Restaurants Archives : The Retro Network

When KFC Tried to Build a Roast Beef Empire

For a brief moment in the 1960s, the Colonel tried to expand his kingdom with Kentucky Roast Beef, a forgotten venture that proved not every roadside dream could match his famous chicken.

Duff’s Smorgasbord and the Golden Age of Buffets

Mickey Yarber

Duff’s Smorgasbord turned a simple rotating buffet into a beloved dining ritual, serving comfort food, value, and a little bit of spectacle to families across America.

Howard Johnson’s: The Story of Orange Roofs and Open Roads

Mickey Yarber

Before fast food ruled the highways, Howard Johnson’s was the heart of the American road trip. Its orange roofs, fried clams, and friendly motor lodges became landmarks for families chasing summer miles.

Burger Chef: The Forgotten Giant of Fast Food Innovation

Mickey Yarber

Before McDonald’s became the face of fast food, Burger Chef helped shape the industry with flame‑broiled burgers, bold innovations, and the very first kids’ meal, leaving behind a legacy far bigger than its vanished storefronts.

Remembering Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips

Mickey Yarber

Arthur Treacher’s once brought a taste of British fish‑and‑chips flair to American fast food, and though most locations are long gone, its golden fried memories and unmistakable charm still linger in the hearts of those who grew up with it.

Lum’s Restaurants: A Nostalgic Bite of Americana

Mickey Yarber

In the golden age of roadside diners and family-friendly chains, few names bring back as many memories as Lum’s. Known for its quirky menu, Lum’s carved out a unique place in American culinary history, one

Sambo’s Restaurant And A Controversial Chapter in American Dining History

Mickey Yarber

In the landscape of mid-century American diners, Sambo’s Restaurant once stood as a prominent chain known for its hearty breakfasts and family-friendly atmosphere. But behind the pancakes and coffee was a name and branding that

Remembering Kenny Roger’s Roasters

Mickey Yarber

In the early 1990s, when celebrity-backed restaurant chains were all the rage, one country music legend decided to bring his Southern charm to the dinner table. Kenny Rogers Roasters wasn’t just a clever branding move,

The Rise and Fall of ShowBiz Pizza Place

Mickey Yarber

In the neon-lit world of 1980s family entertainment, few places captured the imagination of children quite like ShowBiz Pizza Place. With its animatronic band, arcade games, and cheesy slices of pizza, ShowBiz wasn’t just a

Discontinued Taco Bell Menu Items You’ve Probably Forgotten About

Mickey Yarber

The Taco Bell food you enjoy today is probably not the same stuff you enjoyed in your younger years. That’s not a huge surprise as menus change through the years. Fast food restaurants are constantly

How Jurassic Park Helped Create McDonald’s Supersize

Mickey Yarber

The term “supersize me” has existed for so long that people seem to have forgotten how it started. Sadly that means it was around for three decades. The supersize option at McDonald’s was not originally

Food & Drink

Fascinating Facts About Waffle House

Mickey Yarber

Waffle House signs have been a beacon of hope for hungry, late-night drivers for more than 60 years. Twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year, Waffle House has been there for

A Brief History of Chuck E. Cheese

The Retro Network

In the realm of retro pop culture, few things evoke as much nostalgia as the mention of Chuck E Cheese pizza. For decades, this iconic family entertainment center has been a haven for kids and

Ice Cream in the Summertime: The Story of Carvel Soft-Serve

Jeff Sheldon

Believe it or not, Memorial Day has already come and gone. So, what better way to celebrate The Retro Network’s Summer Camp 2022 than with a story about ice cream? After all, who doesn’t love

Food & Drink

Country Music Stars Who Failed in the Food Business

Mickey Yarber

Having what it takes to become a star in the world of country music doesn’t necessarily mean you have what it takes to succeed in the food and restaurant world. Here are the tales of

Do You Remember Sizzler Restaurant?

Mickey Yarber

There are plenty of steak and shrimp lovers out there, but it’s not an indulgence they can always afford at most restaurants. For those on a budget, Sizzler steakhouses have long offered a cost-effective alternative,