Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1963 by Bob Farrell and Ken McCarthy, this chain of ice cream parlors and sandwiches was know for it early 1900's theme (including employee uniforms) and the famous player piano at each location. Purchased by Marriott Corporation in 1975, Farrell's grew
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in Richfield, Minnessota in 1976, Chi-Chi's was founded by Marno McDermott and former Green Bay Packer, Max McGee. Marno's wife carried the nickname Chi Chi which is why the Mexican restaurant was so-named. It was known as the first Mexican-inspired restaurant chain. In 1987, Hormel
Restaurant
Founded in Indianapolis in 1954, Burger Chef was created by Frank and Donald Thomas as a result of their patented flame broiler (patented under the parent company, General Equipment Corporation). Burger Chef grew at an astounding pace with a core focus of small, suburban towns across the United States. In
Corner of Main & Main
It's been a hot topic at every conference, every industry meeting and get-together and within most retail and commercial real estate ("CRE") organizations. Hell...its' been a hot topic EVERYWHERE! Most say AI will "revolutionize" CRE. Transform the way we transact, process information,
Restaurant
Founded in late 1991 with celebrity backers like Sly Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Plaanet Hollywood is a themed restaurant that built on Hollywood and celebrities. Aggressive expansion took place throughout the 90’s, including adding a sports themed restaurant, Official All Star Cafe. Running fast and
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in 1991 by the musician, Kenny Rogers and former KFC CEO John Y. Brown Jr., this wood-fired rotisserie chicken chain's first location was in Coral Springs, FL. The chain grew to 350+ restaurants internationally and then faced a lawsuit in 1992 from Clucker's over claims
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded by Howard Johnson's (aka Ho-Jo's) in 1969 in Massachusetts, Ground Round is (not was as you shall see) a casual dining chain that was created as a "support" concept to offset the poorly performing Ho-Jo's chain. The intent was to convert
Corner of Main & Main
The headlines have been rampant lately.... So many store closings, the sky is falling, retail could be in trouble, 2025 is going to be even worse, and of course the retail apocalypse is back! Lets look at the non-headline perspective * Retail vacancies are low: 4.1% with retail demand surging
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in 1985 in Lubbock, Texas Don Pablo's was a chain of Tex-Mex restaurants. In 1995, with 51 restaurants open, DF&R Restaurants Inc. (company that owned the chain) sold Don Pablo's to Georgia-based Apple South who, at the time, was one of the largest
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in 1966 in Dallas, Texas by the one and only Norman Brinker, a legend in the restaurant industry. "The chain, with its dimly lit Tudor-style decorated dining rooms, billed itself as offering an upscale steak experience at lower prices. It was seen as a model for the casual-dining
Corner of Main & Main
Well...my Tuesday edition is on a Wednesday during this bi-weekly interval, but there is good reason. I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 National Retail Federation Big Show and wanted to use this edition to discuss my observations. 1. This Year's Show was 90% Technology and
Retailer
Founded by Steve Mandell in 1986 in New Jersey, Party City was the largest seller of party goods (and balloons) in the United States. His first year in business was very successful with plans made to grow, to franchise as well as the decision to focus on Halloween with 25%