Howard Johnson Restaurants – Life in America

A look back at the history of Howard Johnson restaurants through the years.

Howard Deering Johnson’s enterprise began as a small pharmacy in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1925.

After installing a soda fountain, he quickly discovered it was the busiest part of his store. He then began to develop ice cream flavors and this too was an immediate success.

Within a few years, Johnson arrived at his signature 28 flavors, and sold them at ice cream stands along the Massachusetts coast. This would lay the groundwork for his first restaurant in 1929.

Johnson found the value of franchising, when he convinced a relative to use his land to open a restaurant, which was built to Johnson’s exact design specifications in 1935. This one too was a success and led to 130 franchised restaurants throughout New England.

The iconic “A” frame design that is so familiar, was introduced in 1948. Florida architect Rufus Nims’ design was for a new Miami location that became the trademark look of the brand.

The rise of fast food chains resulted in a steady decline during the 70s. The chain was sold and merged with other companies.

By the early 1990s, there were only a hundred restaurants remaining.

As of today, there is only one location still open. You can still visit it in Lake George, New York.

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