Sometimes, a craving isn’t about the food—it’s about the memory that came with it. From birthday parties to family Sunday dinners, many of us grew up with restaurants that simply don’t exist anymore. Whether they served iconic cheeseburgers, had fun play zones, or offered bottomless baskets of something delicious, their absence still stings. In an era of fast-casual chains and delivery apps, many of these shuttered places feel like relics of a better dining time. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 10 restaurant chains we wish were still open today.
Did You Love These Restaurant Chains We Wish Were Still Open?
1. Chi-Chi’s
Chi-Chi’s was once the go-to spot for casual Mexican dining with a festive atmosphere. Known for its chimichangas, fried ice cream, and margaritas, it hit its peak popularity in the 1980s. What made Chi-Chi’s special was its ability to make every dinner feel like a celebration. Unfortunately, a combination of declining sales and a major health outbreak forced the chain to close all U.S. locations. Despite its absence, the brand still lives on in grocery store salsa jars, but it’s just not the same.
2. Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale introduced Americans to affordable steakhouse luxury in the 1960s. Its dim lighting, wood-paneled interiors, and self-serve salad bar were iconic features. Patrons loved the prime rib, baked potatoes, and all-you-can-eat options that didn’t break the bank. After years of mergers and mismanagement, the chain faded into obscurity by the early 2000s. Today, it’s often cited in forums as one of the top restaurant chains we wish were still open.
3. Bennigan’s
Known for its Monte Cristo sandwiches and boozy Irish theme, Bennigan’s once had a loyal fan base. It was a popular hangout for casual lunches, after-work drinks, and comfort food cravings. However, financial struggles and increased competition caused it to file for bankruptcy in 2008. While a few locations still exist overseas and under franchise, the heyday of Bennigan’s in the U.S. is gone. It remains a favorite example of how a fun vibe and unique menu can create a loyal following.
4. Howard Johnson’s
Once the largest restaurant chain in the U.S., Howard Johnson’s was synonymous with road trips and orange roofs. Its ice cream selection and comfort food menu made it a hit with families across the country. By the early 2000s, the brand had shrunk dramatically, and the last location closed in 2022. With its decline went a certain kind of mid-century Americana charm. It’s one of those restaurant chains we wish were still open simply because it felt like home on the road.
5. Sambo’s
Though controversial in name, Sambo’s was once a widely popular chain serving pancakes and diner-style breakfasts. At its peak in the 1970s, it had over 1,100 locations across the U.S. The chain’s downfall came from social backlash and a shifting cultural awareness that led to rebranding efforts and eventual closure. While the name is gone for good, the food and atmosphere still linger in the memories of early morning family breakfasts. It’s a reminder that even flawed chains left culinary impressions.
6. Sweet Tomatoes (a.k.a. Souplantation)
This buffet-style salad and soup chain was a staple for health-conscious diners and large family gatherings. Sweet Tomatoes offered a rotating menu of fresh salads, soups, pastas, and baked goods in a casual, serve-yourself setting. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit buffet-style restaurants especially hard, forcing it to shut down in 2020. Fans continue to reminisce about their favorite soups and muffins, often trying to recreate recipes at home. It’s a top contender among restaurant chains we wish were still open in today’s wellness-driven food scene.
7. Red Barn
With its barn-shaped buildings and catchy jingles, Red Barn was a fast-food icon in the 1960s and ’70s. It offered early versions of the Big Mac and fish sandwich before those became McDonald’s staples. Quirky branding and quality food made it beloved among its fans. Sadly, corporate changes and franchise disputes led to its quiet disappearance. Nostalgic eaters still seek out vintage Red Barn memorabilia and menus online.
8. Gino’s Hamburgers
This East Coast burger chain was known for its juicy patties and partnership with sports legends like Johnny Unitas. Gino’s had a simple menu, affordable prices, and a reputation for quality fast food before that was an oxymoron. It merged with Roy Rogers in the ’80s, slowly erasing the Gino’s brand. Though it attempted a revival in recent years, it never regained its former presence. Fans still talk about Gino’s as a lost gem in the burger world.
9. Luby’s Cafeteria
A Southern institution, Luby’s served homestyle meals with a cafeteria-line twist. Its fried fish, mac and cheese, and desserts drew in a loyal older crowd, especially in Texas. Changing tastes and pandemic-era challenges led to the chain selling off many locations in 2021. Although some remain under private ownership, the glory days of Luby’s are long gone. It’s one of those restaurant chains we wish were still open for a comforting Sunday meal.
10. Bob’s Big Boy
Recognized by its chubby cartoon mascot, Bob’s Big Boy was more than just a restaurant—it was a slice of Americana. Known for its double-decker burgers and milkshakes, it was a favorite for carhop service and family dining. While a few outposts still exist, especially in California, the chain is a ghost of what it once was nationwide. Its decline came as fast-food giants dominated the burger scene. Still, many miss the nostalgia and retro charm Bob’s once brought to the table.
The Flavor May Be Gone, But the Memories Linger
These now-closed chains weren’t just places to eat—they were stages for life’s everyday moments: birthdays, first jobs, road trips, and weekend traditions. The restaurant industry may be fast-moving, but some brands left a lasting mark that diners still crave. As we embrace food delivery and pop-up concepts, there’s still a soft spot for the comfort of a classic chain. These 10 restaurant chains we wish were still open remind us that food is as much about the experience as it is about the taste.
Which closed restaurant do you still miss the most? Share your throwback favorites in the comments—bonus points if you remember what you ordered!
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