Taco Cabana Reduced-calorie dishes included hamburgers made with lean beef, high-fiber buns, and low-calorie cheese. Jessica McGowan. ), but also offers flautas the rolled, fried tacos sometimes called taquitos. In addition, DoorDash, the nations number-one food delivery service, revealed recently that five of, 2019s 15 most popular food orders in America, Of course, the fare offered by Mexican chains, whether fast-food places or sit-down restaurants, is designed for a wide American audience, and rarely reflects the way people eat in Mexico. > U.S. sales: $236 million (est.) This restaurant is part of a larger family of restaurants known as the Pappas family-owned restaurants. There are still a couple of Rax locations in Ohio today, but the chain has diminished significantly since its heyday. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e. This Mexican restaurant chain first opened in Minnesota in the 1970s, but at its peak in the mid-1990s, . ), in Pollo Fit Bowls, or in the form of burritos, tostadas, or overstuffed quesadillas. every day. There are now only 18 international locations and 15 in the United States. 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. Big Bite expanded to a chain of approximately 30 restaurants. All the Roy Rogers locations were sold off in the '90s. But if you'd kill for an Ollieburger, check out this copycat recipe to satisfy your craving. 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. What sets Baja Fresh apart from the Mexican fast food chains dotted around the U,S. And though there was a sole storefront holding on for dear life in Nebraska, it too closed in 2017. Most notably, he was a founding partner of Del Taco. 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 200 Bennigan National Locationsscreened their doors A decade ago, but the new owners now manage a much smaller operation of Dallas, Texas and the menu includes Irish items inspired by the pub that you liked in the 1980s. Pappasitos Cantina is undoubtedly one of the best Tex-Mex chain restaurants in America. At the end of the 1980s, the restaurant was bought out by Foodmaker Inc., but ultimately they continued to experience store closures in the U.S. . Perkins logo, 1960. The chain began in the mid-1950s in Miami but grew to be a nationwide phenomenon, with more than 400 restaurants in the 1970s at the height of its success. 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). El Torito is one of the longest-standing Mexican chain restaurants in America, dating all the way back to 1954! The sale put Walgreen's "completely out of the food business," The New York Times reported. Jim's Tiffany Place. The chain marketed an all-you-can-eat salad bar plus unlimited beer, wine, and sangria. These 1980s restaurants aren't still standing todayand if they are, it's in reduced form. So, if youre an ethically-conscious fan of Mexican cuisine, you should definitely check out Chipotle if you havent already! Its channel, Wag's had 91 restaurants, all open 24 hours a day, serving your standard rate of Denny'Sque. day, 2022 Galvanized Media. In the mid-1980s, all Diners doggie had closed. There are a few states where people should leave quickly. New Balance (CC BY 2.0) by Mike Mozart 5. So, if youre in the mood for some Mexican flavors with an American twist at a reasonable price and an accessible location, Taco Bell is an excellent choice! > Number of U.S. units: 6,588. 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. So, if you want a spoon of this Dory Chunky fudge, head toOhio WhereKentucky. Possibly - with a lot of enthusiasm and tons of help Ziebarth has been able to open aNew rental of Naugles In 2017. The Fun Meal, as they called it, launched in the early '70s and also included stories about Burger Chef lore, including the chain's mascot Jeff, the Burgerini (a magician), Count Fangburger (a vampire), Burgerilla (a gorilla), and Cackleburger (a witch). Best Mexican Restaurants in Los Angeles, California: Find Tripadvisor traveler reviews of Los Angeles Mexican restaurants and search by price, location, and more. The Lone Star State is now one of the 19 in which there are Chuys units. Chipotle. 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! JoJos in the ring around the mall 625 . > Number of U.S. units: 35. } else { According toEaterFor the height of his popularity in the 1960s, Howard Johnson served "more meals outside the home than any American entity, with the exception of the US military.". The fun meal, as they called it, launched in the early 1970s and included stories about Burger Chef Lore, including the mascot of Jeff chain, La Burgerini (a magician), Count Fangburger (a vampire), Burgerilla (a gorilla), and Cackleburger (a witch). Lucia's Restaurant. every day. Name Head office location Original location Year started Number of locations Notes Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina: Cypress, California In 1982, Denny's offered the company about $12 million to buy out 35 VIP's locations. Another Tex-Mex chain Taco Cabana has close to 200 locations throughout the United States, but most of them are in the restaurants town of origin, which is, of course, Texas! At the beginning of the decade, Gino's discontinued that trademark burger and other fan favorites in an effort to revamp the restaurant. Ever wonder if your favorite is actually the most popular? 23. And for more failed eateries, Only 1970s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants. Click here for the top 15 Mexican chains in America. Get the best food tips and diet advice While the chain had a rocky financial status through the '70s, there were over 300 chains in operation by the '80s. In the late 1980s, if you lived . It was such a success for founders Max . here is19 old joyful toys that will bring you back to your childhood. Here, we've ranked some of the very worst and very best Mexican, Mexican-inspired, Mexican-ish, and Tex-Mex fast-food chains in the U.S. 10. > Number of U.S. units: 63. 57. Marchetti returned to the restaurant business in 2010, opening up a new Gino's location. In the mid-1980s, the company was sold to Marriott, which sold off the hotel chain and began converting non-franchise HoJos into Big Boy restaurants (which Marriott also owned). In the early 1980s he sold the chain to the Marriott hotel chain, which quickly converted all the Gino's into Roy Rogers. At its height in 1984, there were 102 Taco Pupping Places across California and New Mexico. Taco Bueno combines Mexican cuisine with American fast food culture with its meal combos. > U.S. sales: $739 million But that very year, 99 of those were sold to Taco Bell, all but erasing the brand. While not for everyone, Mexican chain restaurant dining is a popular dining destinations for families all across . They sold roast beef sandwiches, fried chicken, and milkshakes throughout America. 4. Walgreen's has a penchant for branching out beyond your traditional pharmacy goodssome even sell beer and wine these days. Though Restaurant Business lists this chain in the chicken category, not the Mexican, and although chicken is the only protein on the menu, El Pollo Loco calls its food L.A. A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. 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. There were serious noise complaints from neighbors at the Huntington Harbour location in 1981, and, in the mid-1980s, claims that the chain excluded minorities on a regular basis from several of its Orange County . "They just leave that Ritzy is a little atrophy of Ritzy over the next eight or ten years, and he decreased at seven locations"Webb saidThe observer of Dallas in 2004. Serve customer fast. 3. 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. Taco Bell, as noted, is in the top five, and there are four other Mexican-inspired chains in the top 100. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { Walgreen's has a penchant to bring back beyond your traditional pharmacy products - some even sell beer and wine these days. By the time the chain filed for bankruptcy in 1988, there were 300 Pioneer Chickens all over the country. The International House of Pancakes is one of those chain restaurants that has come and gone a handful of times in Western New York. New French Cafe. 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. If youve never been to Torchys Tacos, we suggest you do so as soon as possible, especially if you enjoy spicy tacos and margaritas. In 1982, a few years after being bought by a Swiss holding company, the chain overextended in its franchising efforts and filed for bankruptcy. Regardless, Mexican food and chains, in particular, have become increasingly popular in the United States over the years. Restaurant Review: Southern Fried Goodness and More to Try at Tupelo Honey. Refuge. 2. If youre looking for Mexican food that tastes fresh and that you can tell has been homemade from scratch, you need to check out Baja Fresh. According to Eat This, Not That!, Pup "N' Taco was a popular southern California quick service restaurant.When it opened in 1956, the brand's founder, Russ Wendell, took an un-traditional approach to his menu. In the early 1990s, Bennigan's was sold to Metromedia Restaurant Group. Just some of the delicious Tex-Mex options on the menu at this restaurant include slow-smoked ribs, enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, and tacos. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); topics. Bombay Bicycle Club. In the mid-1980's. One of the reasons Taco Cabana is so popular is that it offers 24-hour service, so when college starts in the fall, you can expect to see a lot of students here in the early hours of the morning! RELATED: The easy way to make healthier comfort foods. Howard Johnson could simply hold the title of the most failed failed restaurant chain, not only the 80s, but a time. Full Member. "They just let Ritzy's somewhat atrophy over the next eight or 10 years, and it dwindled down to seven locations," Webb said to The Dallas Observer in 2004. But the children of the 80s probably do not experience experience. Whether your usual order consists of nachos, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or even a Mexican-style salad you name it, its on the menu. Vegan-friendly Beyond Meat tacos, nachos, and bowls are available, too. Children of the 1980s certainly remember savoring their last spoonful of HoJos ice cream. By the mid-'80s, all the Doggie Diners had shut down. Scott Mercer (left) was helped by Bob Scura and Kurt Cameron of Grand American Fare chain in assembling dcor for P.O. You can almost taste burgers, hot dogs and fries that look at him. If youre an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. Now that's what you call living out your childhood dream. But there is a sliver of good news: Today, two rebranded Gino's Burgers and Chicken remain in Marylandand yes, they do serve the Gino Giant. 9. By 1981, more than 50 VIP's locations had sprung up along freeways throughout Washington, California, Idaho, and Nevada, in addition to the Oregon locations. Chains dont figure, for instance, in our list of the best Mexican restaurants in every state. Fast . Friday's and Applebee's, serving up similar menus of standard bar fare and ambiance. Starting in the 1980s, Mighty Casey's began popping up in Atlanta, Georgia, serving your . In 1979, McDonald's launched his good meal. If you were wondering where this restaurant gets its name from, its called On The Border because its named after the border between Mexico and Texas. Burger Chef. Eventuallywith a lot of enthusiasm and tons of helpZiebarth was able to open a new Naugles location in 2017. We will not challenge yourself to have elapsed youFairy Failed Restaurants Failed. Carrols Restaurant Group. Its fried chicken articulation quickly became one of the largest chains belonging to the country. And any New York child in the 1980s grew up love this chain, thanks to its unlimited portions. Menu items have fanciful names like Homewrecker (an overstuffed burrito ), John Coctostan (a Southwest-style quesadilla), and Alright Alright Alright (nachos with queso). 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%. The chain's name was a source of controversy: According to the company, the name was . The original Lum's storefront closed its doors in 1983. with a character named "Family Sam," a friendly senior citizen chef. > U.S. sales: $868 million Another extremely popular Mexican restaurant chain in America is Del Taco. These are fans who didn't think twice after . Dont forget to try one of El Toritos frozen margaritas while you have the chance! > U.S. sales: $324 million RELATED: Your ultimate survival guide and supermarket is here! November 15, 2005. And controversy makes for good business! Brands, owners of KFC, Pizza Hut, and other chains, it also operates around the world.) The channel started in the mid-1950s in Miami but became a phenomenon at the national level, with more than 400 restaurants in the 1970s at theHeight of his success. 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. Annie's Santa Fe was a popular Mexican restaurant during the 1980s and 1990s which had locations at several local malls, including Oak Park Mall and Bannister Mall. } ); Another Dallas-born chain, on the border launched in 1982, featuring mesquite-grilled meats, hand-pressed tortillas, and small-batch salsas. But by the late '80s, most locations had been sold. Taco Bueno is a famous fast food restaurant chain situated in the southern United States. March 1, 2023 1:10 pm. Missing those iconic kids' meals? > U.S. sales: $835 million 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 ); And thanks to the boom of fast-food chains in the 1970s and 1980s, we've been able to sip the same shakes and munch on the same fries for decades. "Bennigan's was the weakest of the major players," one analyst told the Associated Press at the time. Fast Casual. It was launched by Howard Johnson himself in the 1920s as a soda fountain and lunch counter, and by 1954 there were 400 outposts in 32 states. The full list includes restaurants I copied from the telephone directory (and which were listed as "Mexican restaurants" in the yellow pages). xhr.send(payload); After a booming start in the late 1970s and a growth spurt in the early 1980s, Chi-Chi's sales and store count declined. And some fan favoriteslike Burger Chef, G.D. Ritzy's, and Howard Johnson'sfell by the wayside. Now Holidays Restaurant. 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. 11. In 2006, however, food blogger Christian Ziebarth posted about Naugles, and the response was through the roof. Forsaken Fotos / Flickr. Bennigan had its start in Atlanta in 1976, but in the early 1980s they were everywhere. 1983 The Food Marketing Institute reports that 2/3 of all fish consumed in the U.S. is eaten in restaurants. Its chain, Wag's, had 91 restaurants, all open 24 hours, serving your standard Denny's-esque fare. The timing was perfect, with Mexican food a trendy choice for diners at that time. But in 1989, Red Barn went out not with a bang, but a whimper. Gino's Hamburgers. But the chain got an extra boost in the 1980s, thanks to its spokesman,O.J. . And the controversy is for good business! 6. . Taco Bueno. If you were around in the early '80s, you might remember Lum's for its signature beer-steamed hot dogs, and if you weren't a hot dog person, there was always the beloved Ollieburger. Get the best food tips and diet A Mexican fast-food establishment with locations all over the United States, its charming motto was, "Prepare food fresh. There's no denying that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from biting into the burger you've been enjoying since you were a kid. 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 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e. 11. Rip Vip's. The first On the Border location was in Dallas, so the choice of name goes beyond the style of cuisine served at this restaurant. Feb 9, 2022 - Explore ben mccullough's board "Denver Colo old restaurants no longer here" on Pinterest. 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). 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 His fried chicken joint quickly became one of the country's largest minority-owned chains. "I used to eat here as a child at lunch time with my father," wrote a Yelper. Second-place Starbucks managed a mere $19.66 billion, just over half the McDonalds number, but still not bad. And by the early '90s, Chuck E. Cheese became the name of all locations. Red Barn had small-town beginnings in 1960s Ohio, but it was destined for greater things. 167). It took on the rest of the East Coast in the '70s, too. But with more customers came more scrutiny, and it wasn't long before anti-discrimination protests against Sambo's began. But increased competition and a slew of unfortunate events . But according toThe Washington PostHolmes "knew little about cash flows", despite the great marketing of the restaurant. > U.S. sales: $232 million 1 of 3. > U.S. sales: $817 million However, Pappasitos Cantina really stands out for a few reasons. Unfortunately, Webb could only put on the ritz for so long. > Number of U.S. units: 727. 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 . He continued to grow in the 60s and 70s. This trap unfortunately brought Chicken George in 1986, when Holmes tabled for liquidation after declining more than $ 1.4 million in debt to private creditors and IRS. If you were a kid in the '80s, there's a good chance you had a birthday party or two at Showbiz Pizza Place. For example, you can build your own loaded quesadilla or add your favorite toppings to a plate of nachos. Simpson. > Number of U.S. units: 743. > Number of U.S. units: 148. Damon . Qdoba Mexican Eats is a solid example of a great Mexican chain restaurant, and we highly recommend it next time youre in the mood for Mexican food! There are 34 locations in total. In 1984, G.D. Ritzy's was taking in about $5.2 million just from ice cream sales. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); You could eat as much shrimp, salad, beer, and ribs as you ever could have wantedall for under $20, according to Bklyner. Dick Nager has had a story to help create successful catering chains. In 1967, the chain was established in Abilene, Texas, by Bill R. Waugh, an art graduate from Abilene Christian University. In 1981, more than 50 VIP sites had taken along the highways of Washington, California, Idaho and Nevada, In addition to the locations of Oregon. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); 17 Failed Chain Restaurants From the 1990s, Only 1990s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants, Long Island and NYC Places that are no more/Facebook, The One '80s Snack You Should Never Eat Again, Says Science, Only 1970s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants, Only 1980s Kids Will Remember These Restaurants. D'Lites (1978-1987) Norcross, GA. More than 100. If you love tacos as much as we do, this is one Mexican restaurant experience you wont want to miss out on! 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. > U.S. sales: $10.410 billion It was known for its burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. But in 1987, Beefsteak Charlie's was sold to Bombay Palace Restaurants and went out of business soon thereafter. The sale has put the "completely out of food activity" of WalgreenThe New York Times reported. Impossible brand plant-based protein is an option. > U.S. sales: $4.805 billion Another famous item on the Taco Cabana menu is the queso, which many lovers of Tex-Mex have labeled the best queso at any of Americas Mexican fast food restaurants. Besides chicken, the chain served gumbo, fish and chips, greens, biscuits and other soul foods. 8. Boy, do we miss those fried clam strips, frankfurts, and that signature HoJo ice cream. Bennigan was becoming one of the most efficient mid-range casual catering chains in America. > U.S. sales: $398 million Bennigan's got its start in Atlanta in 1976, but by the early '80s, they were everywhere.