Burger Chains We Once Loved But Are Now Gone!

[@Hatewontwin]

We want those prices back too!

[@RhettyforHistory]

That would be nice wouldn't it? Thank you for watching!

[@nicholastotoro7721]

There was a Burger Chef in Tysons Corner when I was a kid. I love it because you could get a Flav-Or-Ice with your burger LOL!

[@RhettyforHistory]

That is definitely a great combination! Thank you for watching and sharing a memory with us!

[@nickthompson4978]

when I lived in Blaine with my mom dad and big bro Troy their was a resturant named Fuddruckers right by the y m c a Alinaclinic in coon rapids my mom and I would go to Fuddruckers for lunch every Saturday they had the best burgers in town and when we would pick up our burgers we would walk over to the toppings bar you could put anything you wanted on your burger from cheese to onion ketchup up to mustard they were delish sadly Fuddruckers got replaced by a crappy not so good Mexican resturant

[@yotaiji012]

@@RhettyforHistoryare you both from Virginia?

[@asmrcherisvarietyshow1878]

@@nicholastotoro7721 Fairfax County, Northern Virginia here.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

@ I grew up in Falls Church, near Loehman's Plaza! Loudoun now... escaped the Beltway... 🤣

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I want Burger Chef back. I loved their burgers.

[@RhettyforHistory]

There were a really popular one! Kind of sad they are gone. Thank you for watching Kirk!

[@nickimontie]

Me, too! Burger Chef and Jeff!

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@RhettyforHistory Yes, I remember going there on High School dates, when we went skating or bowling. I had some great times there

[@Execute_Order_66_DO_IT]

I loved going there as a kid. We also had a Ground Round. We had lead in paint in the 70s but the food was healthier 🤔

[@topofthepalm]

I definitely remember burger chef!

[@RhettyforHistory]

They were really good. Thank you for watching topofthepalm!

[@deborahasher176]

I loved the Red Barn and Arthur's Fish and Chips.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing that you loved both of those Deborah!

[@Lee-xu2wb]

I miss both of those as well.

[@summerrayne42]

Ok, this has to be sung, it’s a must! 🎶”Let’s go to Dee’s, let’s all go to Dee’s. That’s what daddy says, and the family all agrees. Dee’s!🎶” 😄 Yep! I’m from Utah, and I use to go there all the time while growing up. They also had pretty good breakfasts too 😊!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing that little jingle with us! That is a good one!

[@MillerMeteor74]

In Hopewell, VA there is a Red Barn Food Store. The sign and building look a lot like the Red Barn restaurants you showed in this video. It's got a Petrol gas station directly in front of it. I have not been inside, but I've been meaning to take a picture of it. I have never even seen either a White Castle or White Tower. On a different note, sometime in the late 70s and/or the early 80s we had a Weiner King in Succasunna, NJ. I ate there at least once, but it didn't last. I thought it was a good idea.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I wonder if that Red Barn Food Store used to be the restaurant? They usually have that distinctive shape that is instantly recognizable. Thank you for watching and telling us about that as well as the Weiner King!

[@karlfonner7589]

That picture of red barn. Hamburger joint brings back memories of old time, Walnut Creek. I guess there won’t be any pictures of jollies or snow White. Good times of cruising the main back in the day. What I really miss are the old A&W restaurants. I tried one of their burgers lately and they are not as good as the old ones for sure. I also miss doggy diner, and the one time my mom took us all to Sambo’s restaurant in Oakland😂.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and mentioning a couple others. They would be great for a future episode. A&W was definitely a great hang out place at one time. We had some locations that were half A&W and half Long John Silvers which I thought was odd. I tried it but I didn't like my burgers and fries having sort of fish and shrimp taste.

[@Yamaha38XCRacer]

Look Gilbert, burger barn Gilbert

[@Broughton1128]

*The absolute BEST burger I’ve ever had was in a local diner that is sadly, no longer operable. I’ve been chasing that particular taste since 1988.*

[@RhettyforHistory]

Those local ones are always the best in my opinion. Thank you for watching and sharing your memoires with us Broughton!

[@gregggoss2210]

@@Broughton1128 , we had a local place called Brownies that had a 50's theme to it. Their burgers and shakes were amazing. I first visited it when my son's cub scout pack went there after a meeting. Unfortunately, it closed and a Pats Pizza opened in its place. Awful pizza and everything else.

[@Broughton1128]

@@gregggoss2210 *Wow. There’s nothing worse than something wonderful being replaced by something subpar. I bet those burgers & shakes were out of this world!*

[@BrianMcKnight68]

Burger Chef was the first fast food place in my little hometown outside of Cincinnati. I remember when it opened, because they had Cincinnati Reds outfielder George Foster signing autographs and such for the grand opening. Unfortunately, we were on vacation in Myrtle Beach that same week. I was so sad ☹️

[@RhettyforHistory]

What a great promotion they had when they opened! That's too bad you were out of town. Thank you for watching and telling us about the Burger Chef that you had near you.

[@J_Calvin_Hobbes]

Hot N Now was a regional chain started in 1984 in Michigan, would tie for #1 with Burger Chef as my all time fav. One Hot N Now still exists in Sturgis, MI. Hot N Now brand was severely damaged after being acquired and mismanaged by PepsiCo, never recovered.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I do remember that chain and I didn't realize there was one in Sturgis. Sounds like I missed out on that when I was there a few years ago. Thank you for watching J_Calvin_Hobbes!

[@RealAmerican4547]

I worked at hot now in 1997 and into 98 for a year in four months and I wish I was still around, it was so delicious

[@autumnfeldpausch5539]

When I speak of Home Depot, I always say Hot n Now. My husband knows by now what I mean. Lol, he still gets a laugh. Idk why I associate the two, I just get them mixed up. But a hot n now right back here in my town where it once was would be great.

[@Condorsat10]

I'm from Central Ohio, I ate at Burger Chef and Red Barn numerous times during my childhood/early teen years. Really miss both restaurants as they were good fast food places to eat. My Dad used to really like Red Barn chicken back in the day. Also recall that Burger Chef burgers had a unique taste that was different (not better) than McDonalds or Burger King.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some of your memories of Red Barn and Burger Chef. Red Barn really did have some good chicken

[@bonniebrush94]

I remember the Carrols! Thanks for the memory jog!

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome Bonnie and I appreciate you watching!

[@DrHDoofenshmirtzphd]

I just want beef tallow cooked fries back at McDonald's and the original fried pies.

[@RhettyforHistory]

It may come back. We'll see. Thank you for watching!

[@BrianMcKnight68]

@@DrHDoofenshmirtzphd Yes! Make America Great Again! 🤣🤣

[@Steven-kr2ti]

Those pies were unbelievable

[@rogertemple7193]

Here in Oklahoma especially down here in the Ardmore area there have been a lot of local burger cafes that are no longer around but now it is either McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Sonic Drive In, Carl's Jr's., Arby's, Boomerang and the rest are all non chain owned diners and cafes, at one time we used to have a Jack in the Box and a WhataBurger but no more we also have a few chicken and pizza restaurants but thanks for the nice memories of these and other fast food burger chains thank you Rhetty. 🍔🍟🥤🍔🍟🥤

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some of the history of the restaurants in Ardmore. That little city has had a lot of changes in the last 40 years or so. I sure do miss the Montgomery Wards there.

[@ts1ezrdr]

I fondly recall a burger place called Hermie's in Conway, SC. I remember eating there as a child in the '70s when visiting relatives. I have no idea how large of a chain it was or where it was headquartered. I just remember loving those burgers and begging my parents to take me every time we were in town.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and telling us about Hermie's. I will have to look into that one and see what I can find.

[@leesashriber5097]

I miss Burger Chef. White Castle is the burger place will leave you in the bathroom. Nightmares from college. 😂 I've honestly never heard of many of these but I enjoyed the trip. Red Barn was one of the places we went on a Friday night as a family. Thank you my friend.😊

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and I appreciate you sharing some of your memories with a few of these places. Thank you for watching Leesa!

[@shannondore]

"Feed five for $1.75" That made my heart hurt a little. If only we could go back in time.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I know! Can't even imagine feeding that many people for that price. Or 5 or 15 cent burgers. Thank you for watching shannondore!

[@DUMPSTERDIVINGADELAIDE123]

Thanks for the video 🇭🇲🐨🦘

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching DUMPSTERDIVINGADELAIDE123!

[@joeheid2776]

There was a small burger chain in and around Pittsburgh called Winky's. They had a cool jingle, "Winky's makes you happy to be hungry!" Went under in the late 70's early 80's. My dad loved that place. I was almost 10 before I ever had McDonalds.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That would be a great one to cover in a future episode. I don't think I have heard of them. Thank you for watching and telling us about them Joe!

[@jons.6216]

I didn't realize Hardee's - aka Carl's Jr's on the west coast had taken over so many places back in the day! Aside from the SF ball park, a super fan of Doggie Diner has opened one in Napa Valley, CA! Even though I never got to try Burger Chef or Red Barn in my area as a kid, the memory lives on with a couple of t-shirts I've collected with their logos on them!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yeah Hardees was really taking over a lot. They sort of suffered the same fate though. When Carl's Jr acquired them in 1997 they changed a lot of the menu options and recipes. They have bounced back and forth on the names of the locations too. Thank you for watching and sharing your memoires jons.6216!

[@Merylstreep1949]

Definitely want Burger Chef and those awesome commercials back please

[@RhettyforHistory]

They really were a great place. Thank you for watching Merylstreep1949!

[@radwolf76]

This post reminded me of a blog I used to follow until it went inactive, Broken Chains, which was run by someone who chased down different restaurants that used to be regional franchises but had dwindled down to a handful of locations or less.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I'm going to have to check out that blog if I can find it. Sounds really cool! Thank you for watching radwolf76!

[@paulstan9828]

Of all the burger joints that you have mentioned the only one I remember eating at as a kid in Florida was Royal Castle. Hi Jodie! 👋😁🇦🇺

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and letting us know which one you used to eat at!

[@swansfan6944]

Hi Paul👋😁🇺🇸

[@paulmorvantjr.8072]

We had Burger Chef, which in my area, were replaced by Mr. Cook(which were only in La and Ms, I live in South La), which were replaced(in my area) by Burger Tyme. Miss them all!

[@RhettyforHistory]

It seems like your area has had a lot of changes on those burger joints. Sad that they are all gone now. Thank you for watching and sharing your memories with us Paul!

[@paulmorvantjr.8072]

@@RhettyforHistory My pleasure.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Bring back burgers that aren't loaded with toxic chemicals.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@kojikicklighter371]

I loved the Henry's 10-for-a-dollar deal! Our local Sandy's was bought out by Hardee's, which wasn't quite as good.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Sure wish we could have a deal like that now! Thank you for watching and sharing your memories of both of those places!

[@ensabahnur7657]

Great video!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and I'm happy to hear you enjoyed this video!

[@nagleedmv]

Thank you for mentioning Doggie Dinner! I grew up in Oakland and remember going there with my dad.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching. I appreciate you sharing a memory of you and your Dad.

[@DavidSquires-iy4uv]

Back in the Day, I remember going to Burger Chef and RedBarn.I wish that Burger Chef and RedBarn,would return, and I wish that, the Past Fast Food Restaurants would return. Back then, when the Prices were Affordable and the Food was Delicious, Excellent Service, Given the Right Orders, Smiling 😃 Employees and they, even said THANK YOU WITH A SMILE 😃. 7:39

[@RhettyforHistory]

The business has definitely changed a lot David. I never worked at one but I do miss the uniforms that many of these places had. I guess I associate that with cleanliness and also the politeness that you mentioned. Thank you for watching and sharing a couple that you miss.

[@elizabethmckenna5397]

Love your channel Rhetty. Such memories. Hope you and your family are doing well. Happy New Year to you and yours. Looking forward to 2025 content.

[@RhettyforHistory]

We are doing well and I hope you are too! Thank you for watching Elizabeth!

[@RMCToo]

Herfy's Hamburgers! They were the BEST! and they had freshly chpped onions that u put on at the 'toppings and stuff self serve bar'! Richard

[@RhettyforHistory]

I haven't heard of Herfy's but it sounds like a great place. Was it a chain? Thank you for telling us about about them.

[@WillCulbertsonIT]

I remember Doggie Diner as a kid in the Bay Area though we didn't go often. I preferred Bob's Big Boy or Sambo's. We didn't get as many of these places as SoCal or the East Coast did so BK and McD's were still our go to places to eat.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing some of the places you used to go to WillCulbertsonIT!

[@josephsciascia217]

Your videos are great

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and I'm happy to hear you are enjoying the videos Joseph!

[@yuvgotubekidding]

The way the Burger Chef clown just stands there menacingly. 0:33 😲😄

[@RhettyforHistory]

Yeah he is kind of hidden in that photo. Thank you for watching yuvgotubekidding!

[@theequalizer9154]

In the New York City area, there was Wetson's Hamburgers. The locations were bought out by the McDonald's Corporation, I believe in the early 1970s. The Wetson's restaurants were similar to original McDonald's restaurants, before McDonald's became known in the New York City area. Wetson's offered eat-in or drive-thru service. Wetson's had the BEST hamburgers.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That is very interesting. They would be a great one to cover in a future episode. Thank you for watching and telling us about them theequalizer9154!

[@mattchalucha894]

Now I'm hungry for burgers and greasy fries! Thanks for another great video Rhetty!

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching my friend! Sorry about making you hungry!

[@mattchalucha894]

@@RhettyforHistory not a bad thing at all 😂

[@glennso47]

The Trickle Inn a burger shop in Mount Carroll, Illinois when I was a kid.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and mentioning a different one glennso47!

[@cjb2749]

I don't know if it was a chain, but whenever we'd visit my grandparents my grandpa would take us to circus burger, and it was sooooo good I STILL crave it sometimes, 30yrs later

[@RhettyforHistory]

I'm not sure on that one. I had to google it and when I did it only brings up a fictional chain by that name that Chick-fil-A used in their commercials. Thank you for watching and and letting us know about Circus Burger!

[@nickimontie]

Now I want a hamburger. 🍔

[@jennifer7330]

Me too 😂

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sorry about making you all hungry!

[@JoeMCool]

As a 70s GenX kid, my favorite burger joints were: 1. Dairy Queen 1.5. Burger Chef 2. Big T / tastee-freez 2.5. Steak'n'Shake 3. Geno's 4. Roy Rogers 5. Mac 6. Burger King 7. Lion's Choice 8. Arby's Several other places were also better than Mac, but I frequented them far less often, such as Lum's/ Ollie's Trolley and Jack-in-the-Box. Latecomers such as Wendy's and Hardee's I'd also rank higher from my youth than Mac. 🤓👌🏻

[@S_H9260]

@@JoeMCool we usually went to Roy Rogers for fast food, it was just 1 mile from home. The first time I went to Wendy's, across the parking lot, was because Roy Rogers was having construction work done. I was so disturbed by the thin, *square* burgers.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You mentioned some great ones there Joe! Thank you for watching and sharing your favorites!

[@JoeMCool]

@@S_H9260 Aha... Then you never learned the real secret burger from Wendy's 😏 Bacon Double with everything, then add 1 packet of chili sauce. Boom 🤯

[@LoisHunt-z8f]

We had a Red Barn restaurant. The iconic building is still here. Over the years it has housed a car dealership, dry cleaners, real estate office and now it's a smoke shop!! But it is still the original building!❤

[@RhettyforHistory]

The buildings are unmistakable. I'm curious what color it is now and has the color changed a lot? Thank you for watching!

[@RandyForman-k9r]

Denton, TX had a Red Barn that lasted until sometime around 2000. Not sure if it was independently owned, but the burgers were great and they had a salad bar too.

[@RhettyforHistory]

It may have been independently owned. Not sure on that one. Those old barn shaped buildings are super recognizable though. Kind of like an old Dairy Queen or Whataburger building. Thank you for watching and sharing a memory on the Red Barn.

[@glennthompson1173]

The Red Barn. Dee's I miss too. 19 cent burgers.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing a couple you miss Glenn!

[@LoisHunt-z8f]

Rhett. Love the old traffic lights in the White Tower segment ❤

[@RhettyforHistory]

Those are neat to see. Thank you for watching Lois!

[@arthurlevine1840]

The Club Burger at Carroll's was the best fast food double-decker burger I ever had. Maybe it was the Royal Dressing, but it stood out enough that I remember it. After watching this, really wish I could still get one.

[@RhettyforHistory]

It's sad that they are gone. It really was a great place. Thank you for watching arthurlevine1840!

[@TheRecon1a]

It seems like Hardee's had a if ya can't beat them buy them method.😅 I actually don't know any of these burger chains. We had a restaurant called EJ's bigger burger. They has plate size burgers...They were awesome!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Hardee's definitely acquired quite a few chains that were having trouble. Funny thing is they sort of suffered a similar fate. Thank you for watching and telling us about EJ's Bigger Burger!

[@Katzenjammerz67]

We still have a Red Barn in VA that has devolved into a gas station-mini mart. They still offer fried chicken and potato wedges I think!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Very interesting. Thank you for watching Katzenjammerz67!

[@thedreadtyger]

in East Tennessee we had Blue Circle, a diner famous for burgers and coffee (their mugs were great as well as their Chipped Ham Sandwich), and Jiffy Burger. Jiffy tried a comeback, but it was too late.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I do remember seeing Jiffy burger but I don't think that I have seen Blue Circle. Thank you for watching and mentioning a couple others!

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

I miss Sandy's. I don't know if Bob's Big Boys qualifies, but I loved them the best. They have 1 in LA. Thanks for the Memories Rhetty!

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching my friend. I used to love Big Boys and I haven't been to one in forever. The one we had here in Oklahoma was a Kips Big Boy.

[@jamesedgar3442]

So many of these are regional chains that some people aren't familiar with. Growing up in the Dayton, OH area in the 70s, I'm very familiar with Burger Chef and Red Barn. As other commenters have noted, I have some history with Roy Rogers as well, plus the Ponderosa and Bonanza steakhouse chains. Great memories!

[@wheelchere]

I remember the Red Barn :D

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching wheelchere!

[@kenpainter7890]

I miss Burger Chef. I remember getting Star Wars posters with my kids meals.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Those would be cool to have wouldn't they? Did you happen to save any? Thank you for watching and sharing a memory with us!

[@kenpainter7890]

@ no I do not have them anymore. It is a shame. I have tried to find them on eBay, but they are so expensive.

[@LoisHunt-z8f]

Burger Chef n' Jeff! Lol. That place was great. They had a "toppings" bar where you could load your burger up with all kinds of "fixins" at no additional charge. The Burger Chef murders in my state in 78' was just terrible.😢

[@RhettyforHistory]

Oh my gosh! I'm going to have to Google that event because that's the first I have heard about it.

[@LindaMerchant-bq2hp]

Big chef and super chef burgers ❤❤

[@girlgamergear3260]

The Red Barn here turned into the Wishy-Washy Wash House. It now had a gravestone business in that building. It still has that distinctive shape.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You definitely can't forget the distinctive shape. What a strange couple of businesses in there. I usually see them as Chinese food places or little mom and pop restaurants that want to give it a go. Thank you for watching and sharing a little more with us girlgamergear3260!

[@holsen2]

When I was little back in the 70's, I would deliberately call Burger Chef, "Burger Shits". LOL! I was an only child who talked like a little adult

[@RhettyforHistory]

Oh boy! That's funny! Thank you for watching!

[@mparchive8808]

I miss BBF (Burger Boy Foods). Borden bought them and they became Borden Burger. I remember getting playing cards with puzzles on them from kids meals in the 70s.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Very interesting. Were there a lot of those? That is one that I haven't heard of. Thank you for watching and mentioning that one.

[@mparchive8808]

A google search found some newspaper clips from the closing stating they peaked at 92 restaurants. The one I went to was in Akron Ohio on Market Street near the route 8 intersection, next to Jack Horner’s restaurant.

[@starrtraveler3496]

Loved Carrol’s we had one until the late 70 s …. Had great burgers and best Fries

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing your memories with us starrtraveler3496!

[@TammieR-B]

Bob's big boy🤤

[@RhettyforHistory]

We had a Kip's Big Boy here and it was sort of regional because there was several in others states as well. But they were all part of that Big Boy brand that used to have so many locations. Thank you for watching Tammie!

[@Minerva7]

Griff's Burger Bar, Kansas City Missouri. 10 cent burger days were my family's favorite. They went our of business early 70's. Too bad, damn tasty burgers.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for sharing that memory with us! Sounds like it was a great place and I missed out on them.

[@gregggoss2210]

White Tower was great back then. My aunt worked there and would give us free drinks and fries from time to time.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experience with your aunt at White Tower!

[@mjrodriguez8670]

There were three Henry’s Hamburger shops in St. Joseph, MO. Two are still in operation, albeit under new owners and names, and the other was demolished many years ago.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I'm curious to know if you have had them? Do they have the same sort of menu? Thank you for watching and letting us know about the Henry's Hamburgers in the St. Joseph area.

[@mjrodriguez8670]

@ the hamburger places that took over the two surviving Henry’s shops have some of the same foods as Henry’s. However, they don’t serve fried chicken or shrimp.

[@mikeywid4954]

Thank you Rhetty for History for all the fond memories. There was a Burger Chef about a half mile down the road from my high school. Guess where we congregated after school. 🙂

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing your memory with us Mikey!

[@laurenmp7486]

The mention of Bresler's 33 Flavors brought back memories, though Henry's was gone from the Chicago area by the time I was around as a kid.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching laurenmp7486!

[@cziegle3794]

Yay top 776 and top 251 likes and comments. Thanks for making this video.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're welcome and thank you for watching cziegle3794!

[@ij1936]

We had a Henrys near the house and I remember that there were always flies on the menu boards every time my dad and I went to get burgers.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That is strange. Thank you for watching ij1936!

[@bretthibbs6083]

When I was a kid we had a A&w drive in not far from where I lived and although I never ate there but I have heard really good reviews about them back then and now it's called Minnetonka drive in and again good reviews and they also host a car show there during the summers here in Minnesota usually I think every Thursday. Back in the mid 80's there was restaurant that opened up called Eddie's restaurant or diner and it was all decked out 50's style and it was so cool in mhy small town where I live and they actually had great food and my sister worked there for a short time. I have no idea what actually happened but from what I have heard the owner panicked or something and tried to burn down the place to collect insurance money to cover his losses or something not sure but It was the coolest place in town at that time and I'm sure if he gave it some more time he would have made it cause it was pretty popular and busy especially during friday and saturday nights.

[@RhettyforHistory]

A&W used to be really good and fun to go to. It was the place that you could go to and see some of the coolest cars and it was definitely a great hang out spot. They sort of went away and then came back in my area in one building that was shared with Long John Silvers. So you could order a frosty glass of root beer and a burger and fries still but they all had the flavor of shrimp and fish since it was all prepared in the same kitchen. Kind of disappointing and now those are leaving. Thank you for watching Brett!

[@stanford-nf4jk]

I remember a brief time I lived in Palm Springs, California there was a place called Hamburger Hamlet. It was one of 24 locations throughout California, Chicago, and D.C. Actor Harry Lewis and his then future wife opened the first location in 1950. An investment firm bought them in 1987 and from there, locations closed until there were none. It was more of a sit down eatery rather than a fast food joint. I no longer live in Southern California and don’t know when my old location closed. They offered “unique” options that you could add to their burgers. You could even have baked beans in between the beef patty and bun if you wanted.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Very interesting to hear about Hamburger Hamlet. Sounds like an interesting place. I have not heard about that one before so I will have to do some digging on them. Thank you for watching and mentioning them my friend!

[@bigshot0987]

Big Boy was one of my favorites me and my dad would go after I mowed lawns and I would pay for us I really miss that my dad’s gone now and so is big boy another great upload Rhett can’t wait for the one next week

[@RhettyforHistory]

We had a Kips Big Boy here in our area and I loved it. I was super sad. What was the name of the Big Boy where you were? Thank you for watching and sharing what you missed!

[@bigshot0987]

@ Tampa Big Boy on Florida Avenue

[@juliemudd2985]

I remember Burger Chef. I honestly don’t remember that much about the food but I’m sure it was delicious. I remember the kids meals and the toys lol I remember getting a record I could play on my record player 😂

[@RhettyforHistory]

Do you by chance still have the record? Just curious what it was. Thank you for watching Julie!

[@juliemudd2985]

@ I do not and I can’t remember what it was…I wish I could remember 😬

[@davidellis4084]

We went to Burger Chef in Jacksonville, FL a few times. This is highly local, but we had Scotty's in Kokomo, IN. The downtown store was inundated with high school students for lunch. They went out of business I think in the late 1980s. I cannot find anything on public Web sites, but I would like to know what happened.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That is interesting and sad on your local Scotty's. The local ones are always the best so it hits hard when they go. Thank you for watching David!

[@mymomsaysimcool9650]

Look into the history of Weiner Kings. I grew up with one next to my school and ate there all the time, even in the summer as our baseball field was there too. There is one Weiner King left in Ohio and it’s a time capsule. Our Red Barn turned into a tobacco shop and is now a vacant building.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and telling us about Weiner Kings. Sounds like it could be a great one for a future episode.

[@aariley2]

I miss our local SusieQ Malt Shop. They aren't reopening after our tornado. I suppose only us locals cared. The only thing the new people flooding our area seem to want are bars and tattoo parlors. Sad.

[@RhettyforHistory]

It is sad when local places like that close. They really can't be replaced. Thank you for telling us about the SusieQ Malt Shop!

[@scoobydoodle5473]

I loved the burger boy we used to have!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Those are interesting restaurants since there used to be so many variants in the Big Boy name. Thank you for watching Russell!

[@marlenecentrella9793]

Never liked White Castle burgers. Wendys are pretty good. Use to go to Carol's now it is Burger King.❤ Enjoyed this throwback video. Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for the memories.❤😅

[@RhettyforHistory]

It's interesting how the Carrols converted like they did. Thank you for watching and I'm happy to hear you enjoyed this one Marlene!

[@marlenecentrella9793]

Oops Carrols 😂😂❤

[@Merylstreep1949]

I remember Dee's burgers were also famous for its nuts too😊

[@LarryBailey-p6y]

Worked at burger chef in marshall michigan for 5 years

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing where you worked Larry!

[@jennifer7330]

😅 Can you imagine a 15 cent hamburger 😂

[@RhettyforHistory]

Sure would be nice now! Thank you for watching jennifer7330!

[@S_H9260]

There was a Red Barn a few miles up the road from our church growing up. We didn't go there often but it was always good when we went. Last I know of it was still barn shaped and was a Chinese restaurant iirc.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You can certainly recognize their old buildings when you see them. Thank you for watching @S_H9260!

[@Ginalopez7877]

We finally got a White Castle in Arizona it opened in 2019 and the rediculous traffic they had was unbelievable they ran out before 3.PM 😮😅

[@RhettyforHistory]

Oh wow! How is the business now? Thank you for watching Gina!

[@aariley2]

It seems like all these burger places started in the Midwest.

[@RhettyforHistory]

You're right about that. It's where a lot of the beef and cheese making places were so it makes sense. Thank you for watching aariley2!

[@davidjones535]

Both the burger Chef and Red Barn located in my home town of Youngstown in Northeast Ohio were turned in Jays famous hot dos a local chain that had about ten stores in the area and now I think there's only one left still open they had great dogs and Gyros and were a family owned business.

[@RhettyforHistory]

It's great to hear someone took over those locations but sad to see that they are now down to one store. Thank you for watching and sharing a little more with us David!

[@chrisdye5068]

That darn Hardees taking over Burger Chef. They had a great bacon cheese burger. Rax, Zantigo are two others😃 that I miss

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing a couple others you miss. Hardees ended up suffering the same fate that the others did they took over. Thank you for watching Chris!

[@muppetsretrofan8873]

I'm a 2000s person but I've heard so many wonderful things about Burger Chef, Red Barn, Howard Johnson's, and pre-1980s Jack In The Box. It makes me sad I can't experience any of them. If only Burger Chef had won that lawsuit against Mcdonald's [it's pretty obvious Mickey D's stole the Happy Meal from Burger Chef, and this comes from someone who had fond childhood memories of the Happy Meal, it's somewhat tarnished for me now due to learning about the Fun Meal vs Happy Meal debate], maybe they'd still be around.

[@gregwasserman2635]

You forget Kewpee Hamburgers, the 2nd oldest birger chain on the US. It was founded in Flint, MI, and still has 5 locations open. Why are they significant? Dave Thomas got his idea for square birgers from them. They also their version of the Frosty called Frosted Malts. I miss Burger Chef, in part because they had a deal to sell "Star Wars" merchandise (I remember the glasses) and I was a huge "Star Wars" fan.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I briefly mentioned Kewpee Hamburgers but only to say that they were purchased by his son and nephew to then form Fables. I had no idea there were still any Kewpee locations left. They have really been around a long time then! I know a lot of these burger places take ideas from others but it is interesting to learn where that has happened. Thank you for watching and telling us a little more Greg!

[@gregwasserman2635]

@RhettyforHistory I missed that! Ugh! I think there are 5 left. I also remember White Tower but never had a burger there. They looked like they would be trouble for my GI.

[@bubwal23xifan]

I miss Central Park burgers that was here in Nashville back in the 80's.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and telling us about Central Park Burgers!

[@MP72792]

I wish we still had The Original Hamburger Stand.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing one you would love to still see!

[@davidsheeley1635]

I remember the Burger Chef location in Niles Michigan and it's now a Walgreens go Burger Chef

[@RhettyforHistory]

Did they use the same building or did they tear it down and build a new one? Thank you for watching David!

[@marlenepearson3936]

Dee's was a great burger 🍔 place. I miss it. But one of the few remaining Dee's restaurants isn't too far from me. So MANY things just gone 😢

[@RhettyforHistory]

Have you been to Dee's recently? I'm just curious what you think of them. Thank you for watching Marlene!

[@marlenepearson3936]

@ @RhettyforHistory Yes! About 2 weeks ago. I think they are quite good. They have a good variety of food. The prices are pretty good in this day and age.

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

I'm in Toledo Ohio, and I have been to the White Tower years ago. Even then it unfortunately ended up a bar crowd restaurant that welcomed drunken disorderly conductors.. 😂 where the bar room brawlers came if they missed the fight at the bar 🍸 and was looking forward to a black eye with their Eggs and bacon. 😂 Cheers from the Glass city.

[@RhettyforHistory]

Wow! That sounds horrible. Thank you for watching and sharing your experience with White Tower.

[@Vanessa-nh5es]

🤗♥️

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thanks for watching Vanessa!

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Had a red barn .. now a liquor store in Mishawaka

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and letting us know what it turned into MoeLarrycurly1!

[@booboolips6053]

All American Burger will kick 100% of your a$$ if you complain about your food😂

[@RhettyforHistory]

Haha! Go Brad! Thank you for watching booboolips6053!

[@drusmith3480]

booboolips6053, maybe I'll go eat at Captain Hook Fish & Chips, then. 😂

[@questionmanga3963]

Whopper Burger in San Antonio. It’s obvious who bought their naming rights.

[@RhettyforHistory]

That's interesting. I haven't heard of them. Were they a single location or were they some sort of chain? Thank you for watching questionmanga3963!

[@ahoorakia]

By the way burgers didn't get bigger,buns get smaller so it looks like smaller burgers ,feel like bigger

[@RhettyforHistory]

I probably should have clarified but I meant bigger as in more availability than what there used to be. The actual burgers themselves have definitely shrunk in size. Thank you for watching ahoorakia!

[@TomHall-o7l]

There used to be a fast food restaurant in the 1960’s and 1970’s called Kelly’s Hamburgers. Maybe you could research it and do a video on this restaurant. As a kid, Kelly’s was a Friday night family tradition at the end of the work / school week. Have been unable to find any videos about Kelly’s Hamburgers, hopefully you can find something about it. Good luck

[@RhettyforHistory]

I've never heard of it but I am definitely going to look into it! Thanks for watching and mentioning that one Tom! Sounds like it was a great place!

[@eboticus3421]

Whoever was doing marketing for burger chef couldn't even spell it right in that one ad. Shef lol

[@RhettyforHistory]

I think it was to grab people's attention because it was a big menu item for them.

[@Murrlin27]

I remember the Burger Chef in/near Cahokia, IL!

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching and sharing a location you remember Murrlin27!

[@mikesilva3868]

😊cool 😊

[@RhettyforHistory]

Thank you for watching Mike!