They have been the locations you stopped after soccer video games, on highway journeys, or at any time when the youngsters have a longing for one thing straightforward and acquainted.
Now, a number of once-popular restaurant chains that appeared gone perpetually are making a comeback in 2025.
Some disappeared because of chapter, altering tastes, or pandemic-related shutdowns.
However because of a mixture of nostalgia, consolation meals cravings, and good rebrands, these names are getting a second likelihood.
Learn Extra: Limitless Shrimp Almost Broke Purple Lobster — Right here’s What They’re Serving As an alternative
Right here’s who’s again on the menu and probably popping up in a strip mall close to you.
Bennigan’s: The Monte Cristo Returns
After submitting for chapter within the 2000s, Bennigan’s has been slowly rebuilding — and in 2025, it is eyeing a full-on return. The nostalgic pull of that towering Monte Cristo sandwich and basic pub vibe is robust, however this isn’t only a reboot of the outdated Bennigan’s.
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New possession is modernizing the menu, bringing again signature décor, and leaning into “experiential eating” — creating informal, communal meals that really feel acquainted and enjoyable. A handful of places have already reopened in city and suburban areas, and the laid-back vibe is rather like followers keep in mind.
Souplantation & Candy Tomatoes: The Salad Bar Is Again
The pandemic dealt a tough blow to Souplantation and Candy Tomatoes — each owned by Backyard Recent Eating places — forcing all 97 places to shut in 2020 after the self-serve mannequin grew to become briefly unworkable.
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Now, the salad-and-soup buffet favourite is making a wiser, safer return. A renewed concentrate on health-conscious, allergy-friendly, and customizable meals helps the model discover its footing once more. With reimagined self-serve setups and a family-friendly vibe, the chain is attracting contemporary curiosity in 2025.
Blimpie Subs & Salads: A Quiet Comeback for a Basic Sub Chain
At its peak, Blimpie operated greater than 1,800 shops, however a bloated franchise system and tight margins shrank that quantity to round 200.
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Now owned by Kahala Manufacturers, the sandwich chain is mounting a comfortable return by emphasizing Specific places, catering companies, and easier franchise fashions. The core menu stays acquainted, and new retailer openings are being rolled out fastidiously — focusing extra on endurance than speedy development.
Steak ‘n Shake: From Full Service to Quick Counter
Steak ‘n Shake confronted monetary hassle in 2021 however prevented chapter by overhauling its enterprise mannequin. The model closed dozens of underperforming shops and restructured its franchise system.
Jeffrey Greenberg, Getty Photographs
In 2025, it’s seeing new momentum by embracing counter service and kiosks, ditching conventional desk service. The up to date mannequin is now being launched in high-traffic areas like airports, with an emphasis on quick, constant service and streamlined operations.
Cici’s Pizza: Nonetheless Limitless, 40 Years Later
Cici’s Pizza was as soon as the buffet king of the pizza world, with greater than 500 places and a cult following. However by 2021, pandemic shutdowns and monetary stress compelled the corporate out of business, shrinking it to round 300 shops.
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Now, in 2025, Cici’s is celebrating its fortieth anniversary with a gentle comeback. The model has stabilized at 270 places and is actively increasing once more, drawing in households with daring new menu gadgets like Oreo Brownie Pizza, Hen and Waffle Pizza, and Nashville Sizzling Hen Pizza — all whereas sticking to its no-frozen-dough coverage.
What’s Previous Is New Once more
Whether or not it’s a Monte Cristo sandwich, a soup-and-salad combo, or a no-frills pizza buffet, these chains are tapping into one thing easy: folks miss what feels good.
And in 2025, meaning consolation meals, nostalgic menus, and possibly — simply possibly — slightly comeback magic.
25 Nation Stars With Their Personal Bars + Eating places
Of the entire facet hustles nation artists may partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is probably the most becoming — and quite common. In spite of everything, many of those stars received their begin on a barstool, tip jar close by, enjoying their music for anybody who would hear.
These locations really feel like residence for a lot of of those singers. Over time, a number of artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant sport, and for a choose few, manufacturers have changed into franchises with a number of places and/or ideas — we’re you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s check out the nation star meals and leisure venues which have opened over time.
Gallery Credit score: Jess
