8 Pennsylvania Restaurant Chains That Closed And Are Not Much Missed
Remember those Pennsylvania restaurant chains that once seemed to be on every corner? Time has a way of weeding out the mediocre from the memorable.
Some eateries vanish without fanfare, leaving barely a trace in our collective memory. These once-popular chains faded into Pennsylvania history without many tears shed.
1. Horn & Hardart: Automat Innovation Gone Stale
Horn & Hardart revolutionized dining with their coin-operated food dispensers, making them the fast food of their era. The novelty of selecting dishes from little glass doors made them a Philadelphia institution for decades.
I still remember my grandfather describing how special it felt as a child to drop nickels into slots for pie slices. But automation eventually lost its charm, and changing food preferences spelled doom.
When the final Automat closed in 1991, the concept had long since lost its luster.
2. H.A. Winston & Co.: Casual Dining Casualty
Philadelphia diners once flocked to H.A. Winston & Co. for burgers and their signature onion soup. The casual dining spot hit its stride in the ’70s and ’80s, expanding to 22 locations across the region.
Despite initial popularity, the chain couldn’t adapt to changing tastes. Their dated decor and menu grew stale as competitors innovated.
When the final location closed on July 14, 1992, few noticed the passing of this once-bustling eatery.
3. Gino’s Hamburgers: Football Fame Faded
Co-founded by Baltimore Colts star Gino Marchetti, this King of Prussia-headquartered chain once rivaled McDonald’s in the region. Their “Gino Giant” burger and partnership with Kentucky Fried Chicken initially drove their success throughout the 1960s and ’70s.
The chain’s glory days ended when Marriott Corporation purchased and subsequently dismantled the brand in 1982.
Despite the football star’s name recognition, the restaurants themselves proved forgettable, with food quality that failed to stand out in an increasingly competitive fast-food landscape.
4. Steak & Ale: Medieval-Themed Mediocrity
Those Tudor-style buildings housing Steak & Ale restaurants once dotted Pennsylvania’s commercial corridors. The dimly-lit interiors with fake wooden beams attempted to create an old English atmosphere while serving up steaks of questionable quality.
Back in college, I worked at one for a summer and still remember the polyester “medieval” costumes we had to wear.
When parent company S&A Restaurant Group filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2008, closing all locations, few diners mourned the loss of their uninspired menu and dated concept.
5. Chi-Chi’s: Tex-Mex Trouble
Once a fixture in Pennsylvania malls and shopping plazas, Chi-Chi’s attempted to bring Tex-Mex cuisine to the masses. Their complimentary chips and salsa couldn’t make up for the Americanized food that barely resembled authentic Mexican cuisine.
The chain’s reputation suffered a devastating blow after a 2003 hepatitis A outbreak linked to green onions at a Pittsburgh-area location.
Already struggling financially, they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy shortly after, and by September 2004, all U.S. restaurants had closed their doors.
6. Howard Johnson’s: Orange-Roofed Obsolescence
The bright orange roofs of Howard Johnson’s restaurants were once impossible to miss along Pennsylvania highways. Known for their 28 ice cream flavors and roadside convenience, “HoJo’s” represented American road trip dining for generations.
The chain couldn’t compete with faster, cheaper options as travel habits evolved. Quality declined while prices remained high.
Though the last HoJo’s restaurant held on until 2022 in Lake George, NY, Pennsylvanians had already forgotten the chain that once dominated turnpike rest stops.
7. Chicken George: Fried Chicken Failure
Baltimore-founded Chicken George expanded into Philadelphia in the 1980s, promising a unique take on fried chicken. Their spicy batter and sweet potato biscuits initially attracted curious diners looking for an alternative to KFC.
I remember my aunt raving about their chicken, dragging us there every Sunday after church. The excitement faded quickly. Financial mismanagement and inconsistent quality led to their downfall.
By September 1991, all locations had shuttered following bankruptcy, leaving barely a trace in Pennsylvania’s culinary memory.
8. Gullifty’s: Dessert Destination Demise
Gullifty’s strange blend of diner fare and Italian cuisine created a confused identity that somehow worked for decades. The Pittsburgh location became famous for enormous desserts and as a jazz club, attracting a loyal following.
Despite devotees who came for their massive cakes, the restaurant struggled to maintain relevance. Their menu felt increasingly outdated as culinary trends evolved.
When the remaining locations closed on August 28, 2013, only the most dedicated regulars noticed the passing of this quirky Pennsylvania dining institution.