Restaurant Chains From The '80s You Don't Remember
NEWS
BY JENNIFER GEER
Beefsteak Charlie's
While the original restaurant closed in 1934, New York City restaurant owner Larry Ellman renamed his restaurant chain "Beefsteak Charlie's" in 1975.
The chain peaked at over 60 locations in the 1980s, but its business model of all-you-can-eat steak, seafood, and alcohol wasn't profitable. All locations closed by 2009.
Pup 'n' Taco
This small chain of fast-food restaurants in Southern California was founded in 1965 and sold not only tacos but also burgers, pastrami sandwiches, and hot dogs.
Pup 'n' Taco suffered the fate of being competition for Taco Bell, and in the mid-80s, Taco Bell bought nearly every location. The last Pup ‘n’ Taco closed in 2013.
Chi-Chi's
Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant was brightly decorated and sold tacos, enchiladas, taquitos, and specialty drinks. It was founded in 1975, but all locations closed by 2004.
The stores closed due to a nasty hepatitis outbreak. However, Michael McDermott, son of original founder Marmo McDermott, plans to reopen Chi-Chi's restaurants in 2025.
Tippin's
Tippin's Restaurant Inc. was founded in 1979 with locations around the Midwest and sold American diner food, steaks, and desserts, including lots of pies.
Tippin's Restaurants began to fade; by 2004, every restaurant had closed. The company, however, knew they had a good thing with their pies and kept the bakeries running.
VIP's
The first VIP's opened in 1968 in Oregon, and future restaurants were opened along highway exits. The chain served breakfast food all day, along with other American foods.
Denny's bought 35 VIP's locations in the early 80s, and by the end of the decade, VIP's sold off their remaining restaurants to various companies.
