Kenny Rogers Roasters
Kenny Rogers Roasters opened their very first restaurant in 1991, in Coral Springs, Florida. Yes, as you may have thought, it is indeed owned by the country music star, Kenny Rogers.
They had over 350 locations at its peak, and a big part of its initial popularity came from the Seinfeld episode where Kramer develops an obsession with chicken.
Bennigan’s
Founded in 1976, the Irish restaurant Bennigan’s was established in Atlanta, Georgia. The idea for the chain came from Norman Brinker, vice president of Steak and Ale.
Bennigan’s suffered due to a lack of brand loyalty, with numerous other restaurants featuring the same style and menu.
Bennigan’s
Slowly, locations in the US and abroad began to close. Currently, there are only around 23 locations left in the US.
It’s okay though, because after the owner left the company, those who left with him went on to come up with Chili’s, which is a popular restaurant up to this day.
Kenny Rogers Roasters
By 2011, all the chains closed in the United States and Canada, but KRR is still doing well in many parts of Asia.
There is still a total of 156 locations open worldwide, but the country music star is no longer involved.
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses
These sister steak joints became popular because of the hit TV show Bonanza. They were known as homestyle dining restaurants, and were initially based in Plano, Texas.
Their menus mainly consisted of food selections like seafood, chicken entrees and steaks with side buffets, for a reasonable price.