18 Restaurant Chains Californians Used To Adore (But Now Criticize)

Once upon a time, these restaurant chains were the heartbeat of California’s dining scene, drawing crowds like magnets.
Everyone had a favorite spot to indulge in comfort food or catch up with friends. But tastes evolve, and what once sparked joy now often sparks debate.
Dive into the story of these 18 beloved chains that sparked excitement, then faced a wave of criticism as Californians started looking for something fresher and bolder.
1. Armadillo Willy’s

Once the crown jewel of Bay Area barbecue, Armadillo Willy’s had locals practically licking sauce off their fingers with glee. The Texas-style brisket and cornbread were legendary in the 90s.
Nowadays, complaints about shrinking portions and rising prices have tarnished its reputation.
Many longtime fans grumble that the quality has taken a nosedive while the competition has upped their smoke game considerably.
2. California Pizza Kitchen

Back in the day, CPK revolutionized pizza with wild toppings like BBQ chicken that had Californians booking tables weeks in advance.
Their innovative fusion approach perfectly captured the Golden State’s culinary adventurousness.
Fast forward to today, and the magic has faded. Regular customers lament the chain’s drift toward generic flavors and corporate blandness.
What was once cutting-edge now feels like an overpriced, uninspired shadow of its former self.
3. Johnny Rockets

Dancing servers, tabletop jukeboxes, and those little ketchup smiley faces made Johnny Rockets the coolest place for a burger in the ’80s and ’90s.
Kids begged parents to take them there for birthday celebrations.
The shine has worn off this chrome-plated diner experience. Californians now roll their eyes at the steep prices for what many consider mediocre burgers.
The once-charming performances from staff now feel forced, and the nostalgic appeal has largely evaporated.
4. Arby’s

Believe it or not, Arby’s roast beef sandwiches were once considered a classy fast-food alternative in California.
That curly hat logo promised something different from the standard burger joints dotting the landscape.
The relationship soured as Californians embraced more health-conscious eating. Now the chain struggles to maintain relevance in a state obsessed with fresh, local ingredients.
Many locations have shuttered, leaving behind only memories of those famous curly fries and roast beef sandwiches.
5. McDonald’s (Stonestown)

The Stonestown McDonald’s wasn’t just any Golden Arches – it was THE San Francisco hangout spot for generations of teens.
Its unique two-story design and prime location next to the mall made it the unofficial after-school headquarters.
Today, locals criticize this once-beloved location for slow service and an atmosphere that’s lost its charm.
The renovation that stripped away its distinctive character left regulars feeling betrayed. What was once a community landmark now feels like just another cookie-cutter fast food stop.
6. Rubio’s Coastal Grill

When Rubio’s first introduced San Diego to fish tacos in the 1980s, it was a revelation that spread northward through California like wildfire.
The chain’s fresh approach to Mexican seafood had people hooked faster than you could say “Baja style.”
The tide has turned for this once-innovative eatery. Loyal customers bemoan declining quality and authenticity.
Many Californians now bypass Rubio’s in favor of local taco trucks and family-owned spots that deliver more authentic flavors without the corporate aftertaste.
7. Marie Callender’s

Sunday family dinners at Marie Callender’s were practically a California tradition, with those heavenly pies waiting at the end of every meal.
Grandparents swore by their comfort food classics and homestyle atmosphere.
The chain’s steady decline has left former fans disappointed. Bankruptcies and closures have scattered the once-ubiquitous restaurants across the state.
Californians now complain about inconsistent quality and outdated interiors that feel stuck in the 1990s, while that pie magic just isn’t what it used to be.
8. Shakey’s Pizza

Watching the banjo player while munching on crispy Mojo Potatoes made Shakey’s the ultimate birthday party spot for California kids in the ’70s and ’80s.
Those red-and-white checkered tablecloths hosted countless celebrations and family game nights. Most California locations have vanished, and the remaining few struggle to recapture their former glory.
The live music and game rooms that once defined the Shakey’s experience have largely disappeared.
Modern families often choose newer, trendier pizza concepts, leaving Shakey’s as little more than a nostalgic footnote.
9. Sizzler

Nothing said “fancy dinner” to middle-class California families in the ’80s quite like Sizzler’s all-you-can-eat salad bar and those sizzling steaks.
The cheese toast alone inspired cult-like devotion among regular patrons.
The mighty Sizzler has fallen far from its glory days. Mass closures across California have left only a handful of locations standing.
Former fans criticize the chain for failing to evolve, with dated decor and a concept that feels increasingly irrelevant in today’s dining landscape.
10. Bob’s Big Boy

That chubby-cheeked Big Boy statue welcomed generations of Californians to a wonderland of massive burgers and creamy milkshakes.
The Burbank location became particularly legendary, hosting everyone from high school kids to Hollywood stars.
Most California locations have disappeared, with just a handful remaining as shadows of their former selves.
The surviving restaurants face criticism for resting on nostalgia rather than maintaining quality. What was once a cultural icon now struggles to compete with modern burger concepts that offer fresher ingredients.
11. Mel’s Drive-In

Immortalized in “American Graffiti,” Mel’s Drive-In wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a time machine to 1950s California car culture.
Those neon signs and carhop service made every visit feel like you were starring in your own personal sock hop.
Today’s Mel’s locations cling desperately to nostalgia while serving up what many locals consider overpriced, mediocre diner food.
Tourists flock there for the Instagram opportunities, but native Californians increasingly avoid it. The chain now feels more like a theme restaurant than an authentic piece of California history.
12. Denny’s

After midnight in 1990s California, all roads led to Denny’s. Those 24-hour Grand Slam breakfasts fueled countless late-night study sessions and post-concert munchies for generations of night owls.
The relationship has soured over the years as service quality declined and menus failed to keep up with changing tastes.
Social media regularly lights up with complaints about dirty restaurants and disappointing food. What was once California’s reliable late-night sanctuary now feels like a last resort when everything else is closed.
13. Applebee’s

Hard to believe now, but Applebee’s arrival in California suburbs was once cause for celebration.
Those sizzling fajitas and half-price appetizers made it the go-to spot for family birthdays and after-work happy hours throughout the ’90s.
The neighborhood grill has lost its neighborly appeal. Californians now mock the chain’s microwave-heavy cooking and dated atmosphere.
Multiple locations have shuttered across the state as diners increasingly seek more authentic, locally-owned alternatives to what many now consider the epitome of bland chain dining.
14. TGI Fridays

Those red-and-white stripes once signaled the ultimate casual dining experience for Californians in the ’80s and ’90s.
The walls cluttered with quirky memorabilia and those loaded potato skins created an atmosphere that felt genuinely fun and different.
Almost all California locations have vanished, with the few survivors struggling to fill tables. Former fans criticize the chain for abandoning its unique personality in favor of generic corporate dining.
The restaurant that once defined “casual cool” now feels hopelessly outdated in California’s competitive dining scene.
15. Red Lobster

Those famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits had Californians lining up outside Red Lobster locations every weekend in the ’90s.
For inland communities especially, the chain offered a taste of seafood luxury that felt special without breaking the bank.
The tide has turned against this once-beloved seafood chain. California’s growing awareness of sustainable fishing practices has left many critical of Red Lobster’s menu.
Former regulars complain about shrinking portions, rising prices, and quality that pales in comparison to the state’s abundant local seafood options.
16. Pizza Hut

Remember those red plastic cups and personal pan pizzas that came with BOOK IT! reading rewards?
Pizza Hut’s sit-down restaurants were California birthday party central in the ’80s and ’90s, complete with arcade games and that iconic red roof.
The dine-in experience has largely disappeared, replaced by delivery-focused storefronts that lack the charm of the original.
Californians lament the loss of those cozy booths and salad bars. What was once a special occasion destination has morphed into just another fast-food pizza option in an increasingly crowded market.
17. Hooters

Before social media and smartphones, catching the big game at Hooters was a California sports fan tradition.
Those orange shorts and buffalo wings created a formula that packed locations throughout the ’90s and early 2000s.
Changing social attitudes have left the chain struggling to find its place in modern California. Many locations have closed as younger generations reject the concept as outdated and problematic.
The remaining restaurants face criticism for a concept that feels increasingly out of step with California’s progressive values.
18. Noodles & Company

When Noodles & Company arrived in California, its global pasta concept felt revolutionary.
The idea of getting pad thai, mac and cheese, and spaghetti all under one roof had foodies and families equally excited about the endless possibilities.
The honeymoon ended as Californians discovered that jack-of-all-trades often means master of none. Many locations have closed as customers increasingly seek out more authentic ethnic restaurants.
What once seemed innovative now feels like a watered-down version of multiple cuisines that doesn’t quite satisfy cravings for any of them.