The 1970s were full of glitzy dining experiences where people dressed up, sipped fancy cocktails, and tucked into extravagant meals. Some of these swanky spots became the go-to places for a taste of glamour. Unfortunately, many of them are now nothing more than a memory. This article revisits the once-beloved fancy restaurants that have disappeared from the scene.
The Brown Derby
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The Brown Derby was the place to be if you were a Hollywood star—or just wanted to feel like one. Famous for its iconic Derby Salad and old-school glamour, this legendary restaurant was a slice of Tinseltown history. But as dining trends shifted, even the glitz couldn’t keep it going, and by the 1980s, its doors started closing for good.
Howard Johnson's Restaurant
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Back in the 1970s, spotting that bright orange roof on a long road trip meant one thing—you were in for a comforting meal at Howard Johnson’s. Whether it was a plate of crispy fried clams or a scoop of their signature ice cream, it felt like a little taste of home on the highway. But as fast-food chains took over, HoJo’s started fading away, and after decades of trying to hang on, the last location finally shut its doors in 2022.
Steak and Ale
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Steak and Ale was the perfect combination of upscale dining and casual comfort. The diner–known for its prime rib and unlimited salad bar–quickly became a go-to for a satisfying meal. Unfortunately, the dining scene shifted toward faster options in the 1990s. It couldn't keep up and declared bankruptcy, closing its remaining 58 locations in 2008.
The Magic Pan
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When it came to unique dining experiences, The Magic Pan offered something special. Guests loved watching their crepes get prepared in front of them. This fun, interactive restaurant gained fame in the 1970s. Changing tastes forced the eatery to wind down operations in the mid-1990s, with its sit-down crepe-serving restaurant being the last to close.
The Velvet Turtle
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The Velvet Turtle was an upscale yet cozy joint known for its sophisticated menu and inviting atmosphere. Its signature dishes, like French onion soup and veal, brought diners in for special nights out. The rise and preference of casual dining in the early 1990s forced this semi-formal restaurant chain to close down.
York Steakhouse
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For families craving a hearty meal, York Steakhouse was the perfect choice. Its all-you-can-eat salad bar and sizzling steaks made it a favorite for many. The advent of fast food and new dining concepts overtook its inability to adapt and align with the changes. Most of its franchises closed in 1989, with one remaining operational in Columbus, Ohio.
The Ground Round
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This store closed numerous corporate-owned locations when it filed for bankruptcy in 2004. The Ground Round was a casual spot that became known for its peanuts scattered on the floor and its fun atmosphere. It offered affordable American meals, including their popular burgers and beer specials. The evolution of dining preferences rocked its very existence.
Beefsteak Charlie's
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Beefsteak Charlie's was the go-to for a filling meal with unlimited steaks and a casual, family-friendly vibe. Customers loved the all-you-can-eat sides and endless meat options. While it was popular, financial struggles that included bankruptcy filings rendered it incapable of competing with the fast-food boom. The restaurant chain's last known location closed in 2009.
Rax Roast Beef
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Many who loved roast beef found Rax's menu items quite hearty and at an affordable price. The eatery’s signature sandwiches quickly became a favorite. Its strong start wasn't sustainable enough to make it compete favorably with the other fast-growing fast-food chains. Some of its poor marketing decisions also quickened its demise.
Sambo's
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Sambo's was a unique dining destination with colorful décor and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Its comfort food and casual vibe attracted families across the country. No one expected it to wind up operations in 1981. The chain faced controversy and backlash around racist depictions, which led to lawsuits and declining profits that pushed it to eventual disappearance.
Chi-Chi's
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A major disease outbreak linked to this eatery's contaminated serving in one of its restaurants sped up its closure, which was eminent given its persistent financial struggles. Chi-Chi's brought Mexican flavors and a festive atmosphere to the dining scene. Its sizzling fajitas and margaritas were finger-licking.
Gino's Hamburgers
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Gino's Hamburgers stood out in the fast-food world for its delicious, hearty burgers and fries before its last door closed in 1986. The chain gained a loyal following but still struggled to compete with bigger players like McDonald's and Burger King. It was purchased by the Marriott Corporation, which rebranded it to Roy Rogers Restaurants.
Sandy's
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Sandy's brought delicious burgers and fries to families in the 1970s. The brand's closure came from financial difficulties, partially stemming from the "Scandoval" cheating scandal, an unfortunate event that involved one of its owners. Its quick popularity didn't sustain its operations, with the last bar closing in 2024.
The Red Coach Inn
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Known for its cozy, Tudor-style setting, and classic American food, The Red Coach Inn was a popular spot for families. Diners loved the roasted chicken and signature sauces. Most of this restaurant chain's locations have been closed except for one. The Niagara Falls, New York, franchise is undergoing a significant renovation.
