14 Chains Arizonans Loved In The ’90s That Have Faded Away
Remember when going out to eat meant something special?
Arizona in the 1990s had a restaurant scene bursting with chain eateries that families flocked to every weekend.
From all-you-can-eat buffets to pizza parlors with live entertainment, these spots created memories that still make us smile today.
Sadly, most of these beloved chains have vanished, leaving only nostalgia and faded photographs behind.
1. Sizzler
Steak and seafood never tasted better than at Sizzler, where the salad bar stretched longer than a desert highway.
Families packed into booths at multiple Arizona locations, eagerly anticipating that perfect combination of grilled sirloin and unlimited trips to the fresh veggie station.
Kids loved the pudding cups and cheese toast while parents appreciated the reasonable prices.
Though many Arizona Sizzlers have closed their doors, the memory of that sizzling sound when your steak arrived still echoes in our hearts.
One popular location stood at 4727 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712, serving hungry diners for years.
2. Bonanza Steakhouse
Saddle up for a steakhouse experience that felt like the Wild West without leaving the city!
Bonanza Steakhouse served up affordable cuts of beef alongside a fantastic salad bar that rivaled any competitor.
Families celebrated birthdays and special occasions here, knowing they’d get quality food without breaking the bank.
The western-themed decor transported diners to another era entirely.
One memorable spot operated at 1919 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85015, where cowpokes and city folks alike enjoyed hearty meals together.
3. Ponderosa Steakhouse
Nothing said “weekend treat” quite like a trip to Ponderosa, where steaks sizzled and the buffet beckoned.
This chain became a staple for Arizona families seeking quality beef at prices that didn’t require a second mortgage.
The hot buffet featured comfort classics while the salad bar offered fresh options for lighter appetites.
Parents appreciated the kid-friendly atmosphere and the ability to please even picky eaters.
A popular location stood at 2550 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023, creating countless family memories around shared platters of meat and potatoes.
4. Shakey’s Pizza
When pizza and fun collided, Shakey’s was ground zero for family entertainment!
This wasn’t just about the food—though the Mojo potatoes deserve their own fan club—it was about the whole experience.
Live music, arcade games, and that distinctive old-timey atmosphere made every visit feel like a mini celebration.
Kids begged their parents to take them here for birthday parties and team celebrations.
One cherished location operated at 3626 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051, where laughter and pizza slices were served in equal measure.
5. Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant
Fiesta time arrived whenever Chi-Chi’s came into view with its festive pink exterior!
This Mexican chain served up sizzling fajitas and endless baskets of warm tortilla chips with addictive salsa.
Families loved the vibrant atmosphere that made every Tuesday feel like Cinco de Mayo.
The chimichangas were stuff of legend, perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside.
A popular spot stood at 4343 W Bell Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308, where Arizona families discovered their love for Mexican cuisine beyond traditional tacos.
6. Bennigan’s
Irish hospitality met American casual dining at Bennigan’s, creating something truly special.
Those Monte Cristo sandwiches were worth writing home about—sweet, savory, and absolutely indulgent.
The restaurant attracted everyone from business lunches to family dinners with its welcoming green-themed decor.
Loaded potato skins became a nationwide sensation thanks partly to this chain’s popularity.
One beloved location operated at 2550 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85085, where friends gathered around tables sharing appetizers and creating memories that outlasted the restaurant itself.
7. Steak and Ale
Stepping into Steak and Ale felt like entering a medieval castle, complete with dark wood and cozy booths.
This upscale casual chain made date nights and anniversaries feel extra special without requiring formal attire.
The famous salad bar featured a cheese spread that people still try to recreate at home today.
Prime rib specials brought crowds every weekend, and the intimate lighting created perfect ambiance.
A memorable location stood at 4615 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711, where couples celebrated milestones and families marked special occasions in elegant comfort.
8. Souplantation / Sweet Tomatoes
Healthy eating never tasted so good or offered so many choices!
Souplantation, known as Sweet Tomatoes in some locations, revolutionized the concept of salad bars across Arizona.
Fresh soups rotated daily, and those blueberry muffins became legendary among regular visitors.
Parents loved that kids actually ate vegetables here, thanks to the interactive buffet setup.
One popular location operated at 2701 W Agua Fria Fwy, Phoenix, AZ 85027, where health-conscious diners and salad enthusiasts found their happy place among endless fresh options.
9. Old Country Buffet
All-you-can-eat reached new heights at Old Country Buffet, where variety was the name of the game.
From carved roast beef to soft-serve ice cream, this place had something for absolutely everyone in the family.
Sunday afternoons saw lines stretching out the door as church crowds descended for post-service feasts.
The chocolate fountain became a highlight for kids who carefully constructed towering dessert plates.
A well-loved location stood at 1855 W Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202, where families created traditions around shared meals and unlimited trips back to the buffet.
10. VIP’s Family Restaurant
Every customer really did feel like a VIP at this family-friendly diner chain!
Open 24 hours at many locations, VIP’s became the go-to spot for late-night cravings and early-morning breakfast runs.
The pies, displayed in rotating cases near the entrance, tempted every single person who walked through the doors.
Comfort food classics like meatloaf and chicken fried steak kept regulars coming back week after week.
One cherished spot operated at 4515 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712, serving Arizona families around the clock with consistent quality and friendly service.
11. ShowBiz Pizza Place
Birthday party central had a name, and that name was ShowBiz Pizza Place!
The Rock-afire Explosion animatronic band performed hits while kids devoured pizza and raced between arcade games.
Every child dreamed of celebrating their special day here, surrounded by singing robots and unlimited tokens.
Parents appreciated the contained chaos that kept children entertained for hours on end.
One unforgettable location stood at 2122 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023, where generations of Arizona kids celebrated milestones with mechanical animals and pepperoni slices.
12. Discovery Zone
Pure childhood joy lived at Discovery Zone, where climbing, sliding, and jumping ruled supreme!
This indoor playground paradise let kids burn energy regardless of Arizona’s scorching summer temperatures outside.
Towering tube structures, ball pits, and obstacle courses created adventures that seemed endless to young minds.
Parents could actually relax in designated seating areas while children safely explored the colorful wonderland.
A beloved location operated at 2515 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017, where countless birthday parties and playdates unfolded in a riot of primary colors and laughter.
13. Burger Chef
Before other chains dominated, Burger Chef was flipping patties and winning hearts across Arizona!
The Works Bar let customers customize their burgers exactly how they wanted, a revolutionary concept at the time.
Kids went crazy for the fun meal promotions featuring toys and games that rivaled any competitor.
Fast, friendly service made this a lunch-hour favorite for workers and families alike.
One memorable spot stood at 3302 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008, where Arizonans grabbed quick, tasty meals before the chain disappeared from the landscape entirely.
14. Rax Roast Beef
Roast beef sandwiches reached legendary status at Rax, where quality met convenience perfectly.
The endless salad bar complemented the signature sandwiches, offering variety that kept customers returning regularly.
Unlike typical fast food, Rax felt slightly more upscale while maintaining affordable prices for families.
The BBC sandwich—bacon, beef, and cheddar—became a cult favorite among regular patrons.
One popular location operated at 4302 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, where Arizona diners discovered that roast beef sandwiches could be both fast food and genuinely delicious at the same time.