Howard Johnson Restaurants - Life in America

[@williamratcliff31]

I miss Howard Johnson so much. Yes great memories for me also.

[@davidheinzmann4403]

Read the reviews before you visit Lake George.

[@robertaverill936]

3 words..Fried Clam Strips..

[@MobiusMinded]

@@robertaverill936 they used to have an all you can eat one day of the week.

[@inkyguy]

@@MobiusMinded , usually Fridays for their weekly fish fry.

[@inkyguy]

@@davidheinzmann4403 , apparently it is just a cheap restaurant in the shell of a Howard Johnson's with the sign out front. Based in the reviews I saw you will not find either the selections or quality if the food you will remember, not even the ice cream.

[@robertmark341]

These places are like a beautiful memory from my childhood. The best burgers and fries and strawberry shake. I give anything to have that lunch or dinner again now that I am 57. Amazing how you miss these thing seeing them gone.

[@dondressel452]

I remember in 1967 staying at Howard Johnson’s with my sister and my parents in Anaheim while visiting Disneyland Good memories

[@mrb6097]

I was just recounting this same story to my wife two days ago. It's crazy this popped up as recommended today and someone else had the same memory. My trip would have been in '68.

[@dondressel452]

@@mrb6097 better times and simpler times I wish I could go back

[@RIXRADvidz]

we stayed in a HoJo in Lake Buena Vista when we went to DisneyWorld in the summer of 73. The Tropical Garden in the courtyard and the glass elevator inside the tower overlooking the garden were just as magical to these kids from NM as the whole Disney Park

[@dynasty0019]

That Howard Johnson's still there today.

[@larrydewein401]

@@dondressel452 I'm with you Don! I noticed how clean and neat everything looked. Didn't see paper cups, garbage laying around, grass cut, etc.

[@hobertlee7598]

Been To Howard Johnson Growing Up,It is a shame how things have change,,It was a Better World at one Time

[@pumpupjam9648]

My uncle worked for HJ for 35 years. He retired in 1968. He's long gone but I use to remember him bringing gallons of ice cream home at his house with my aunt and cousins. It was delicious! Then slowly, step by step, long after both their passing, it passed too.

[@fob1xxl]

Howard Johnsons was the right place at the right time !

[@trukrboy]

Great piece of Americana. In the 60s, we always stopped at the HJ's in Breezewood, PA before hopping on the turnpikes to go to Michigan from our home in Washington DC. Fond memories of (always) good food.

[@gorymarty56]

Same, now I'm jonesing for those clams

[@lbputzer]

Funny, we did the same destinations in reverse, stopping at HJ Breezewood (also staying at the adjoining "Motor Lodge"). Origin=Michigan, Destination=DC & Virginia Beach. HoJo had a monopoly on the sanctioned "rest stops" on the NY Throughway & PA Turnpike. They were built on center islands so that both directions could patronize their restaurants and motels and not have to pay to exit the toll road. As I recall, the toll was cheaper the further you drove on the turnpike, which was the impetus not to exit and pay twice.

[@tomsreviews238]

When I was a kid my family would travel the highways. There were no fast food restaurants along the way. We would stop at Howard Johnson. You would sit at a table or counter. You got a plate and silverware and actual food. No quick burgers wrapped in paper. Those days are gone forever

[@daviddavis5689]

I remebr when there wasn;t even such as HJ's. local cafes and restaurant was what we eat at. on vacations. Better food actually.

[@ssoma151]

not really lots of places still like that

[@brucemarsico6]

For some reason, Howard Johnson had the best spaghetti and meatball plate. Every one I ever ate in, the Spaghetti was consistently good. I'm sure it was cheap sauce....tangy tomato....along with the two pieces of garlic bread. Yes, those days are gone with the wind.....

[@jacktheripoff1888]

For us it was Ohio and PA turnpikes, and of course Howard Johnsons. Filling up with Gulf gas in Ohio and Exxon in PA at the plazas. For some reason the thing I remember most about HJ's was snagging a pack of their own brand of wintergreen mints before leaving. They had their own everything, mints, gum, and canned sodas. Maybe we live multiple lives, maybe in one of them we get to do what we want. Cruising the highways of America back in 1970 in a 1965 Sedan DeVille would not be the worst way of passing the days. And of course with some stops at the Howard Johnson's.

[@tomsreviews238]

@@jacktheripoff1888 My father had a 63, 65 and 67 Sedan DeVille. Cool cars to cruise in.

[@battlewagonmclaren8004]

Also growing up I remember Stuckey’s restaurants . Ooh the Pecan logs were so good !!!

[@gorymarty56]

The jam

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes wow I do remember that as well. When my family would travel we would always stop at Stuckeys and get that sugary pecan log. So many great memories back then miss those days more than ever before 🤔

[@nonamegame9857]

Hamburgers for a cross country trip at 6 for a dollar you couldn't beat it 👍👍. I was young with a very high metabolism so I would always order 18 of them 🤣🤣

[@christopherrussell3073]

These are still around

[@josephinerodriguez6612]

Hey Doug Ohaver, My husband as a child going on family trips from East Chicago, IN to Texas.....His father would tell them (7) to keep a look out for the sign that read 10 hamburgers for a $1.00..... Not a sign to be found....good thing they packed plenty of bologna sandwiches ,and drinks along with other junk foods to eat....I so much long for a burger and chocolate malt of yester year !!!

[@mb13972]

Early in our married life more than 50 years ago my wife and I didn't have much money but we always found enough to go to the local Howard Johnson's for a Friday night "date". This was the night they offered unlimited fried clams or fish for $1.99. My wife would order the fish but I always had the clams. After I finished the first serving the waitress would ask if I wanted more. I would ask for more clams, a half order of fries and no cole slaw. For the third , and sometimes fourth order I told her just the clams, no fries or cole slaw. Loved those clams.

[@sagbrady8414]

They were my favorite too..

[@vickiladu6755]

Me too! Prices were so CHEAP back in the 60s!

[@bpagan7781]

Thank-You for doing all the research for all of your vids! Sometimes we old folks just need to "go back" when life was much simpler and less fearful. It brings tears to my eyes just watching this stuff. Of course I subscribed right away!

[@davidarmitage289]

Me too 😄

[@michellerjackson5776]

Me too😊

[@chriscanzanese5063]

And that’s why our country sucks now. The two generations after the greatest generation of Americans were the worst. Let politicians steal our freedoms and wealth because it was easier not to get involved or pay attention. Thanks

[@TheSmartLawyer]

@@chriscanzanese5063 The Baby Boomers are still in power. They have been in control since the 90s. Even now, pay attention: Biden, Clinton, Pelosi, Sanders, Faucci, etc etc

[@jimmymelendez1836]

@@chriscanzanese5063 Can you please lay off the politics? Keep it to yourself.

[@countalucard4226]

We used to drive to Florida every year when I was a child and we would stop and eat 3 times a day at HO JOS. Stayed in their motels along the way. I still remember ordering the “Tommy Tucker” for dinner. It was a Turkey with mashed potatoes and peas. They had the best Fried Clams and New England Clam Chowder.

[@ArtificialBanana]

And they had "all you can eat" turkey on Thursdays!

[@countalucard4226]

@diana burns too this day I absolutely love Pecan Pie.

[@Chris-rs3dj]

Which one in Florida did you at?

[@countalucard4226]

@@Chris-rs3dj I don’t clearly remember. It was probably Ft. Lauderdale

[@tulanzuya]

@diana burns pecan rolls! Looked forward to those every summer.

[@cyclenut]

During the 60s and 70s we would eat at Howard Johnson Restaurants when traveling. It was a good time to be a kid. Kids today, I am not sure they have things as good as we did.

[@chris7brook]

They don't, they have "smart phones"

[@wmw3629]

Not nearly as good.

[@monkeywkeys3916]

@@chris7brook If only they had a Howard Johnson app.

[@gregggoss2210]

They do not. They will most likely never know the same joy we had.

[@casper98204]

Same here. Some great family memories of those summer vacations. All seven of us kids would be looking out the windows of our Buick Station Wagon for the Howard Johnsons sign.

[@5DNRG]

LOL!!! It seems we all enjoyed similar childhoods with these iconic travel stops, also remember Travel Lodges with the bear symbol. My mom used to call it the Sleepy Bear motel.

[@stephens9462]

That’s I use to call them.

[@MrTPF1]

Grew up in Central MA and HJ's were everywhere. That was THE place to stop at on the highways. Lots of great memories. Thanks for posting.

[@wallacegeller2111]

Howard Johnsons were great. Im 73 and I remember them well growing up in Indiana. The ice cream was fantastic.

[@jerometgillain]

I stayed at a Howard Johnson's in St. Augustine Fl, way back in 1973. It was LUXURY! Nice air conditioning, BIG THICK TOWELS. Clean room. Close to all the sights and restaurants. And it was only $14 a night... Thems was the days baby! Very kewel.

[@coloradostrong]

And Ripleys Believe it or not!

[@mikemcclune1440]

@@coloradostrong and the alligator farm

[@ddburdette]

I worked at that St. Augustine Howard Johnson's as a dishwasher in 1970. I was surprised to find out that all the meals were frozen. By the way, it is my understanding that the Massachusetts locals pronounce the name of the town where Howard Johnson's was founded as 'Quinzee', not 'Quinsee.'

[@jerometgillain]

@@ddburdette I never ate at Howard Johnsons when I was there. There was so many other places to go get something.

[@maryfeigen7715]

I miss Howard Johnson's. It was such a great place for an ice cream or a meal on Sunday afternoon.

[@monkeywkeys3916]

I bet it was Great

[@mr.majestic2667]

@@monkeywkeys3916 It was an ice cream parlor also

[@srpdesigns]

Yeah Sundays were the day for Hojos Mary ...I miss everything about this Era in America..

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

@@srpdesigns It's an era I barely knew of as a kid.

[@srpdesigns]

@@ChristopherSobieniak Really, Well how old are you Chris?

[@donl1846]

Growing up here in New England Howard Johnson was always referred to as "Ho-Joe's". As a teenager it was a nice place to bring a date for supper.

[@susanheller2328]

Ah...the old Howard Johnson’s! Good memories with my parents traveling on road trips in New England-we always knew it was a great place to stop!

[@AyeCarumba221]

Who has put all of these Recollection Road videos together? Absolutely love this series. So well done, researched, and presented in such a calm civilized manner. Thank you, thank you!

[@kathysmith8650]

We used to travel in the States every summer from Toronto, Canada. I remember eating at Howard Johnson’s, FRIED CLAMS!

[@shipsbells]

I'm almost 60 years old, but I can vividly recall the smell when you walked in to one of the restaurants, the smell of heated maple syrup! I grew up in a small Pennsylvania town, when we traveled, we often would eat in a Howard Johnson's. I always ordered the Fried Clams. I recall that the waitresses often gave my brother and I little toys to play with and take home. I remember when I went to college, we sometimes would drive to a nearby town on Tuesday nights for the "All the Fried Clams you can eat." I wish they would come back again.

[@davestelling]

Those were good days, friend...

[@scofab]

Ditto on the fried clams, as a kid they were the only seafood I was into. Pretty sure I cost 'em a few bucks with the "All You Can Eat". Fun times fo' sho'... gone now, there's a Walgreens where it once stood (Milwaukee, near Mayfair Mall).

[@1755ma]

I miss those bright orange roofs. They had the best fried clams and peppermint ice cream for dessert. In the 1960s my family would drive to Dennisport, MA on Cape Cod and along the Massachusetts Turnpike we'd always stop at a Howard Johnson's to eat. It was all a part of the 2- week summer vacation experience. Those were fun times, and fond memories.

[@atarahchomah1463]

I, too, am from a small town in Penna. sweet memories of going their with my family as a child.

[@davestelling]

As a kid in the '60s, I was partial to the clam rolls w/ tarter sauce. A free birthday cake if you were registered for Hojo's Birthday Club. At the cash register, there was the ice cream and frozen mac 'n cheese to take home. And, if you were on the road, the wintergreen life savers were good. Those WERE the days!

[@exiledfpv]

I was recently going through some bins of old photos. I came across a plastic bib and menu from my first birthday at HoJo's. I remember getting the birthday cards from the Hojo's Birthday Club (probably a couple of those floating around somewhere....my mom saved a lot of stuff). I was looking to see if someone else remembered the birthday club.

[@melissaflood3276]

I remember😢....The birthday club was awesome and the little chocolate cake was delicious 😋

[@Donnaploss]

They had the BEST fried clam dinner! Ice cream was heavenly.

[@lydias2012]

My mom loved the the fried clams. Anytime we went there that is what she had. But all the food was good. I never tried them as a kid, I was a grilled cheese and fries kind of girl. Wish I had because she absolutely raved about it.

[@hollyr.1139]

Those were my favorites when I was a kid and we took the Ohio and Pennsylvania turnpikes on family trips: the fried clams and the pistachio ice cream.

[@tuxtommy69]

@@hollyr.1139 Me, too! But don't forget hot fudge on the pistachio ice cream! Yum!

[@deadbugdoug4158]

The FIRST, CONSISTANTLY HIGH QUALITY across America . The fried clams, the ice creams and the Thousand Island salad dressing, are among my memories. Just checking in from Hammond Indiana !

[@ellenjannol9802]

I worked at the HoJo's in the San Fernando Valley in the late 70's.. Yes, the ice creams were awesome!

[@aninterestingcharact]

Every Wednesday! Mmmmmmm Fried Clams!! I was religious about it for years.

[@timbillings6884]

😂 I came here just to say I miss There fried clams !!! And you had to beat me to it! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 And the pastachio icecream ! 😋

[@timbillings6884]

@@aninterestingcharact Me too! 👍👍

[@bobthethebuilder9559]

Just checking in from Hammond NY.

[@Tadrjbs]

They were terrific. Top of the list of the best Americana days...

[@scottmoore1614]

Ate at the one in Greensboro, NC with my family growing up. I remember the clams and ice cream that was served in little silver bowls. I can still picture the interior like it was yesterday, with the counter as you walked in...mirrors and paneled walls in the dining room and orange cushioned seats that matched the roof!

[@DouglasCohen1962]

I am 58 as a kid when we took road trips we always stayed at Howard Johnson's had one in are small hometown use to eat there every Wednesday evening.

[@patricialutz2092]

My first job at the age of 17, was a Dairy Bar🍦 girl in Howard Johnson's Restaurant. Later, in life, I would work in the Motor Lodge as an evening receptionist. Great memories, thank you for sharing this😊👍

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I worked for the Howard Johnson's restaurant (today a Hooters) at the Chicago/Park Ridge, IL location as a busboy back in 1974. The employees working there always got a free meal for their lunch break. I almost always had the famous Ho-Jo's fried clams for my daily meal. To this day, I still miss 'em!

[@midnightelectric1]

Always stopped there coming in from Rockford to visit grandparents from 1971 to 1980. Great memories. Hadn't thought about it in years.

[@TheRobyynn]

Exit 57 on I75 in Dayton Ohio was turned into a stripper joint and was hit by the Memorial Day tornado 2 years ago. It’s been boarded up since then.

[@mikehughes4969]

You and me both my friend.

[@maryann729]

I worked at a Ho-Jo's in Cincinnati. My favorite free meal at lunch was the huge breakfast platter. In the mid-afternoons when things were kind of slow before the dinner crowd started, my friends and I would have our cup of "coffee" which was actually a hot fudge sundae in a coffee mug. We were not supposed to eat any of the ice cream, but we were able to fool our eagle-eyed manager when she would stick her head out of the kitchen to check on the front of the house.

[@gorymarty56]

Clam strips were my favorite. We stopped at the one in Breezewood Pa when I was a kid.

[@JeffersonMartinSynfluent]

The person responsible for developing the menus beginning in the sixties was none other than Jacques Pépin.

[@milfordcivic6755]

All famous chefs started somewhere!

[@luissantiago8446]

C'est vrai!

[@monkeywkeys3916]

With his French heritage I'm sure those were great selections you wouldn't expect from a average looking restaurant today. Real butters. Olive oils. That menu should be revived by Somebody.

[@luissantiago8446]

I stayed in rural France at one point in my past. I was given the chance to sample the local fare, and let me say that the local butter was beyond good. It was simply incredible. That local butter,crusty warm bread and a small bowl of delicious coffee was all we needed for breakfast. Fresh is always the very best.

[@carycary3822]

@@luissantiago8446 French butter’s still delicious. Look for President’s butter, made in France, at your food market, as it could be stocked. May not be quite as delicious as in France, but it’s darn good.

[@shelleyganz9095]

Only 1 left...How Sad!! I used to see them, all over the Hwy's, etc. Are we really doing better, now???!!! : (

[@david-leethompson62]

Hojo hotel in Quincy ,,,,, They overcharge for an ugly building!

[@stevebell4906]

Of course not...America is Poorer...Sicker ...And Dumber!

[@joeyank2451]

I’m sorry but America Is Gone That we once knew

[@larrydewein401]

@@stevebell4906 You got that right Steve!

[@larrydewein401]

@@joeyank2451 You are right Joe. I'm 80 and grew up with all these places and wish, like Scrooge I could look through a window and see it again. And in a way I can with the internet and sites like this! Brings back a lot of sweet memories!

[@butcharmstrong9645]

I loved the fried clam dinner at "Ho-Jos". I don't know if that's what they were called in other parts of the country but in the Midwest they were Ho-Jos.

[@gorymarty56]

We called it that 2 in MD and Pa

[@PoBoyRacing80]

Down South we called them Ho-Jo's also.

[@Tiffany-vj1tv]

Much appreciate these videos thank you so much for sharing the stories ❤️🙏

[@iswc27]

I remember very well our old Howard Johnson's location in Beverly, MA on Route 128. It was converted to a Burger King, which still stands there today. So sad to see it go. I have a book called "A History of Howard Johnson's: How a Massachusetts Soda Fountain Became an American Icon" by Anthony Mitchell Sammarco that I bought on eBay. Interesting read with lots of cool and nostalgic photos and images. Many thanks to Recollection Road for this delightful presentation!

[@x21gokartracing]

There was a Howard Johnson located on the Pennsylvania turnpike the first food & gas stop after crossing from New Jersey

[@frankbrunetti2109]

That could have been the one on the east west extension of the turnpike, we would get on the turnpike Route 206 and we would see the Howard Johnson's on the right after getting onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike, then we would get off at Willow Grove

[@x21gokartracing]

That could be the Howard Johnson and fuel stop was in Bensalem on the right going west before crossing under route 1. The building became something else and Sunoco fuel then is was demolished years ago for turnpike improvements

[@gorymarty56]

Breezewood also

[@joesmith4222]

I know the place, was it a large truck stop as well? We stopped at one that look like an old Quaker red brick building with Ivy growing on it.

[@joesmith4222]

@@frankbrunetti2109 is that the same one has an old red brick Quaker building with Ivy on it and was a large truck stop as well? One rainy night in 1971 we had to stay there 3hrs. because of a big rig jackknife at the bottom of the grade.

[@questfortruth665]

HJ's is where I tasted my first fried clams, and my first hot fudge sundae in the 50's! Nothing ever tasted so good - EVER!

[@VictorySpeedway]

Central Ave., East Orange, NJ., mid-1950's. Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. I was four or five. Unforgettable. I still have a plastic Howard Johnson's bank.

[@samanthab1923]

One of my favorite flavors

[@TralfazConstruction]

The Golden Age of Highway Travel. At one time the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Howard Johnson's were synonymous. Oh, not to forget the seven tunnels on the Pennsylvania Turnpike too; those tunnels were a big part of the experience when traversing the state.

[@lynnepaulocsak122]

Best fried clams A.K.A. 'Clamwich' and the best coffee ice cream. Why did they ever get rid of them?! I would love to go there right now!

[@kenbaudoux464]

love this, what happened to America...........

[@jimenz6548]

I would like to thank the person who owns this channel. Nice soft music, a very pleasant voice that tells the story. Or sometimes there is no talk at all, just the fine music. Great to watch and remember what once was. I agree with some of the comments....have we really improved our lives? What once was is the best. Everyone believed in quality and great service. So many of these companies are out of business because some college educated person said they learned a better way to run a business....it looks good on paper, but in the real world it makes no "cents" at all. And before ya know it, the business is gone forever. Thank's again, for the memories!!!

[@michaelchristie6830]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Many positive childhood memories staying at the motor lodge in Queensbury, NY. We would stay there many times during the colder months to enjoy their awesome indoor pool and of course the restaurant adjacent. Fried clams with ice cream for dessert....awesome!! Thanks again!

[@charleshamilton9274]

My mom and dad loved road trips and we’d always stay overnight in a Howard Johnson’s “motor lodge” and eat at the attached Howard Johnson’s restaurant. God knows how many exceptional local joints we could have tried, but Howard Johnson’s was a known venue. My sister would, invariably, order spaghetti for dinner. I remember their vaunted ice cream was good but their cheesecake was my favorite. And, who could forget “HoJo” Cola, the Howard Johnson-version of Coca-Cola?

[@michaelciccone2194]

Yes my favorite! Spaghetti and meatballs! Cherry Hill HJ at Cherry Hill New Jersey on NJ TURNPIKE 1968

[@rj4590]

Yankee pot roast...

[@samanthab1923]

Michael Ciccone I always remembered the one as we exited the turnpike onto Rt 46 going to the GW bridge.

[@martinbuinicki1056]

When Dad pulled in, he knew he could afford a meal for the family in familiar surroundings; it wouls be "safe."

[@Gerk8]

I always liked their Indian Pudding, sort of similar to a pumpkin pie filling. That name would never fly now though.

[@iVenge]

@@Gerk8 Thanks for that idea. I will now make that every year, and call it exactly that. 👍🏻

[@monkeywkeys3916]

@Bob Hartlee Hahaha. I've encountered that but not been to HJs

[@gregggoss2210]

@@Gerk8, holy moly! Indian pudding was my favorite! I've searched high and low for that wonderful concoction for years with very little success. Once in a great while I have found some canned versions of it, but nobody made it like HoJo.

[@steveprice638]

Whatever happened to America? I grew up in Canada and the US - lands of limitless optimism, great space and long highways that took you through them. HJ was a staple throughout. Nowadays the big franchises have swallowed the competition and, believe me, we are the worse for allowing it. Simpler times, greater pleasures - and gone forever.

[@beegee22]

A bygone bit of classic Americana. A landmark on so many highways, a must stop on family trips. Best hot dogs evvvvurr - grilled and on a toasted open top bun! Thanks for the video and the great memories!

[@DJIcenhower]

Life was so simple back then!

[@kerrytakashi12]

The location that was in Times Square in Manhattan was iconic. It had glass windows all around because it was a corner building. It gave wonderful views of the street life. I miss that one so much.

[@marthaperdew]

When my parents and I would go on vacation we would always eat at Howard Johnson's, I miss eating there ,good memories

[@billgorman5040]

Happy, simpler times….I miss them.

[@thewiseguy3529]

I can watch these over and over again, they're like adult lullabies 😃

[@jimcook2715]

I was a waiter at the one in King of Prussia Pennsylvania in 1980 and 81 I worked a day job and Hojos 3rd shift weekends to meet girls! I loved the fudge icecream rolls!

[@miriambucholtz9315]

I remember back in the 50s we would go there once a week (probably on the evening we did our food shopping) for a while. I always had the same thing, a hamburger, a coke, and a strawberry ice cream cone. The had a room with game machines and I always asked for a dime to play the driving game. I was only around 9 years old at the time and didn't do all that well, but it was fun.

[@WhitneyAbrina]

Sounds like you had good parent!

[@miriambucholtz9315]

@@WhitneyAbrina Both of them, actually.

[@smug8567]

Ah, the traveling endless summer miles, stopping at HOJO's, Dad hollering, "Don't go in there and try to take the place over"!, opening of the door, the cool air conditioning hitting you in the face along with a wisp of ciggarette smoke, sitting at the counter ordering nice bowl of orange sherbert. Good Times!

[@smug8567]

@James Doolittle Cool

[@classic287]

I used to love the orange sherbet too 😂👍

[@smug8567]

@@classic287 cool

[@davidarmitage289]

Great analogy!

[@WhitneyAbrina]

@James Doolittle so you could smoke in hotel rooms then?

[@rif167]

HoJo's fried clam strips dinner and fried clam rolls....miss them. My sister and I even worked at HoJo's; she put herself through college working as a waitress at the Seekonk, MA location in the late 70's, and I worked for a couple of years mid-70s as a cook/busboy/dishwasher during high school at the same location. Good times. I think the location closed around 1990 and became some other restaurant; it's now a "99 Restaurant" since about 2000.

[@RandallCarrierINC]

We would eat at the Van Nuys Ca. location. Loved the food and the coconut ice cream.

[@Fmr.PBAJoeJenkinsII]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!! It brings back SOOOOOOO MANY GREAT MEMORIES!!! THANK YOU!!! The Piano music makes it so much more memorable.

[@hiridavidfeign]

Another iconic brand from the past that I find fascinating. They really understood the visual design of their restaurants, color styling, signage, and advertising. The strange mix of art deco signage with a bright orange roof topped by a colonial clock tower was really something special. All these different style buildings shown are remarkable. I want to visit every one of them. Waiting on Doc Brown to return, alas. Thanks.

[@joavkof]

The Howard Johnson’s and REAL holiday inn. We would sty at either place on road trips

[@Twinklez63]

I miss them so much. 💜

[@Charles53412]

Many people do not know, but Jacques Pépin, world famous French chef. In 1961 went to work for Howard Johnson's. Howard Johnson hired him to work alongside fellow Frenchman Pierre Franey to develop food lines for his chain of Howard Johnson's restaurants, where Pépin served as the director of research and development for a decade. Pretty cool Fun Fact !!

[@wmcwings4343]

Went to them often as a kid. Loved the fried clams! So hard to get them anywhere nowadays.

[@goodeye03]

Born and raised in Quincy Ma.Home of HOJO's. Great food and ice ccream.

[@samanthab1923]

Just had the local news on at noon. Mentioned the March of 93 snow storm that hit NE PA. Showed a HoJo hotel/restaurant in Dumont PA that guys were happy to get stuck in! ❄️😀

[@cisium1184]

I _looooved_ going to Howard Johnson's as a kid.

[@ChristiRich]

You know that the world has become too complicated, when we reminisce about eras long since passed.

[@annpino5005]

What isn't mentioned here is that Howard Johnson's got a big boost in 1929 when Eugene O'Neill's play "Strange Interlude" was banned in Boston and he had to stage it in Quincy instead. The play is so long that a dinner break was included, and the only place that could host the audience was the nearby Howard Johnson's. The patrons were obviously happy with their meal because the rest is history.

[@jimkeskey]

There is A LOT not mentioned in this video.

[@classic287]

I remember, as a kid, it was a real treat to eat at Howard Johnson's in Massachusetts. I live in Florida now, and there still is a Howard Johnson's in Lakeland....

[@stvitalkid7981]

I fondly remember a family trip from Winnipeg down to south Texas in February of 73. First time staying at and eating at Howard Johnson’s, gassing up at Stuckey’s and Nickerson farms, driving on toll roads in Kansas..and being out of school for two weeks was great too.

[@roberthuppert4912]

I'm 52,and I remember Howard Johnson restaurants when we travelled as a kid.They had the best hot dogs and hot fudge sundaes!!😎

[@robedmund9948]

Wow! Ho-Jo's!! Great memories of the Friday night specials. Mom loved the fried clams. Everyone else got the fish-n-chips. We didn't eat out very often, but when we did, this was a first choice!

[@debbiemclaughlin3460]

My dear Dad always had the fried clams. What a great place. Sad they are all gone but one.

[@nonsense1558]

So sad that the last Howard Johnson restaurant closed in NY state over the Memorial Day weekend. Another great symbol of America’s past is gone!

[@Troublemaker1022-r9c]

Friday "All you can eat fish dinners" My parents took me there for that many times in the late 60's. As I remember, it was actually pretty good food.

[@paulseabrook8179]

The Fried Clams.... Yummy 😋

[@andyokus5735]

All you could eat clams on Friday night for 50 cents.

[@willyboy3581]

What memories! In addition to the 28 flavors, I can well-remember REAL hamburgers, actually cooked on a grill. And while on family vacations, my parents would stop at a H.J. Motor Lodge whenever possible: the rooms were clean and reasonably priced, and mother especially appreciated that we could get a good, hot breakfast before hitting the road the next morning. Thanks so much for posting this.

[@wessmith7408]

Oh MY! What memories. My grandparents would come to get almost every summer to say a few weeks with them. Traveling from Wilmington, NC to Baltimore, MD we always stopped to eat midway at a Howard Johnson's and again when we reached their home. (this was in the 50's & 60's before we had I95. It was old 301 or Number 1 to go north - you have no idea but this was a 7 to 8 hour trip) My grandmother was an excellent cook but my grandpa loved to eat out. He said it was his way of giving mama a night off. 5 out 10 times would be a Howard Johnson's. He loved the ice cream and so did I. You do a fine job with this. I had to go research more to see what actually did cause the Howard Johnson's to go belly up. I understand why that wasn't included.

[@dixieboy5689]

Such a treat to go there for a treat. Always a great visit when my grandmother took us there. We loved it so much. Thanks for the video.

[@flynnstone3580]

We always stopped there for all you can eat fried clams, fish, and Mojo potatoes. Almost every Friday night.

[@mrs.g.9816]

I remember that as young 20-something's, my youngest brother and I ate at a Howard Johnson's in Elmsford, NY. I always loved their fried clams. Just a few years later, sometime shortly before 1980, they were out of business, the building was knocked down, and the motel buildings behind them were turned into shabby, not-so-safe homeless shelters. Before the late1970's, wherever I lived or traveled, Howard Johnson's was my favorite cozy place to eat. I shared the sentiments of "Winston", a female wolf character from the "Fritz the Cat" movie: "You can always depend upon Howard Johnson's!"

[@jcaflinco]

Good afternoon, I'm Brazilian, I love the old videos.

[@bleeckerstblues]

Boa tarde!

[@jcaflinco]

@@bleeckerstblues Boa tarde!!

[@bleeckerstblues]

I am American but after two trips to Brazil, I fell in love with the country/people. I am now learning Portuguese.

[@bostongirlsandy]

I'm also Brazilian.

[@LillyKC23]

These were the absolute bomb! HJ along with Bill Knapp's were something special that we won't see again. I sure miss them.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

At least you remember Bill Knapp's, I used to had my birthdays there.

[@LillyKC23]

@@ChristopherSobieniak That's so great! For a treat, parents would take us to HJ for breakfast on vacation in FL. Knapps also had special birthday treats. It was amazing!

[@nancydemoss7904]

We used to go there when I was young for the Friday Fish Fry. I always got the fried clams. What a treat. And I remember HoJo restaurant's along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the 60's.

[@insanitypepper1740]

I love your videos. The memories, music, and pacing make my heart hurt with nostalgia.

[@johnerwin9024]

Fried clams done up just right; small pieces batter fried clam, tartar sauce👍👍

[@jdcamc]

I remember going to one of these restaurants as a kid when we went on vacation. I had the fried clams and they were delicious!! Sure do miss those times! Thanks for sharing!

[@susanbrazeal1275]

I grew up in the Atlanta area in the early sixties. My family had a Howard Johnsons nearby and we would go there for special occasions. I loved the fried class. I miss it too.

[@TheVineyarder]

I remember the 2 we had on the Cape(Cod) ..one at the Bourne Bridge and one in Falmouth in the old Plaza shopping center

[@diannelavoie5385]

I remember those as well, especially the Bourne location

[@TheVineyarder]

@@diannelavoie5385 Dianne remember the all you can eat fish days and the all you can eat chicken!?

[@glennschlegel7160]

As a kid my parents would visit Cape Cod Massachusetts. I always knew when we would enter the NE states. Seeing the orange A frame roofs. Great memories. Especially the gift shop 😊

[@eileencarroll6418]

HO-JO's was my first mint chocolate chip ice cream in 1970, and there's been none better since.

[@Music-yq2yz]

Did you have jimmies? That texture makes ice cream the best.

[@tarp11z]

Times have never been perfect, but there really was a golden era in America. Howard Johnson's was part of that.

[@DavidLS1]

As a kid, I worked the counter in our local Howard Johnson's. Nothing could beat their butter crunch ice cream.

[@stevekirsch6803]

Had dinner at the one in Wells, Maine, for my 10th Birthday in the early 70’s. The whole wait staff sang happy birthday to me, and the coconut cake was delicious.

[@tylerzorn6152]

Your videos have always been quite memorable and the best for me thank you so much for posting all of this Nostalgia that I miss so very much

[@williamperkins9125]

The original motor court and neighboring restaurant building in Savannah, GA still exist on Highway 17 leading into the city in the colonial style. The A-Frame motel downtown still exists as dormitory housing for the Savannah College of Art and Design.

[@marknesselhaus4376]

As a child of the 60's, we almost always stopped at HoJo's both to eat and sleep. Loved their ice cream and the fried clam strips :-)

[@barbfaherty8778]

Howard Johnson is buried in Milton Massachusetts, his headstone is very close to my mothers so I see it occasionally. In 1995 when my daughter was a toddler we stayed at the one on St Pete beach, obviously not 5 stars but was very nice.

[@MrEab2010]

their burgers were amazing.