A Lens into Retail & Commercial Real Estate Past (Present & Future)
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in 1989 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon quickly became a prominent player in the casual dining steakhouse market. Under the leadership of Jamie B. Coulter, the chain experienced rapid expansion in the early 1990s. Key milestones: * 1992: Went public with 8 restaurants * Mid-90s: Reached peak
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
Nostalgic Retail Series
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
Restaurant
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
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
Nostalgic Retail Series
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%
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded by Sandy and Michael Bloomberg in 1972 in Boston, Tweeter was a consumer electronics retailer. At its peak, the retailer had over 100 stores that spanned 18 states and operated under multiple (acquired) brands in addition to Tweeter: HiFi Buys, Showcase Home Entertainment and Sound Advice. Tweeter grew mostly
Retailer
Originally names William File & Sons Company, the retailer was founded in 1881 by its namesake. Filene's Basement, its off price sister, was founded shortly after in 1908 as a means to dispose of the inventory that was not moving in the department store (upstairs). Together with Abraham