority of their restaurants in Marriott. Cobb Lane Restaurant, Birmingham, 1948-2009. In 1984, G.D.'S Ritzy took about $ 5.2 million only fromIce cream sales. But that was only true for so long. But with more customers came more control and it has not been long before the anti-discrimination protests against Sambo started. By the time the chain filed for bankruptcy in 1988, there were 300 Pioneer Chickens all over the country. The restaurants your family ate at when you were growing up might not have been the finest dining establishments, but they probably hold a special place in your heart. In 1982,Denny's offered the company About $ 12 million to buy 35 VIP locations. Sold anything but some of their locations, Only the children of the 1990s will remember these restaurants, Long Island and News sites that are no longer / Facebook, The 80's snack that you should never eat again, says science, Only the children of the 1970s will remember these restaurants, Only the children of the 1980s will remember these restaurants, 40 habits to reduce your risk of dementia after 40, The FDA says "Do not get" COVID vaccine if you have this condition. The menu includes queso, guacamole, both soft and crispy tacos, Big As Yo Face burritos, and Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken (breaded with crushed potato chips). From there, unfortunately, it was all downhill. The original light showcase closed in 1983. So, not only do we owe Taco Johns our gratitude for one of the best cuisine combinations ever, but also for contributing to our vocabulary! By the mid-'80s, there were nearly 100 D'Lites locations across the country. Finally, if youre looking for really high-quality, rustic-inspired Tex-Mex, theres nowhere better than Uncle Julios. While not for everyone, Mexican chain restaurant dining is a popular dining destinations for families all across . Full Member. Beefsteak Charlie's is part of New York's pop culture because it has become a chain in the mid-1970s. Between 2001 and 2011, Country Kitchen closed almost 200 locations, with the total number of restaurants falling from 249 to 52, as sales declined by more than 80% during the same period. U.S. sales alone for the industry leader, McDonald's, exceeded $38 billion in 2018. This page was last edited on 25 January 2023, at 04:55. By the end of this article, you should know of a few new Mexican chain restaurants to try (see also 23 Most Popular Chain Restaurants In The United States)! RIP VIP's. "You could make money anywhere." Doggie Diner was a staple in Northern California's Bay Area in its heyday. In many cases, these restaurants serve a variation of Tex-Mex (Americanized Mexican cuisine) but its also possible to find authentic Mexican food at several of these chains. I only ate there once but I really liked it. According to Yelp reviewers, it was going downhill. Here's a list of iconic Austin restaurants who have closed in recent years: Alcomar - closed May 2018. Brought to life by husband-wife team of Juan and Melanie Martinez, the first Don Juan Mexican Grill opened in 2011, and the made-to-order burritos, bowls, and fresh-fruit smoothies were an instant hit on the East Coast. Howard Johnson's might just hold the title for most sorely-missed failed restaurant chain of not just the '80s, but any era. Cote D'Oro: In 1980, Holiday Magazine named this distinctive, turreted Yosemite Boulevard restaurant one of the Top 100 in the United States. We won't fault you for getting misty-eyed over these failed fast-food chain restaurants from the 1980s. Howard Johnson's. There is one Howard Johnson's restaurant left in the country, in New York's Lake George. We highly recommend trying some of the signature items on Uncle Julios menu, like the chocolate pinata, alongside some of the classics such as enchiladas and quesadillas. Jolly Tiger 2080 W. Stadium Blvd. Next time you have a craving for Mexican food or Tex-Mex, we challenge you to try out a new Mexican chain restaurant with friends or family (see also 17 American BBQ Chain Restaurants You Need To Visit). Though Beefsteak Charlie's slogan was, "I'll feed you like there's no tomorrow," sadly, tomorrow came for this chain restaurant by the end of the 1980s. Unlike many of the Mexican fast food chains in America, this one actually originated from Mexico, in Sinaloa. Bennigan's was fast becoming one of the most successful mid-range casual dining chains in America. Pappasito's Cantina is considered one of the best Mexican restaurant chains in the U.S., and it is easy to see why. Many weren't surprised when Metromedia filed for bankruptcy in 2008. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e. 14. Today onlySome restaurants remain. Unfortunately, the opposite of theWag's Jingle Is true today: it's no longer "a good day for Wag", which is nowhere where is in the world. Bennigan was becoming one of the most efficient mid-range casual catering chains in America. The Earles were on the cusp of the growing appetite for Mexican food, and it was prepared with care and flavor in both locations. Mexican food. 60 (tie) BOBBY SALAZAR'S MEXICAN FOODS. Refuge. 58 (tie) SANTIAGO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT. Eventually, they renamed several locations to No Place Like Sam's or Jolly Tiger instead. "I used to eat here as a child at lunch time with my father," wrote a Yelper. Credit: Visit Houston Texas. The chain has locations in 15 states today, focusing on California, Oregon, and Washington (though Las Vegas has more Del Tacos than any other city). But all hope wasn't lost. Mexican cuisine is primarily a fusion of indigenous Mesoamerican cooking with European, especially Spanish, elements added after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. Mexican food is one of the most popular global cuisines in America, and theres no mystery as to why. The name Sambo comes from a combination of the names of the founders: Sam Battistone and Newell F. Bohnett. The basic staples remain native foods such as corn, beans and chili peppers, but the Europeans introduced many other foods, the most important of which were meat from domesticated animals (beef, pork, chicken, goat and sheep), dairy products (especially cheese) and various herbs and many spices. Launched by a former Del Taco partner in 1970, Naugles featured simple Cal-Mex food like basic cheese burritos or ground beef crispy tacos. "Kiki's How a little neighborhood restaurant grew to be a community tradition", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Mexican_restaurants&oldid=1135522955, Belgium-based restaurant chain that was originally the European branch of the now defunct American company, Based in Mexico, not related to U.S. company, Based in the United States, not related to Mexican company. TIO JUAN'S MARGARITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT. In 2006, however, food blogger Christian Ziebarth posted about Naugles, and the response was through the roof. At the turn of the century, there was less than a dozen the left position of Howard Johnson. > U.S. sales: $324 million But by the late '80s, most locations had been sold. G.D. Ritzy's first opened in 1980, but when you walked into one, you were instantly transported back to the classic diner vibe of the 1950s. If youre an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. } ); And any New York child in the 1980s grew up love this chain, thanks to its unlimited portions. 26. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. From their salsas, which range from classic salsa verde to the sweet and delicious mango salsa, to their delicious tacos, quesadillas and fajitas, a lack of flavor is never a problem at Baja Fresh. Founder Russ Wendell's vision was, at the time, fairly unique: hot dogs served alongside a less common quick-service option for the eratacos. 24/7 Tempo delved further into the list to come up with the top 15 Mexican chains in America (the farthest down came in at No. Whether your usual order consists of nachos, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or even a Mexican-style salad you name it, its on the menu. It continued to grow throughout the '60s and '70s. In addition to fish and other tacos, the menu includes chicken tortilla soup and a Baja chopped bowl. 24. is the restaurants focus on fresh, non-processed ingredients. Pizza Haven - Australian pizza chain; Pumper Nic - chain in Argentina; founded in 1974 and closed in 1999; Pup 'N' Taco; Red Barn; Royal Castle - one franchise location survived after chain was liquidated in 1975; Sandy's; ShowBiz Pizza Place - Merged into Chuck E. Cheese Your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here! At the beginning of the decade, Gino stopped that the brand Burger trademarks and other favorite fans in order to reorganize the restaurant. His fried chicken joint quickly became one of the country's largest minority-owned chains. Moes Southwest Grill isnt just famous for its classic Mexican food (which is incredible) but also for the carefully-chosen music thats always playing at this chain restaurant. single xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Casa Gallardo went up against two other chains, Southern California-based El Torito and Minnesota's Chi-Chi's, during the late 1970s and early 1980s in the fight for America's Mexican-food obsession. However, Pappasitos Cantina really stands out for a few reasons. The sale has put the "completely out of food activity" of WalgreenThe New York Times reported. November 15, 2005. Missing those iconic kids' meals? But '80s kids rejoice: A revived Naugles has been in Fountain Valley, California, since 2015. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Support . Customers find the chain's classic fried chicken, and now the menu also includes buffalo wings, chicken fingers and family combos with cheesecake for dessert. Not only does Chuys serve some examples of classic Mexican food, but youll also find menu items inspired by Southern Texan cuisine and the Rio Grande Valley. Still another Texan, founded in Dallas in 1986, Uncle Julios features mesquite-grilled fajitas, guacamole made tableside, and chocolate piatas for dessert. Chi-Chi's Inc., owned by Prandium Inc., is a chain of 130 Mexican full-service restaurants that can be found in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. 15 classical American desserts that deserve a return, The Hardee Marketing Officer announced in 2007, 19 old joyful toys that will bring you back to your childhood. And for another trip down memory lane, check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback. > U.S. sales: $236 million (est.) Another Texas-born chain, this one from Fort Worth, Fuzzys has units around the country, all over Texas and also in Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and North and South Carolina. So if you want a scoop of that Chunky Dory Fudge, head to Ohio or Kentucky. > U.S. sales: $868 million Unfortunately, Webb could only put on the Ritz for so long. It's risky ranking Chipotle at the bottom of a Mexican-American food roundup, considering the sheer size and ferocity of Chipotle's die-hard fan club. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the chains locations are focused in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. > Number of U.S. units: 35. Eventuallywith a lot of enthusiasm and tons of helpZiebarth was able to open a new Naugles location in 2017. The easy way to make healthier comfort foods. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit. Get the best food tips and diet advice every single day, Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inboxevery Unlike a regular buffet, you could raise your flag and a server would bring more of whatever you'd like, whether it be tacos, flautas, tamales, guacamole, or sopapillas. These 1980s restaurants aren't still standing todayand if they are, it's in reduced form. The original Del Taco opened in the Mojave Desert town of Yermo, California, in 1964. Translating to the crazy chicken in Spanish, El Pollo Loco is one of the most famous Mexican-style chain restaurants in the United States, and definitely the winner of the funniest name contest! Although it didn't hold up against Chili's, TGI Fridays, and Applebee's, there was a time when it was fairly ubiquitous throughout the states. The company sold most of its locations in the '90s, seeing this list might take you back to your childhood. If you were a kid in the '80s, there's a good chance you had a birthday party or two at Showbiz Pizza Place. Two professional football players from Baltimore Colts helped create Gino burgers in 1957. Fast Casual. Buffalo locations, 1979. Red barn Had a small town debut in the Ohio of the 1960s, but it was destined for greater things. 321. According to Eater, during the height of its popularity in the 1960s, Howard Johnson's served "more meals outside of the home than any entity in America, except for the U.S. The G.D. Ritzy's menu stood out for all the ways you could customize your hamburgers, drinks and ice cream. Serve customer fast. The final restaurant closed in 1989. The chain was sold for $630 million in 1979, and heading into the '80s, HoJo's became a victim of its own success. We hope that this guide to the best Mexican restaurant chains in America (see also Ranking The Top 18 Pizza Chains In America) has shown you that there are plenty more Mexican food options than Chipotle and Taco Bell although these two have more than earned their popularity! But there is a glow of good news: today, two Gino Rochette burgers remain in the Maryland - and yes, they serve the ginois ginner. There were 60 locations in the New York metropolitan area by 1984. And although there was a unique showcase holding a dear life life in Nebraska, toofirm In 2017. . 22 20 Best Mexican Chain Restaurants in America - Shopfood.com; 23 8 of America's Most Beloved Mexican Chains | FSR magazine; 24 The 20 Restaurant Chains That No Longer Exist - PopCulture.com; 25 Top Mexican Restaurant Chains in The United States of America; 26 Mexican Restaurant Chains That Closed Recipes - TfRecipes Friday's, the chain fell behind. But the food these places offer can evoke the forms and flavors of the Mexican kitchen, and bring their spice and color to almost every corner of the country at a bargain price. Family Style. First opened a half-century ago in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and still based there, Taco Johns calls its fare West-Mex. Now operating in 22 states, the chain offers some unusual additions to the usual Mexican chain menu for instance, a meat and potato burrito, stuffed grilled tacos, and flauta-like Mexi Rolls, served with a choice of dipping sauces. What sets Baja Fresh apart from the Mexican fast food chains dotted around the U,S. NumerousNaugles became del TacosAnd finally, Naugles has disappeared. > Number of U.S. units: 484. 13. Beefsteak Charlie's was a big-time restaurant that had over 60 locations in the early 1980s. And for kids, in particular, Burger Chef was the top choice: It was the first fast-food chain to include toys with its kids' meals. 2. By the 1980s, there were more than 350Gino places throughout the east coast. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-53563316-1&cid=6027c9e2-a210-42ba-aaf9-2e2df23e78e4&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=73057989978068432'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); In addition, DoorDash, the nations number-one food delivery service, revealed recently that five of 2019s 15 most popular food orders in America were Mexican in style. A New York-based freelance journalist, Dalene Rovenstine often writes about He worked management jobs at Del Taco, and in the 1980s, struck by the quality and efficiency of El Pollo Loco, he started his own chain of Mexican-style broiled chicken, Juan Pollo, which still . Growth was especially strong in the Midwest which was targeted as a region susceptible to their appeal. There are a few states where people should leave quickly. New Balance (CC BY 2.0) by Mike Mozart 5. This health-conscious fast-food chain offered healthier options than their competitors, but when chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's began to do the same in the form of salads, baked potatoes, and other items, it spelled the end for D'Lites. Although the company liquidated in 1991, there are a handful of independently owned stores left around the United States. They sold roast beef sandwiches, fried chicken, and milkshakes throughout America.