Classic American restaurant chains are disappearing into oblivion
Not all of your childhood favorite chains are still going strong.
Chains from Roy Rogers to Quiznos are shrinking, reports Nation's Restaurant News. As fast-casuals with fresh ideas and business models blossom, not all of the old guard can keep up.
Here are four classic American chains that are fading away.
1. Roy Rogers
When Roy Rogers was sold to Hardee's in 1990, it was 650 locations strong. Then, the new parent company converted many to Hardee's locations, and sold others to rival restaurant chains. Today, there are about 50 locations in the US — though the company says it is trying to grow again.
Premium Fish sandwich is O-Fish-ally here! Awesome & super service at TJ Drive #FrederickMD@RoysRestaurants! :-) pic.twitter.com/ul9hl969JJ
— Chris Cason (@ChrisRCason) March 5, 2016
2. Old Country Buffet
Earlier this month, the parent company of Old Country Buffet, HomeTown Buffet, and Ryan's closed 92 locations in a single weekend. Simultaneously, the company filed its third bankruptcy in eight years. Just ten years ago, the company had 675 locations. Today, it is down to 92 units.
3. Bennigans
In 2008, the casual-dining chain declared bankruptcy, shutting down all 150 of its domestic locations. The self-described "neighborhood restaurant and tavern" just celebrated its 40th anniversary in February. The company today has 150 restaurants open or under contract, with international expansion in Mexico, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates.
A post shared by Bennigan's (@bennigans) on Jan 6, 2016 at 9:49am PST
4. Quiznos
The downfall of this sandwich chain is one of the biggest cautionary tales in the industry. In the early 2000s, it seemed like Quiznos was everywhere. However, in the last decade the chain has gone from nearly 5,000 US locations to less than 1,000.
A post shared by Quiznos (@quiznos) on Dec 21, 2015 at 8:46am PST
RELATED: View fast food from around the world
More from Business Insider: