10 Forgotten Chain Restaurants from the ’80s We Wish Were Still Around

The 1980s was a golden age of chain restaurants, where a trip to your favorite eatery was a true experience. Families gathered for Friday night feasts, teens bonded over milkshakes and fries, and special occasions were marked by a booth at the trendiest spots in town.

While some restaurants from this era have stood the test of time, many have vanished, leaving behind only fond memories of signature dishes, quirky decor, and larger-than-life dining experiences.

So, grab a napkin and join us as we take a nostalgic bite out of 10 beloved but forgotten chain restaurants from the ’80s that deserve a comeback.

1. Bennigan’s – The King of Pub-Style Dining

If you were looking for good times, hearty portions, and an Irish pub vibe, Bennigan’s was the place to be. Established in 1976, this casual dining staple was known for its warm, dark-wood interiors, brass fixtures, and legendary Monte Cristo sandwich—deep-fried, golden, and dusted with powdered sugar.

At its peak, Bennigan’s was a go-to for lively gatherings, but by the late 2000s, financial struggles and changing dining habits led to most locations closing their doors.

Would a Bennigan’s revival work today? With the resurgence of comfort food and retro restaurant nostalgia, bringing back the Monte Cristo and their famous “Death by Chocolate” dessert could be a recipe for success.

2. Chi-Chi’s – The Original Fiesta Spot

Long before Taco Tuesday became a thing, Chi-Chi’s was where America went for a taste of Mexico. Founded in 1975, this lively chain brought the party to the dining table, complete with margaritas, piñatas, and sizzling platters of chimichangas.

At its peak in the ’80s, Chi-Chi’s was THE place for fun-filled family dinners and casual nights out, but a combination of bankruptcy and health-related scandals led to its demise in the early 2000s.

With Mexican cuisine more popular than ever, a modern-day Chi-Chi’s could capitalize on the growing love for tacos, tequila, and tableside guacamole, reviving its fiesta-filled dining experience for a new generation.

3. Howard Johnson’s – The Roadside Diner We Miss

For decades, Howard Johnson’s wasn’t just a restaurant—it was an American institution. With its bright orange roof and neon signs welcoming travelers, it was a must-stop for families hitting the road.

From clam strips and fried chicken to 28 flavors of ice cream, Howard Johnson’s menu was a comfort food paradise. However, as fast-food chains took over highways, HoJo’s slowly faded into obscurity, with only one location remaining by 2017 before it, too, shut down.

Could it come back? With retro diners making a comeback, a modern Howard Johnson’s could be a nostalgic road-trip revival, bringing back its signature dishes and classic roadside charm.

4. Sambo’s – A Breakfast Favorite That Vanished

For pancake lovers of the past, Sambo’s was THE place to stack ‘em high. Famous for its massive plates of hotcakes and whimsical tiger-themed decor, this breakfast chain thrived in the ’70s and early ’80s.

However, controversies over its name and growing competition from IHOP and Denny’s caused Sambo’s to fade into history.

Could it work today? A rebranded version with a focus on quirky breakfast traditions could bring back the pancake magic—because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good stack of flapjacks?

5. Burger Chef – The Customizable Burger Pioneer

Before Five Guys and Shake Shack, there was Burger Chef. This fast-food legend introduced one of the first “build-your-own burger bars”, where customers could pile on toppings to their heart’s content.

At its peak, Burger Chef had over 1,200 locations, rivaling even McDonald’s. But as the burger wars heated up, the brand struggled to keep up with aggressive competitors, eventually disappearing by the mid-1980s.

With today’s obsession with customizable fast food, a Burger Chef revival could be a smash hit, bringing back the “Works Bar” for burger lovers who want it their way.

6. Lum’s – The Beer-Steamed Hot Dog Wonder

Where else could you get a hot dog steamed in beer? Lum’s made this quirky creation a must-try for adventurous eaters, and its cozy, pub-style vibe made it a unique alternative to standard fast-food joints.

Sadly, despite its cult following, Lum’s couldn’t compete with bigger burger chains, and by the early ’80s, most locations had disappeared.

With the rise of craft beer and gourmet hot dog joints, a modern Lum’s could thrive as a hip, nostalgic eatery with an updated twist on its famous beer-steamed dogs.

7. Steak and Ale – The Affordable Steakhouse Dream

For those who craved a fancy steakhouse experience without breaking the bank, Steak and Ale was the perfect solution. With Tudor-style decor, candlelit tables, and a legendary salad bar, it offered an upscale experience at family-friendly prices.

Despite its popularity, casual dining trends shifted, and Steak and Ale closed its doors by the late 2000s.

However, with the resurgence of classic steakhouses, there’s definitely room for a comeback—because who wouldn’t love a juicy, affordable steak with unlimited trips to a salad bar?

8. Shakey’s Pizza – The Original Pizza Party Spot

Before Chuck E. Cheese ruled the kid-friendly pizza scene, Shakey’s was THE place for family fun. Featuring crispy, thin-crust pizza, player pianos, and arcade games, it was a weekend staple for countless families in the ’80s.

Though some locations still exist, Shakey’s has mostly disappeared in the U.S., replaced by flashier competitors.

Could it work today? Absolutely! With the rise of retro arcades and barcades, Shakey’s could return as a pizza party paradise, blending nostalgia with modern entertainment.

9. The Ground Round – Where Peanuts Were Part of the Fun

Imagine a restaurant where you could throw peanut shells on the floor—that was The Ground Round! It was a casual, family-friendly spot with cheap eats and an easygoing atmosphere.

However, as dining trends shifted, The Ground Round struggled to compete, leading to most locations shutting down by the ’90s.

Could it come back? Absolutely! People love a laid-back dining experience, and with the success of similar concepts (think Texas Roadhouse), The Ground Round could thrive again.

10. G.D. Ritzy’s – The Diner That Time Forgot

Imagine a 1950s-style diner, but with an ’80s twist—that was G.D. Ritzy’s. Known for its amazing burgers, hand-scooped ice cream, and retro decor, it was a fast-casual hidden gem.

Despite its charm, G.D. Ritzy’s couldn’t survive the fierce competition of McDonald’s and Wendy’s, leading to its decline in the late ’80s.

With the current love for nostalgic, vintage diners, a comeback could totally work—especially if they bring back those delicious sundaes and old-school soda fountain vibes.