11 Beloved Restaurant Chains Gen X Misses (and a Few Making a Comeback)
For Gen X, dining out in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s wasn’t just about food — it was about atmosphere, family rituals, and quirky promotions that left lasting memories. Many chains have since faded into history, yet their influence lingers. And in some cases, nostalgia has sparked a surprising restaurant revival.
Howard Johnson’s: Roadside Dining Icon
With its bright orange roofs and legendary 28-flavor ice cream, Howard Johnson’s shaped American road trips. At its peak in the 1980s, more than 1,000 locations welcomed weary families with fried clam strips and comfort food. But changing travel patterns and corporate struggles led to decline, with the final HoJo’s closing in 2022.
Shakey’s Pizza: Music, Pizza, Mojo Potatoes
Before Chuck E. Cheese came along, Shakey’s was the go-to spot for food and fun. Started in 1954, it was actually the first franchised pizza chain and served up live Dixieland jazz, thin-crust pizzas, fried chicken, and those famous Mojo potatoes. By the ’80s, they had over 500 locations. But then delivery-focused places hit the scene and started to take over, leaving just about 20 Shakey’s left in the U.S., mainly in California. It’s no wonder that many Gen X fans, who can’t find a Shakey’s near them, really wish they could see this classic pizza joint make a comeback!
Chi-Chi’s: Fiesta Comes Back
Launched in 1975, Chi-Chi’s made Mexican dining theatrical with sizzling fajitas, fried ice cream, and piñata-filled celebrations. At its height, it had more than 200 restaurants. A 2003 bankruptcy and a devastating hepatitis outbreak closed its doors. In 2025, Chi-Chi’s reopened in Minnesota, unveiling a modernized menu with classics like chimichangas and bold newcomers like quesabirria tacos.
Bennigan’s: Shamrock Spirit
The faux-Irish Bennigan’s epitomized the casual dining boom of the 1980s. Known for Monte Cristo sandwiches, potato skins, and lively bars, it grew to 300 locations. Bankruptcy in 2008 shuttered most sites, leaving behind memories of neon cocktails and happy hours. Today, only about 10–15 U.S. locations and a small international footprint keep the brand alive.
Pioneer Chicken: California Crispy Classic
Pioneer Chicken stood out with its orange-coated fried chicken, offering flavors as bold as its look. At its height, the chain had 270 locations, mainly in California, and even appeared in films and TV shows. By the 1990s, health-driven dining trends undercut its appeal. Only a few outlets remain today, preserving a slice of Los Angeles history.
Roy Rogers: Cowboy Branding & Fixin’s Bar
Roy Rogers Restaurants thrived by doing it all: burgers, fried chicken, and roast beef, paired with its iconic DIY “Fixin’s Bar.” By the mid-1980s, more than 600 locations spanned the U.S. But corporate sales and mismanagement thinned its ranks. Today, about 40 remain, mostly on the East Coast, serving devoted fans nostalgic for cowboy dining.
Rax Roast Beef: Salad Bar Heaven
In the 1980s, Rax Roast Beef set itself apart from Arby’s with its expansive salad and dessert bars. At its peak, the chain had more than 500 restaurants. But over-expansion and confused marketing doomed it in the ’90s. Fewer than 10 locations survive today, mainly in Ohio, where loyalists cling to the chain’s quirky history.
Ground Round: Penny-a-Pound Kids Meals
Ground Round was every Gen X kid’s dream: peanuts tossed on the floor, cartoons on the walls, and sundaes in mini baseball helmets. Parents loved the “Pay What You Weigh” promotion for children. After peaking at 200+ sites, bankruptcy in 2004 reduced it to just four. In 2025, the chain relaunched in Massachusetts, reviving its quirky charm.
Sweet Tomatoes / Souplantation: Buffet Revival
Sweet Tomatoes (also known as Souplantation) offered endless soups, salads, and muffins, catering to health-conscious families. Before COVID-19, the chain operated 97 locations nationwide. In 2020, the pandemic forced it to close. But in 2023, a Tucson reopening sparked excitement, with lines out the door and viral social media buzz proving salad bars still have devoted fans.
Friendly’s: Ice Cream & Family Nights
Founded during the Great Depression, Friendly’s grew into a Gen X favorite with 500+ sites by the 1970s. Known for sundaes and family dining, it endured two bankruptcies in the 21st century. Now under new ownership, it’s in comeback mode with refreshed interiors, new menu items, and even Jonas Brothers-themed sundaes — appealing to a new generation.
Little Caesars: Pizza! Pizza! Revival
Little Caesars rose rapidly in the 1980s–90s, boasting 4,500 locations and its iconic “Pizza! Pizza!” slogan. Competition nearly derailed it in the late ’90s, but a return to basics, including $5 Hot-N-Ready pizzas, revived the brand. Today, it thrives globally with thousands of stores, proving that affordability and nostalgia can still drive mass pizza love.
Why These Chains Matter
For Gen X, these restaurants were more than places to eat — they were backdrops for birthdays, family nights, and cultural rituals. While many chains disappeared, their legacy continues to shape American dining. And as comebacks like Chi-Chi’s, Ground Round, and Sweet Tomatoes prove, nostalgia paired with reinvention can still draw hungry crowds today.
