I Found A Rax Roast Beef That's Still Open! | Lancaster Ohio

[@heidirushing3119]

I used to work at Rax on the Ohio Turnpike, in the early 90's. We were open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. I started out as a cashier on the afternoon shift, then moved to the midnight, or 3rd shift as the night dining room attendant. This included taking down the salad bar, cleaning and ice replenishment. Then, putting the bar back up around 5am for breakfast. I loved the food, especially the salad bar, deluxe Roast Beef, the WORKS burger and Chicken Mushroom Melt! Made a lot of fond memories, and met some very interesting people who stopped while traveling. I got to meet Aerosmith once(yes, the music group with Steven Tyler!)when their bus stopped for fuel after a concert. Got their autographs! It was an awesome experience! I miss Rax! I wish there was more of them around 😀.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Those are awesome memories!

[@inmyopinion651]

Yeah I used to live on Rax salad bar back in late 70s early 80s. In my town it was all you could eat at a price and had everything.

[@just_delightful]

Very cool Patty!

[@71sixpak]

I did too at the Erie Island plaza, which is basically Clyde, ohio

[@maxsharpe2194]

Aerosmith rules. I've been listening to them since before I was born. Which isn't really a flex but hey I'm here.

[@justinludwig3995]

Never seen one of these but def has classic Wendy's vibes. Especially with the salad bar, baked potato, and that bottom seating section. Looks so late 80s and awesome.

[@wvusmc]

The two Rax that was in my hometown were taken over by Wendy's in the early 90's and both locations still look about the same. I had no idea Rax was still around.

[@UltrEgoVegeta]

That rax has been there ever since I can remember.

[@gloryboyzgaming1174]

@@wvusmc the rax where i live took over a old wendys building lol

[@ICEDayton]

Rex is trying to make a comeback of sorts. Rex opened a new restaurant in New Carlisle, Ohio. It was actually a different restaurant that Rax bought . Oddly enough not that far from the new Rax Roast Beef is the toy store Children's Palace. Both Rax Roast Beef and Children's Palace are the first ones that I've seen in this area in thirty years or more.

[@trisk_7398]

Nice. I was just at that Rax today. (Medway)

[@ColorsBright]

Never went to a Children's Palace but I would go to Kiddie City a lot when I was a kid... Was much better than ToysRus... Now all of them are gone.. what a shame

[@mattschliemann9683]

Used to go to Rax when I lived in Washington. Loved their roast beef's and that chocolate chip shake. Literally the only two things I remember about the place as a kid. But that milkshake was a big highlight in my memories. Always fond of it. Was sad to see it close one day. But hey I think New Carlisle is close to me. I'm going to have to look into this.

[@Tedbrick]

I used to love Rax in the 80’s. We had one down in Mississippi. It’s always great to see that places like this still exist and it’s awesome that it still looks like the 80’s inside!

[@creatortopia]

When i watch chris i always feel the nostalgia that kids of the 80s felt.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

I really appreciate that compliment because that's exactly what I'm going for!

[@TheeMilkMan]

I just ate there this past Sunday. Go there fairly often. I love eating at places that people think don’t exist any more. There is also a Max and Ermas in Lancaster, there are only 7 left in existence. I go to Quiznos fairly often too.

[@TriggerWarning88]

I think I'm going there tomorrow just cuz I found this video.

[@briansmith48]

Max & Erma's are all gone in Columbus. I'm gonna have to make a trip down to Lancaster.

[@TheeMilkMan]

@@briansmith48 I had been to it a couple times before I knew it was only 1 of 7 left in existence.

[@Nekuf_Gruven]

Worked as an expo at Max and Ermas in Michigan back in the mid 90’s. Don’t remember much, we always partied after work

[@midwestvarietyshow8228]

wheres quiznos? still in canal or did that one shut down?

[@agrace2001]

I remember them in Indiana. I liked the kids meals because they had green jello cups and more food and toy options than some other fast food places. I also liked the baked potatoes.

[@BubbyandRoo92]

Love this video! The wicker light fixtures have made their way back around, along with wood paneled walls. I noticed them both in a newly built McDonald’s in my area. If not for the touch screen ordering kiosks, it would be easy to forget which decade you’ve walked into; at least until you notice the $13 charge for a fast food meal 😅 that’s certainly a product of our time.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Very true!

[@pmaximus5659]

I can’t believe you found a RAX! I live in Columbus, Ohio. It was always a battle between RAX and Arby’s later. Good job representing the 80s

[@JerryTerrifying]

There are a few Rax south of Columbus.

[@OmniMontel]

Not even really a trip for pmaxius circleville is 25 minutes from Columbus and Lancaster about the same.

[@pmaximus5659]

@@OmniMontel Thanks, I have to go.. love their sliced roast beef sandwiches

[@pmaximus5659]

This is on my bucket list! I haven’t been in decades

[@GenuineLarry]

I live in this town!!! Thank you for the recognition haha I’m originally from a small town south of Lancaster called Circleville, you should check out our Pumpkin Show this year! Largest free entry fair in the world.

[@GenuineLarry]

Btw it’s formally and properly pronounced “Langcuhster” lol

[@ThomasB_Hewitt]

​@GenuineLarry you can tell when someone isn't from there because they pronounce it Lan-caster

[@angrybeavergarage1247]

Crazy literally he sat where me and my grandma sat when we went there I thought it was long gone hasn't changed at all literally none of the decor, wonder if t Jay's is still around

[@kierenfarrell4574]

Is this circleville letters circleville?

[@JMazzaTaz]

@@kierenfarrell4574Yes, same Circleville

[@MrSamuelthe1st]

My first real job was at Rax in Jackson, MI. I was a shift supervisor for the last few years before they shut down my store in the late 1980's. A lot of great memories.

[@BigPap62]

We Still have one in Ironton Ohio. I believe the owner in Ironton bought out the name and owns all the remaining locations.

[@irishmomma870]

There is still a RAX in Joliet Illinois also...still love it...

[@alana9832]

2024 I think the one in Joliet is the last Rax standing now!

[@doughensley6202]

I worked at a Rax in Kansas city in 1989. I worked as the salad bar staff

[@roberte9555]

I used to go here as a child in Lima Ohio. For some reason I didn't like roast beef back then and would get ham sandwiches on two bottom buns because I didn't like sesame seeds. I'm still a weirdo but not quite as picky. Lol

[@haroldbacker5915]

A new Rax location opened in New Carlisle, Ohio in 2022.[32] As of May 2024, the company operates 6 locations

[@robertshaw4022]

I am going to try that location tomorrow!!!

[@toddk4729]

I worked at a Rax in high school. The salad bar was a huge seller in the 80’s

[@m39fan]

There's still one on 23 around Circleville.

[@Jakeinlivincolor]

By the White Castle right?

[@phammond68]

@@Jakeinlivincolor yup

[@cade32X]

I went to the location in Joliet, IL, and I absolutely loved it! Definitely have a new favorite restaurant!

[@bradrogers3033]

Is that still there?

[@willkrevis7171]

Rax is still open in Joliet il​@@bradrogers3033

[@Pretender-Jarod]

@@bradrogers3033 Yes siree! It's still there. I just had a delicious bacon & roast beef w/ cheese today. Way better than Arby's. There were about 10 customers inside & 4 cars at the drive-thru. It's so nice to see that people still care about Rax despite the poor marketing campaign in the 1990s that almost brought it to it's knees. I hope Rax will survive long enough to make a comeback someday to once again give Arby's a run for their money!

[@x.LUCID.x]

THERES ONE IN CIRCLEVILLE OHIO AS WELL!!!! still up and running also last I knew.

[@2003Rangerguy]

Born and raised and still live in Lancaster. I’m 36 and my mom worked at the location in our mall back in the early 90’s. I’m still shocked that they’re still open because they’re never busy

[@n8rm]

Never heard of Rax bro. I'm 44 now and grew up in Colorado. You're makin me want to go to Rax. Great video man.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Well closest one to you would be in Joilet IL, I for sure recommend!

[@StephenDietz-i6u]

I grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi on the Gulf Coast and we had one right on the beach. I was an 80s kid and have fond memories of this place. The building was still there until 2005 when Hurricane Katrina washed it away. It was a drive thru daiquiri place at that time.

[@DugEphresh]

love Rax in the 80’s.

[@Cherokeelion]

They were excellent in the 80s!

[@islygon]

I know this video is many months old.. but I just saw it.. I live in Utah, we did have them here in the 80's and I remember really liking them! Fun video! Thank you!

[@ScottPalmer-mp1we]

Nice find! I have good memories of going to Rax while in college many years ago. It was great.

[@jasonsulham1979]

We have one here in Ironton Ohio

[@MichaelBoltonsEntireCatalog]

Urrt'un. That's how us Cincy folks hear folks from Southern O-hiyuh say Ironton.

[@Acesneights5150]

Roy Roger’s restaurant’s were centered around roast beef too. They got to about 500 as well. There are maybe 5 locations left in Harrisburg PA. I was a franchisee of them in the 80s in Mass and Conn. Salad bar, fixin’s bar like Fudrucker’s, fried chicken, burgers and roast beef -slow cooked daily!

[@jdraven0890]

I live in the West, so did not know Roy Rogers until visiting PA years ago. Reminded me of an Arby's, except more going on. I think it was in one of those service centers along the turnpike

[@VideosSmokin]

You should try to checkout "Shoney's" the 80's version of "IHOP" & "Denny's".

[@TADDs101]

I remember eating at that Rax quite often, and the Larry's Dog House that was right across the street .. the great 80's

[@pawpawg7358]

i forgot Larry's was in Lancaster too. there is still the OG in Athens

[@miket7330]

I miss this memorable time, thank you for this little step back in time!❤

[@MissingLinx]

I went to Rax when they were here in the st.louis area. I think they left sometime in the 90s.

[@darkage5]

I found one in Joliet Il. Glad to know there is one a lot closer to Cincinnati Ohio where i am from.

[@redfieldbjgprod]

I keep watching your videos. I don't know I keep watching these location tours.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Well it's probably cuz I have my tractor beam on full blast to keep you coming back for more muwahahaha!

[@stepsgaming]

Yeah I ate there as a kid, it was my favorite place. I remember they had a Squeeze Water Bottle we got there that said "My Main Squeeze" I am assuming it was filled with Soda. The kids meals always came with Alligator cups.

[@matthewdropco]

It also looks like they still have it set up for Rona Times with the spacing of the tables. When I make it down to Central Ohio again I'll do my best to stop in.

[@SetsStreetsEats]

Yeah, I'll bet that's when they gapped the tables and then after realized they didn't need to bring the extra tables back lol

[@matthewdropco]

@@SetsStreetsEats totally. Like I said it’s been a long time since I’ve been down that way. Lancaster, I think, has been on an economic decline for a while. Even before the 2008 economic meltdown, and rona times. But you may be right about maybe people doing the drive through more. Maybe they have more door dash as well. Hopefully they are still open if/when I make it down that way.

[@davidfulmer5840]

That potatoe bar was awesome. Nice roast beef sandwich then go load your potato's with topping like broccoli and cheese sauce. We loved that place

[@infjintegrityvsnarcissism7295]

No e in potato Dan Quayle

[@larryholtcamp3291]

My mom managed the Burger Chef in our town and they turned the Burger Chef into a Rax both were great. Loved the 25 cent Burger night at Burger Chef and really loved the BBC at Rax. Going to have to make a trip to Lancaster.

[@boogiedaddy3434]

We never had one in my small hometown in WV, but I remember seeing Rax locations when we would go to the beach or elsewhere out of state. I never got to go in one, though, and have always wondered what they were like. I've always loved Arby's so was curious how this compared. Thanks for sharing!

[@buzzardwhiskey]

Before the belt around Lancaster was completed, I used to stop in for a roast beef now and again.

[@craigchastain7016]

No trip to restaurant row on Route 30 on the way to Southlake Mall in Merrillville, IN would be complete until Mom pulled the Oldsmobile in to the Rax parking lot

[@darricshhh]

I grew up in CA. We had a couple of RAX in town. Used to gather there for lunch sometimes in high school. I miss it, but not heading to the midwest any time soon. I would love to see them have a comeback

[@Lance0034]

Had one in defiance ohio and van wert Ohio. Loved the salad bars. Lots of old memories from this place

[@Originolley]

Great video my friend, we had 2 Rax in my town in Indiana in the 80s and 90s. Miss it!

[@NotAsGoodAsItUsedToBe]

My grandmother worked at Rax for years, I loved eating the free food she'd have.

[@amandaadams3720]

I live in indiana. I miss this place.

[@RealLegend1776]

Excellent and informative video. Makes since where wendys got their bay windows from for older locations. Those were awesome.

[@just_delightful]

Nice video Mark!!! Rax was great.

[@Spacemountain14]

Theres one in circleville

[@corndog2835]

I worked at Rax in Kokomo Indiana around 87'-88', good food. They had a great salad bar.

[@chrisandjessaltman2263]

This is the exact restaurant where I ate as a child. So many memories ❤. I take my kids and sit in my spot where my mom sat us down as a kid. Their Curly fries are king!

[@jeffsteele2204]

This took me back. Every Wedneaday in the summer I would go Krogering with my Grandma and we would go to Rax. I loved this place, loved the huge salad bar. They had the best roast beef sandwiches. I drive by the old place and think about those memories from 37 yrs ago. Its now a Fazolis. Bring back Rax to Indiana! Thank you for this walk down memory lane.

[@lepot23]

I used to live in Lancaster, Ohio. And, I've eaten at that very same Rax. Very cool stuff! Now I live back in Michigan.

[@jeremyeaton9379]

I’m from Lancaster Ohio. So many memories, miss the salad bar. In high school my buddy Jason got us kicked out of the restaurant because he got into a food fight with his girlfriend using the salad bar food as ammo. Deluxe roast beef sandwich will always be have a place in my heart. I miss this place! BBQ sauce was always sweet and robust

[@zacwhite1368]

Also a rax in Chillicothe on route 23.❤I remember when our rax here in Lancaster had the salad bar and everything❤️

[@juckimal]

great video Chris. your content and knowledge is awesome. Also very cool to revisit the commercials that I grew up on. Very cool.

[@dennisk207]

There was a Rax in Carbondale, IL that, unfortunately, closed in the 1990s. And it looked EXACTLY like that one except there would've been a buffet/salad bar in the middle of the "upper" level. I enjoyed many fine buffet meals there back in the day (never actually got the roast beef). Thanks for the blast from the past!

[@carlettawalker615]

Loved their BBC (beef, bacon, cheddar)and a milk shake😂

[@WardenJune]

There is a sports bar in Kalamazoo, Michigan called Up and Under, it used to be a Rax.

[@churchbryan35]

There's still one in Ironton Ohio, ...i live across the river in Kentucky...but they were more in the 80's...we had 2 here....but I'll eat there a couple times a year, for the nostalgia...✌️

[@kfeltenberger]

This brings back memories…working at Rax was my first job as a senior in high school in 1985. I worked my way up to assistant manager and will always be thankful for the work foundation it gave me. The big turning point was when they hired a supposed “wiz kid” as the president…turned out there was a reason why Arby’s was glad to get rid of him…embezzlement and extremely poor management skills.

[@70sfred1]

We had one in Martins Ferry, Ohio and one in St. Clairsville. Loved their Philly roast beef sandwiches and gotta go to this one!

[@TheeMilkMan]

I go to Quiznos at the Belmont exit after delivering milk to martins ferry.

[@70sfred1]

@@TheeMilkMan Very cool and your comment reminds me of home! Thank you!

[@TheeMilkMan]

@@70sfred1 if I get stuck at the dairy I walk down and eat at Zotinis pizza!

[@70sfred1]

@@TheeMilkMan Love it and save me a slice!

[@joshhatfield9507]

There’s one still open in Harlan, KY. Very small town. It stays fairly busy especially on Sundays.

[@VIH319]

One in circleville

[@JasonBrown-mx2kk]

Im 45 we had these in pgh when I was young we use to go all the time pluss it was near my dad's work I liked tax

[@seephisd]

Wished I had known about this place. Did a bunch of work in Lancaster at the beginning of the season.

[@Da_Benski]

There's also a RAX in Joliet IL, about 30 minutes south of the Naperville Burger King you reviewed.

[@Jakeinlivincolor]

I remember having several Rax's in my area of WV and was sad when they all shut down randomly... Luckily theres still a couple fairly close by

[@jackytreehornsghost]

There used to be one in Seneca PA across from what used to be a killer mall as a kid. I remember being young enough that my drink came in a plastic T-Rex sippy cup. Thanks for the memories.

[@Justin-dp4sn]

This was one of my favorite places growing up, we had one in Ravenna

[@dananderson3077]

Wow....we used to stop there from OU trips to Columbus....from what I understand Lancaster was a test market for fast food concepts back when....

[@davidpalmer7175]

Wow... the place looks busy. The food must be top notch.

[@GenuineLarry]

They’re the exact opposite of busy 😂 I live in Lancaster, they don’t get much business. The original owner had to change the name from Jax to RIX and then to Rax. Arby’s and Wendy’s also started here in Ohio…

[@thefools]

Make the pilgrimage here a couple times each year. Didn't know the history and all the names. One old franchise owner has the rights to RAX. He's always looking for new franchisees. Needs to come back to Columbus. They had a location at the Lancaster mall food court until recently. Food tastes the same as when I was 12 in the 90s. It's better than Arby's to me.

[@0rtmasta]

It’s like walking back into the 80’s 😂

[@markmanley8673]

Used to a Rax in New Martinsville , West Virginia . Everybody misses it .I liked the BBC beef , bacon , and cheddar .it was. Good

[@ColemanProductionStudios]

Live right down the road from this place lol

[@Ben-jq9xs]

I still live and grew up in Lancaster, our Rax in my opinion has gone down hill bad lol. Last time I had it was about 6 years ago and I got some of the worst food poisoning I've ever had...never been back since, use to enjoy it for something different. Still neat to see someone making a video in the hometown! I have a lot of good memories as a kid going there with my grandparents it still looks the same lol!

[@jaket8947]

We had one of the last ones here in my town too. Loved that place.

[@mrsgingerjordan]

Awwww I was looking forward to seeing the buffet! MY dad and I used to go all the time.

[@kevinmcfalls945]

There used to be several in the Lancaster Pennsylvania area. All disappeared by the late 80's early 90's. Usually parked right beside a Wendy's. Some of the buildings still exist, having since been re-purposed.

[@FilmAppreciationSociety]

I remember there used to a number of these Rax restaurants around central Ohio and I remember going to them from time to time. That location in Lancaster specifically and I drive past it at least once a week and have wondered for years how it stays open. It is never busy. About ten or fifteen years ago they had a location in the Lancaster River Valley Mall as well but it has since closed.

[@GenuineLarry]

Fun fact: That RAX used to be a Wedny’s!! There’s also a RAX down in Circleville, OH. Unless it has been shut down since 2018 🧐🤯

[@aaronedwards1239]

We used to have a Rax in Crawfordsville, IN. It was always fantastic! It got bulldozed almost 30 years ago. I miss it.

[@ChrisMcDonald-zk6tq]

We had a RAX in little Urbana Ohio, about 13 miles north of Springfield, but Arby's took over its Urbana location and is still here!!

[@RustBeltRailfan]

There’s also one in Circleville Ohio, I eat there a lot and it is a really good one.

[@lsteve5170]

I grew up in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Had a Rax just down the road from my house. Next to it was a Burger Chef! The Burger Chef turned in a Hardee’s. Rax closed in late 90’s or early 2000’s. Fond memories of both!

[@paullawson2830]

I went to the one in my hometown when I was a kid. Columbus, Indiana. I loved that place! I am now 51 years old.

[@CarljayyostCarljayyost]

There is a Rax on Rt 23 in Circleville also. The reopened Rax locations use repurposed Wendy's stores that date back to the 1980's.

[@Maz08]

There’s one in Joliet Illinois still that I visit frequently. Not that far of a drive from the Burger King you visited in Naperville

[@MichaelBenthin-ih7ib]

I worked at a Rax in Richmond, Indiana from 1986-1988 when I was in high school. I would walk to work from my house which was only 3 blocks away and like 2 blocks away from Richmond Highschool.. Great food and fond memories!!!!! I was surprised to find out that both Rax restaurants in Richmond had closed after I left and joined the Army when I returned to visit.

[@simplyausten]

theres also one in circleville ohio, would love to see you go to that one, its where i live

[@chewith]

i use to frequent one in toledo ohio at southwyck shopping center , it wasnt there for long but i remember it being a decent place to eat.

[@arfriedman4577]

Im from northeast. Never heard of rax or your shirt. Interesting history of restaurant.

[@aburningfirestudios1249]

Wow...we had one in my hometown as a kid in the 80's...we used to eat the all you can eat salad bar lol

[@jameschamplin1742]

There was one on S. University in Little Rock, but I never got a chance to eat there, as it was practically on the other side of the county from where I lived. Wish I'd gotten a chance!

[@jeslookin2168]

We have one in Circleville, too. It’s located on 23S. My issue with the Circleville Rax is not once, but twice the bread wasn’t fresh and soft. I go to the nearby Arb’s and it’s perfect every time.

[@ltmonson]

I recall going to Rax in Burnsville, MN as a child. I was pretty young so the only thing memorable for me were the shakes, and maybe malts...?

[@aliciacalvin7191]

There was one in Ravenna Ohio when I was growing up

[@AnthonyZappacosta]

I heard of Rax but I never ate at one. Roy Rodger s is still around and they serve roast beef as well and they are competition to Arby’s.

[@MoparNation]

im so glad i saw your video im only an hour from lancaster i loved rax as a kid. ill be going there soon.