Do You Remember These 15 Defunct Restaurant Chains?

13. Chi-Chi’s

Chi-Chi’s was launched in the 1970s by Marno McDermitt and NFL star Max McGee. The chain quickly grew, introducing a rudimentary menu of Mexican-style food to many American towns. However, as the popularity and variety of Mexican restaurants grew, Chi-Chi’s began to die out. The death knell for the franchise came in 2003 when a Hepatitis outbreak in the food supply led to three customer deaths.

14. Lum’s

Brothers Clifford and Stuart Pearlman launched Lum’s in Florida in 1971. The chain’s “beer-steamed” hot dogs and distinctive glass-doored storefronts made it popular enough to support 400 locations at one point. The Pearlmans eventually sold the chain to KFC for $4 million. The brand was eventually phased out, with the final Lum’s closing in 2009.

15. Steak and Ale

Steak and Ale was ahead of its time. Much like Chi-Chi’s, it introduced a whole concept — cheap steak and a salad bar — to the American marketplace. The concept was an immense success, however, the chain fell victim to its own success. Others took the model and improved upon it, leaving Steak and Ale in the dust. The chain’s final locations closed in the early 2010s. This is a classic example of defunct restaurant chains…

Credits: definition.org

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