List of casual dining restaurant chains

Last updated

This is a list of casual dining restaurant chains around the world, arranged in alphabetical order. A casual dining restaurant is a restaurant that serves moderately priced food in a casual atmosphere. Except for buffet-style restaurants and, more recently, fast casual restaurants, casual dining restaurants usually provide table service.

Contents

Casual

NameTypeLocation(s)Number of locationsNotes
Adyar Ananda Bhavan Indian foods and beverages United States, Mexico200+
America's Incredible Pizza Company Pizza United States, Mexico8
Anchor Bar American United States, Canada15
Angus Steakhouse Steakhouse United Kingdom6
Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant Chettinad South Indian cuisine Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, USA30+Privately owned Indian restaurant chain
Annalakshmi Indian vegetarianAustralia, India, Malaysia, Singapore4
Applebee's Bar & grillUnited States, worldwide1,936
Arab Udupi IndianUnited Arab Emirates15In Abu Dhabi and other locations; Udupi cuisine
ASK Italian Italian cuisineUnited Kingdom112
Bahama Breeze CaribbeanUnited States40Part of the Specialty Restaurant Group of Darden Restaurants [1]
Bakers Square Family United States (6 Mid-west states)32Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
Bar Louie Restaurants BarUnited States73
Baton Rouge Steakhouse Canada29
Becks Prime Gourmet burgersUnited States14Texas-based
Beef O'Brady's Irish sports pubsUnited States151
Beefeater PubUnited Kingdom140
Belgo BarUnited Kingdom7
Bella Italia Italian cuisineUnited Kingdom90
Benihana Japanese cuisine, steakhouse United States, worldwide116
Bennigan's Irish pub12 in United States + 17 International29
Bertucci's Italian United States (predominantly Northeastern)58Earl Enterprises
Bickford's CafeteriaUnited States3Also operated the Foster's brand
Big Boy Family and some casualUnited States (primarily Michigan), Thailand77In 2020–21 added three franchisees, including one covering Southeast Asia and Australia.
Bill's Casual dining United Kingdom131
BJ's Restaurants AmericanUnited States (27 states)205Pizza, grill, microbrewery
Black Angus Steakhouse Steakhouse United States (Western)45Also known as Stuart Anderson's
Black-eyed Pea Country casualUnited States (Colorado & Texas)13Includes full alcohol service and bar
Bob Evans Restaurants AmericanUnited States (18 Mid-west and Mid-Atlantic states)527Specializing in country-style cooking
Bob's Big Boy Family, casual, and drive-inSouthern California5The original Big Boy chain founded by Bob Wian in 1936. Marriott and JB's Restaurants once used the Bob's name in other areas of the US including toll roads. Many Howard Johnson's restaurants were converted to Bob's.
Bonefish Grill Seafood United States215
Boomarang Diner FamilyUnited States55
Boston Pizza Bar & grillUnited States, Canada, Mexico388Known outside Canada as Boston's The Gourmet Pizza
Bread Ahead BakeryUnited Kingdom7British bakery and casual diner
Brewers Fayre PubUnited Kingdom161A sister chain to Beefeater
Brio Tuscan Grille Casual diningUnited States118Part of Bravo Brio Restaurant Group
Brotzeit Casual diningSingapore, worldwide11Exotic Bavarian cuisine served at restaurants located in the Far East
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company SeafoodWorldwide45
Buca di Beppo ItalianUnited States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates88
Buffalo Grill SteakhouseFrance, worldwide360
Buffalo Wild Wings AmericanUnited States, North America, Asia1,279American casual dining restaurant and sports bar
Buffalo Wings & Rings AmericanUnited States, worldwide81This restaurant is similar to Buffalo Wild Wings and Buffalo's Cafe.
Buffalo's Cafe AmericanUnited States, Asia, Middle East51Buffalo-Texan style
Burger Fuel BurgersNew Zealand, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq, United States87
Byron Hamburgers BurgersUnited Kingdom69
Cabalen FilipinoPhilippines, United States18Buffet restaurant chain specializing in exotic delicacies such as betuteng tugak (stuffed frog), kamaru (crickets), adobong pugo (quail) and balut (developing bird embryo)
Cactus Club Cafe Premium casualCanada27
Café Rouge French United Kingdom120+
California Pizza Kitchen PizzaUnited States, Mexico, Asia-Pacific region, Western Asia200+
Camille's Sidewalk Cafe Casual diningUnited States146
Cantina Mariachi MexicanSpain, Portugal, United States, United Arab Emirates119
The Capital Grille SteakhouseUnited States57
Carino's Italian ItalianUnited States84
Carlos'n Charlie's MexicanMexico, Caribbean10Grupo Anderson's
Carluccio's Ltd ItalianUnited Kingdom, worldwide400
Carrabba's Italian Grill Italian-American cuisineUnited States247
Carrows FamilyUnited States9Owned by Catalina Restaurant Group, Inc.
Champps Americana Bar & grillUnited States11Traded on NASDAQ under CMPP
Charlie Brown's Fresh Grill SteakhouseUnited States (New Jersey)2Once the largest steakhouse chain in New Jersey, only two locations remain
Cheba Hut SandwichesUnited States, worldwide20Themed around cannabis culture
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen Casual diningUnited States171Acquired by Darden Restaurants in 2017
The Cheesecake Factory AmericanUnited States210Mostly known for its cheesecake
Chevys Fresh Mex Mexican United States38Was owned by PFS (Pepsi)
Chickie's & Pete's Bar & grillUnited States (Delaware Valley)19
Chili's American, Tex-Mex United States, worldwide1,606Brinker Int'l.
Chiquito MexicanUnited Kingdom68
Chuck-A-Rama BuffetUnited States12
Chuck E. Cheese PizzaUnited States, worldwide600+
Chuy's Tex-MexUnited States102
Cicis PizzaUnited States423
Claim Jumper SteakhouseUnited States (Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin)37
Coco's Bakery FamilyUnited States (western)49Owned by Catalina Restaurant Group, Inc.
Congo Grille Filipino grillPhilippines10
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants Restaurant and wineryUnited States30Winery and tasting room
Copeland's New Orleans cuisineUnited States20
Cora Breakfast and lunchCanada130
Côte Casual diningUnited Kingdom94
Cotton Patch Café Country casualUnited States (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico)52
The Counter Casual burgersUnited States, worldwide45
Crabby Joe's Tap & Grill Casual diningCanada35
Cracker Barrel Country casualUnited States645A restaurant with gift shop
Dametra Cafe MediterraneanUnited States3
Dave & Buster's Family, entertainment, arcadeUnited States, Canada122
Dave's Hot Chicken chicken tenders and slidersUnited States, Middle East107
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House SteakhouseUnited States16 [2]
Dencio's Bar & grillPhilippines30Owned by Pancake House Incorporation
Denny's FamilyUnited States, and 14 other countries1,700
Dick's Last Resort BarUnited States13
Dickey's Barbecue Pit BarbecueUnited States560+
Din Tai Fung ChineseTaiwan, Asia, North America, Australia60
Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant Chettinad South Indian cuisine India, United Arab Emirates, France51
Dishoom Indian caféUnited Kingdom7Founded in 2010
Dixie Chili and Deli ChiliUnited States3
Dunn's SteakhouseCanada6
Earls Kitchen & barUnited States, Canada65
East Side Mario's ItalianUnited States, Canada85+ Prime Restaurants
Eat'n Park FamilyUnited States (Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia)64A Big Boy franchise until 1974
Eddie Rocket's FamilyIreland42This restaurant is similar to Johnny Rocket's.
Eddie V's Prime Seafood SeafoodUnited States21
Ed's Easy Diner Casual diningUnited Kingdom241950s-style diner
El Fenix Tex-MexUnited States (Texas and Oklahoma)22
El Torito MexicanUnited States (California and Oregon)69
Elephant Bar Scratch kitchen barsUnited States7
Famous Dave's BarbecueUnited States180
Feng Sushi SushiUnited Kingdom8
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar SteakhouseUnited States69
Flunch FamilyFrance, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Poland and Russia180, approximately
Fogo de Chão Churrascaria United States, worldwide52Brazilian-style steakhouse based in the United States
Fox's Pizza Den PizzaUnited States250
Franco Manca PizzaUnited Kingdom40
Frankie & Benny's Italian-AmericanUnited Kingdom250+
Fresh to Order Casual diningUnited States15
Friendly's DinerUnited States (Eastern)200
Frisch's Big Boy FamilyUnited States (Indiana, Kentucky, most of Ohio and Tennessee)120No longer affiliated with Big Boy Restaurants International, Frisch's owns the Big Boy trademark in its exclusive territory. Purchased by NRD Holdings in 2015.
Garduño's Mexican cuisineUnited States6
Gator's Dockside American, sports bar & grillUnited States (Florida)29
Gerry's Grill Filipino grillPhilippines75
Giraffe World Kitchen CaféUnited Kingdom44
Golden Corral Buffet and grillUnited States489
Golden Nugget Pancake House FamilyUnited States7
Gourmet Burger Kitchen Gourmet burgersUnited Kingdom, worldwide80
Graffiti Junktion Casual diningUnited States13
Grandy's Country styleUnited States38
Ground Round FamilyUnited States22Franchisee cooperative (formerly owned by Howard Johnson's) [3]
Guzman y Gomez Casual diningAustralia, Singapore, Japan107
Haidilao Hot pot China, United States, worldwide300
Happy Joe's PizzaUnited States52
Happy's Pizza PizzaUnited States65+
Hard Rock Cafe Restaurant with concertUnited States, worldwide185Rock and roll theme
Harry Ramsden's SeafoodUnited Kingdom, Ireland35
Harvester FamilyUnited Kingdom230+
Hash House a go go FamilyUnited States11
Hippopotamus FamilyFrance170
Hog's Australia's Steakhouse SteakhouseAustralia, worldwide75
Hooters Bar, cookout grillUnited States, worldwide430Its mascot is an owl.
HopCat BarUnited States17
Hoss's Steak and Sea House Steakhouse, seafoodUnited States (Pennsylvania and West Virginia)36 American ambiance
Houlihan's Bar & grillUnited States84
Houston's Restaurant AmericanUnited States51
Huddle House FamilyUnited States (21 states, but mainly in the south)349
HuHot Mongolian Grill AsianUnited States70+Create your own stir-fry chain
Hurricane Grill & Wings Chicken wingsUnited States71
Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries DinerUnited States, Canada, United Arab Emirates135
IHOP Pancake house United States, worldwide1,650
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks BurgersUnited States (western)50+
J. Alexander's Casual diningUnited States46The company owns Stoney River.
Jack Astor's Bar and Grill Casual diningCanada41
Jensen's Bøfhus Steakhouse, familyDenmark, Sweden, Germany33
Jim's Restaurants FamilyUnited States (Texas)18Owned by Frontier Enterprises, which also owns Magic Time Machine restaurants
Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Casual diningUnited States23
Jimmy's Restaurants BuffetUnited Kingdom11
Jinya Ramen Bar Ramen noodlesUnited States, Canada35
Joe's Crab Shack SeafoodUnited States (28 states)57Owned by Ignite Restaurant Group
Joey's Seafood Restaurants SeafoodCanada, North America100
Johnny Rockets FamilyWorldwide3201950s-style diner
John's Incredible Pizza Company PizzaUnited States13
The Keg SteakhouseUnited States, Canada160
Kelseys Original Roadhouse Bar & grillCanada88Owned by Cara Operations
Ker's WingHouse Bar & Grill Bar & grillUnited States28
Kings Family Restaurants FamilyUnited States (Pennsylvania and Ohio)34
Kona Grill Casual diningUnited States46
La Porchetta ItalianAustralia, New Zealand200
La Tasca Bar & tapasUnited Kingdom6
Landry's Seafood SeafoodUnited States20 Landry's, Inc. owns 30+ casual dining restaurant chains
Larkburger Casual diningUnited States13
Las Iguanas Casual chickenUnited Kingdom53
Laughing Planet Casual diningUnited States13Internet café-like restaurant
Lawry's SteakhouseUnited States, worldwide98Also a brand by McCormick & Company
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar Bar & grillUnited States (California)30 [4]
Lee Roy Selmon's Casual diningUnited States3Its original location is now closed after 17 years.
Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken ChickenUnited States, worldwide142
Legal Sea Foods Seafood East Coast of the United States 35 [5]
Little Anita's Mexican cuisineUnited States13
Little Sheep Group ChineseChina, worldwide300Owned by Yum China
Loch Fyne Restaurants SeafoodUnited Kingdom25
Logan's Roadhouse SteakhouseUnited States230Acquired by CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries in 2018
LongHorn Steakhouse SteakhouseUnited States, Asia491
Luby's Homestyle foodsUnited States129Currently owns Fuddruckers and the defunct chains Koo Koo Roo and Cheeseburger in Paradise
Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que BarbecueUnited States24
Maggiano's Little Italy ItalianUnited States52
Maid-Rite Casual diningUnited States70Classic themed
Mandarin Restaurant Canadian ChineseCanada28
Mao Asian cuisineIreland9Still available as of 2010
Marie Callender's FamilyUnited States (western, southwestern)58Home cooking ambiance
Marrybrown ChickenAsia, worldwide350
Mary Brown's ChickenCanada140
Max & Erma's Casual diningUnited States51
McCormick & Schmick's SeafoodUnited States60
MCL Restaurant & Bakery FamilyUnited States (midwest)13Originally a cafeteria chain
Medieval Times Medieval theme restaurantUnited States and Canada9Live jousting and sword fights
Mellow Mushroom PizzaUnited States200
The Melting Pot Casual diningUnited States, worldwide167
Mikes ItalianCanada70
Milano PizzaIreland14A subsidiary of PizzaExpress
Milestones Grill and Bar Bar & grillCanada45+Owned by Cara Operations
Miller's Ale House Bar & grillUnited States78Owned by Roark Capital Group
Mimi's Cafe French café, New Orleans, and AmericanUnited States145Owned by Bob Evans Farms, Inc.
Monical's Pizza PizzaUnited States60Central United States
Montana Mike's SteakhouseUnited States80
Montana's BBQ & Bar SteakhouseCanada94Owned by Recipe Unlimited
Moo Moo Restaurant BuffetRussia12
Morton's The Steakhouse SteakhouseUnited States78
Moxie's Grill & Bar Casual diningCanada, United States67
Mr. Gatti's Pizza PizzaUnited States41Operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization since January 2019
Mr. Mike's SteakhouseCanada49
Nickels Grill & Bar Casual diningCanada52
The Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub AmericanUnited States97
Ocean Prime Seafood and steakhouseUnited States9
O'Charley's AmericanUnited States230+
Ojos Locos Sports barUnited States8
OK Diner Roadside restaurantsUnited Kingdom81950s-style diner
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom PizzaUnited States60
Old Country Buffet BuffetUnited States19Also known as HomeTown Buffet in some markets
The Old Spaghetti Factory ItalianUnited States, Canada, Japan45
Olga's Kitchen FamilyUnited States27
Olive Garden ItalianUnited States, worldwide892
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina MexicanWorldwide150+
The Original Pancake House BreakfastUnited States150
Outback Steakhouse Steakhouse, Australian Worldwide (predominantly United States)1,002
P. F. Chang's China Bistro AsianUnited States305
Pamela's Diner FamilyUnited States5
Pancake Parlour FamilyAustralia11
Pancho's Mexican Buffet Tex-MexUnited States14
Panda Inn American Chinese cuisine Metropolitan Los Angeles 4Older sibling of Panda Express, but has table service. Had more locations before Panda Express opened.
Pappadeaux SeafoodUnited States80Part of Pappas Restaurants
Peppes Pizza PizzaNorway76
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery Family United States, Canada371
Peter Piper Pizza PizzaUnited States149Now owned by Chuck E. Cheese's
Phở Hòa Vietnamese Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, United States72
Pizza Boli's PizzaUnited States80
Pizza Celentano PizzaUkraine150
Pizza Hut Italian-American cuisine United States, worldwide18,431Part of Yum! Brands
Pizza Inn Italian-American cuisineUnited States158
PizzaExpress PizzaUnited Kingdom, worldwide470Also owns Milano and Marzano
Planet Hollywood Bar & grillWorldwide6Backed by Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Po' Folks Country-style comfort foodUnited States8At one time, had over 100 locations in 17 states before decline
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses Steakhouse United States88
Prezzo ItalianUnited Kingdom180
Primanti Bros. American foodUnited States40
Pyongyang Casual diningNorth Korea, worldwide130
Quaker Steak & Lube Steakhouse United States (eastern)50Vehicle garage theme
Quanjude Peking duckChina, worldwide52
Rainforest Cafe Themed restaurantUnited States, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, the U.A.E., and Japan24Each restaurant has a rainforest theme.
Red Hot & Blue BarbecueUnited States17
Red Lobster SeafoodUnited States, worldwide705
Red Robin American foodUnited States538
Redneck Heaven Sports barUnited States3
Redstone American Grill AmericanUnited States9
Ricky's All Day Grill FamilyCanada67
Roadhouse Grill SteakhouseItaly, Bulgaria, Brazil53Formerly in the US
Romano's Macaroni Grill Italian Worldwide98Owned by Ignite Restaurant Group
Rosa's Cafe Tex-mexUnited States42
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles Soul foodUnited States (Southern California)7
Round Table Pizza PizzaUnited States (western, Hawaii, Alaska)500+Founded in 1959
Roy's SeafoodUnited States27
Rua do Cunha Casual diningMacau, worldwide21
Ruby Tuesday American food and drinkUnited States, worldwide540Acquired by NRD Capital in 2017
Ruby's Diner FamilyUnited States58Pier-like restaurants
Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern American food and drinkUnited States23Founded in 2002 in Columbus, Ohio
Ruth's Chris Steak House SteakhouseUnited States100+Owned by Ruth's Hospitality Group
Saizeriya ItalianAsia (predominantly Japan)1,000+
Salisbury House FamilyCanada16
Saltgrass Steak House SteakhouseUnited States50
Sam Woo Restaurant Hong Kong-style ChineseUnited States, Canada12
Saravana Bhavan Vegetarian South Indian cuisine Worldwide82Hotel Saravana Bhavan is one of the largest vegetarian restaurant chains in the world.
Schnitz Casual diningAustralia73
Scores RotisserieCanada45+
Seasons 52 Grill and barUnited States42
Señor Frog's Mexican barUnited States, Mexico, Caribbean, South America21Grupo Anderson's
Shari's Cafe & Pies FamilyUnited States95Now owns Carrows and Coco's Bakery
Shoeless Joe's Sports grillCanada30
Shoney's FamilyUnited States (southeast, lower midwest)150, approximatelyOnce affiliated with Big Boy Restaurants; dropped in 1980s so company could expand beyond territorial restrictions
Sirloin Stockade SteakhouseUnited States, Mexico80
Sizzler Steakhouse United States270Company owns the Sizzler trademark inside the United States
Sizzler International Steakhouse Australia, Asia86Company owns the Sizzler trademark outside the United States
Skyline Chili ChiliUnited States152Chili-based restaurant
Smitty's FamilyCanada85
Smoke's Poutinerie PoutineCanada, worldwide81
Smokey Bones BarbecueUnited States (eastern, central)66
Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse Barbecue Dallas–Fort Worth 7A favorite of celebrities including Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse, Dean Fearing, George W. Bush, Larry Hagman, Chuck Norris, and Jimmy Buffett
Sonny's BBQ BarbecueUnited States113
Souper Salad SaladsUnited States25
Spaghetti Warehouse ItalianUnited States8
Spur Steak Ranches SteakhouseSouth Africa333
St-Hubert RôtisserieOntario, Québec and New-Brunswick, but mainly in Québec121
Steak 'n Shake FamilyUnited States, Europe, Middle East842Known for hamburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes; favored by David Letterman and Roger Ebert
Sticks'n'Sushi SushiUnited Kingdom, Denmark, Germany20
Stoney River Legendary Steaks SteakhouseUnited States13
Strada ItalianUnited Kingdom21Also has its Coppa Clubs
Swiss Chalet FamilyUnited States, Canada200+Owned by Recipe Unlimited
Symposium Cafe Casual diningCanada30
Table Table Food groupsUnited Kingdom105A restaurant group by Whitbread
Taco Palenque MexicanUnited States19
Tahoe Joe's SteakhouseUnited States10
Texas de Brazil SteakhouseUnited States, worldwide50+
Texas Roadhouse SteakhouseUnited States, Asia563Texas-themed steakhouse. Willie Nelson used to be their spokesman.
TGI Fridays AmericanUnited States, worldwide870Founded in 1965. Known for big ribs, burgers and mixed drinks.
Thaï Express ThaiCanada, United Kingdom250Not related to Singapore-based Thai Express
Thai Express ThaiSingapore, Asia69Not related to Montreal-based Thaï Express
Tijuana Flats Tex-MexUnited States130
Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery PubUnited States, Canada47
Toby Carvery CarveryUnited Kingdom158
Tony Roma's BarbecueWorldwide150+Ribs
Trader Vic's Polynesian-themed restaurantsUnited States, worldwide18Had more locations during the Cold War era.
Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar MexicanUnited States (Kentucky and four Midwestern states)19
Twin Peaks Sports barUnited States61
Uno Pizzeria & Grill PizzaUnited States102
Valentino's ItalianUnited States36
Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse SteakhouseUnited States3Located inside the Golden Nugget Casinos
Village Inn FamilyUnited States212
Waffle House FamilyUnited States (25 states, but mainly in the south)2,100 [6]
Wagamama Japanese cuisineUnited Kingdom, worldwide150+
Wahaca MexicanUnited Kingdom27
Wahlburgers BurgersUnited States31Also has a TV series on A&E
Walker Bros. Pancake houseUnited States7
Weathervane Restaurant SeafoodUnited States6
Weber Grill Restaurant SteakhouseUnited States5Based on the Weber-Stephen business
Western Sizzlin' SteakhouseUnited States54
Wienerwald Chicken Hendl and SchnitzelGermany13At one time had 1,600 locations throughout Europe
Wildwood Kitchen ItalianUnited Kingdom12
Wimpy DinerSouth Africa, United Kingdom500+Not to be confused with the similar named Canadian company
Wimpy's Diner FamilyCanada54Not to be confused with the similar named South African company
Wingstop ChickenUnited States1,000
Yard House Sports barUnited States66
Zizzi Italian cuisineUnited Kingdom, Ireland100

Fast casual

NameTypeLocation(s)Number of locationsNotes
&pizza PizzaUnited States30
4 Fingers Crispy Chicken Fast casual Asian fried chicken Singapore 27Privately owned, operates throughout Southeast Asia
Al Farooj Fresh Chicken and sandwichesUnited Arab Emirates, worldwide35
Al Tazaj Chicken Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, worldwide100
Aladdin's Eatery Lebanese cuisineUnited States30Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states
Atlanta Bread Company Cafe and bakeryUnited States32
Au Bon Pain Breakfast and lunchUnited States, worldwide204Now a subsidiary of Panera Bread
Azzip Pizza Pizza Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky6Expanding in the Illinois-Indiana-Kentucky tri-state area
Baja Fresh Tex-MexUnited States, Asia162
Barberitos Tex-MexUnited States26
Ben & Florentine Breakfast and lunchCanada60
Big Apple Bagels BagelsUnited States50
Big Chicken Gourmet chicken sandwiches, cookies as big as basketballs, with craft beers at some locationsUnited States18Restaurant chain founded by NBA star Shaquille O'Neal
Big Smoke Burger Gourmet burgers and poutineCanada, Middle East17
Billy Sims Barbecue BarbecueUnited States54Founded by Billy Sims and Jeff Jackson in 2004
Biscuit Love Breakfast and lunchUnited States3
Blake's Lotaburger BurgersUnited States75
Blaze Pizza PizzaUnited States, Canada, West Asia300+Customer-designed pizza made within three minutes
Bobby's Burger Palace BurgersUnited States15
Boloco Fast casual United States9Based in Massachusetts
Boston Market ChickenUnited States462
Bruegger's Bakery/coffeehouse United States216
Burger Lounge BurgersUnited States13
BurgerFi BurgersUnited States106
Burgerville Burgers and friesUnited States39American-classic style
Cafe Barbera CoffeehouseUnited States, Italy, worldwide49
Cafe Express BistroUnited States19Was owned by Wendy's, but later sold back
Cafe Rio Mexican grillUnited States (western)120
Café Yumm! Fast casual United States23
California Fish Grill SeafoodUnited States24
California Tortilla MexicanUnited States51
Capriotti's SandwichesUnited States106
Captain D's SeafoodUnited States526
Cava MediterraneanUnited States263 (in 2023)Absorbed former Zoës Kitchen
Charleys Philly Steaks SandwichesUnited States, worldwide600
Cheeburger Cheeburger BurgersUnited States251950s-style diner
Chez Ashton PoutineCanada25
Chick-fil-A ChickenUnited States, Canada2,200
Chicken Salad Chick ChickenUnited States103
Chi'Lantro BBQ Korean-Mexican fusion cuisineUnited States (Austin area)5
Chipotle Mexican Grill MexicanUnited States2,250
Chopt SaladsUnited States58
City Barbeque BarbecueUnited States41
Corner Bakery Cafe Cafe and baked goodsUnited States192
Così Breakfast and lunchUnited States66
Country Cookin Fast casual United States13
Country Style Breakfast and lunchCanada400
Cousins Subs SandwichesUnited States97Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based
Crispers Fast casual United States24
Culver's Fast casual United States694
Daphne's Greek Cafe Fast casual United States60
Darshini South Indian cuisineIndia120
Dig Inn Fast casual United States26
Donatos Pizza PizzaUnited States200Pizza delivery service
East of Chicago Pizza PizzaUnited States80
Eatsa Quinoa bowlsUnited States (California)2 Automat-style self-serve ordering process; owned by Keenwawa
Edo Japan Japanese cuisineCanada, United States105Established in 1979
El Chico Tex-MexUnited States78
El Meson Sandwiches SandwichesPuerto Rico, United States37
El Pollo Loco (Mexico) Chicken onlyMexico50+Not affiliated with the similarly named US company
El Pollo Loco (United States) Chicken and Tex-MexUnited States480+Not affiliated with the similarly named Mexican company
El Taco Tote Tex-MexUnited States23
Elevation Burger BurgersUnited States, worldwide50
Erbert & Gerbert's SandwichesUnited States50
EXKi Fast casual Belgium, worldwide86
Extreme Pita Pita sandwichesUnited States, Canada175
Fairwood Fast casual Hong Kong98
Fast Eddys CafeAustralia51
Fatburger Burgers and friesUnited States, worldwide200+
Fazoli's Italian-American cuisine United States217
Firehouse Subs Fast casual sandwichesUnited States, worldwide1,160
Five Guys Fast casual burgersUnited States, Canada, Europe, Asia1,500+
Flunch CafeteriaFrance200Cafeteria-style restaurants
Flying Star Fast casual United States9
Foosackly's ChickenUnited States12
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Fast casual United States300+
Freshii Fast casual Canada370
Fryer's Fast casual Canada, worldwide50+
Fuddruckers American, family, grillUnited States, Canada, Italy, Chile, Poland, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico223
Furr's FamilyUnited States21Buffet-style restaurants
Fuzzy's Taco Shop Tex-MexUnited States150+
Genghis Grill Mongolian barbecue United States100
Gino's Pizza and Spaghetti Italian-American cuisineUnited States40Also shared with Tudor's Biscuit World
Giordano's Pizzeria PizzaUnited States21
Godfather's Pizza PizzaUnited States571
Gold Star Chili ChiliUnited States321
Golden Chick ChickenUnited States180
Guthrie's Fast casual United States28
Guzman y Gomez Mexican-AustralianAustralia, Singapore, Japan107
Gyoza no Ohsho Gyōza Japan700
The Habit Burger Grill BurgersUnited States243
The Halal Guys HalalUnited States, worldwide200
Halo Burger BurgersUnited States8Based in Central Michigan
Hamburguesas El Corral HamburgersColombia208
Hattie B's Hot Chicken ChickenUnited States6
Hell Pizza PizzaNew Zealand64Formerly had international locations in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, India, and South Korea
Honey Jam Cafe Breakfast and lunchUnited States3
Hot Chicken Takeover ChickenUnited States3
Hot Head Burritos MexicanEastern United States, mainly Ohio79
Illegal Pete's Mission burrito United States11
Jason's Deli SandwichesUnited States268
Jerry's Subs & Pizza Sandwiches, pizzaUnited States28
Jersey Mike's Subs SandwichesUnited States1973
Jimmy the Greek Greek cuisineCanada65First founded in 1985 by Jim Antonopoulos from Greece
Jollibee ChickenAsia, North America, Europe1,200+
Just Salad Salads United States31
Kenny Rogers Roasters ChickenAsia, worldwide156Formerly based in the United States
Kogi Korean BBQ Korean-Mexican fusion cuisineUnited States (Los Angeles area)2Two physical locations plus five food trucks
Koni Store Japanese foodBrazil, Portugal32
Kopp's Frozen Custard Custard and burgersUnited States3
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Asian and Hawaiian cuisineUnited States, worldwide200+
La Bamba Mexican Restaurant Tex-MexUnited States8
La Bou Cafe and bakeryUnited States26
La Madeleine Cafe and bakeryUnited States86
La Salsa Tex-MexUnited States23Not to be confused with Australia-based Salsa's Fresh Mex Grill
Leeann Chin American ChineseUnited States50+
Leon Restaurants Breakfast, lunch and dinnerUnited Kingdom53Founded in 2004
Little Greek Restaurants Greek cuisineUnited States23
Manchu Wok Chinese cuisineUnited States, Canada200
Marco's Pizza PizzaUnited States800
Matsuya Foods Gyūdon, donburi and curryJapan, China1,080
McAlister's Deli Fast casual United States400
Meatheads Burgers & Fries Burgers & friesUnited States17
Miami Subs Grill Sandwiches, grillInternational31
Michel's Patisserie Cafe and bakeryAustralia, worldwide360
MOD Pizza PizzaUnited States400+
Moe's Southwest Grill MexicanUnited States680+
Mooyah BurgersUnited States100
MOS Burger BurgersJapan, worldwide1,730
Nando's ChickenSouth Africa, worldwide1,000
Nathan's Famous Hot dogsUnited States1,400
Native Foods Cafe Fast casual United States100Vegetarian-style
Newk's Eatery Coffeehouse United States100+
Noodles & Company Fast casual restaurantUnited States410Fast casual restaurant that specializes in American and international noodle dishes
Noon Mediterranean Fast casual United States20
Pancheros Mexican Grill Tex-MexUnited States71
Panera Bread Bakery-CaféUnited States, Canada2,000+
Papa Gino's Italian-American cuisine United States, worldwide97The holding company for D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches also
Paradise Bakery & Café Cafe and baked goodsUnited States60Now a subsidiary of Panera Bread
Pastamania PastasSingapore, worldwide800
Paul Cafe and bakeryFrance, worldwide677Based in France
Pei Wei Asian Diner AsianUnited States200
Penn Station Cheesesteaks United States300+
Pepper Lunch SteakJapan, worldwide226
Piada Italian Street Food Italian-American cuisineUnited States40Established in 2010
Piccolo Cafe Fast casual United States, Asia4
Pick Up Stix ChineseUnited States (California)70+Owned by Lorne Goldberg, the owner of Leeann Chin and Mandarin Express
Pie Five PizzaUnited States100+
Pieology PizzaUnited States, Mexico140
Pizza Fusion PizzaUnited States13
Pizza Nova PizzaCanada140
Pizzaiolo PizzaCanada41
Pizza Ranch PizzaUnited States216
Pizza Studio PizzaUnited States, Brazil, Canada, Philippines26
Pollo Tropical CaribbeanUnited States140+
Portillo's Restaurants Chicago-styleUnited States60
Potbelly Sandwich Shop Fast casual United States413
Pret a Manger SandwichesUnited Kingdom, worldwide450+
Primo Hoagies Fast casual United States95
Prince's Hot Chicken Shack ChickenUnited States2Founded in 1945
Qdoba Mexican United States729
Quiznos SandwichesUnited States, worldwide800
Ramen Street Ramen noodlesJapan8Currently located at underground malls
Rax Roast Beef SandwichesUnited States8At one time, the chain had over 200 locations in 25 states.
Ribs & Burgers Gourmet burgers & ribsAustralia17
Rossopomodoro PizzaItaly, worldwide103
Rubio's Tex-MexUnited States200
Saladworks SaladsUnited States100
Salsa's Fresh Mex Grill Mexican Australia50+
Sandella's Flatbread Café SandwichesUnited States, worldwide130
Saxbys Coffee CoffeehouseUnited States25
Sbarro New York-style pizza United States800
Schlotzsky's SandwichesUnited States350
Serrano Nordic Tex-MexIceland, Sweden10
Shake Shack Fast casual United States200
Shakey's Pizza PizzaUnited States and Asia500
Shane's Rib Shack BBQUnited States10
Slapfish SeafoodUnited States11
Slim Chickens ChickenUnited States69
Smashburger Fast casual United States370
Sonic Drive-In Drive-in restaurantsUnited States3,557Now owned by Arby's parent, Inspire Brands, as of 2018
Spoleto Italian cuisineBrazil, worldwide267+
Steak Escape SandwichesUnited States, worldwide100+Specializes in cheesesteak sandwiches
Stir Crazy Asian stir-fry cuisineUnited States4
Submarina SandwichesUnited States50
Subway SandwichesUnited States, worldwide42,431
Sukiya Gyūdon Japan, worldwide2333
Sushirrito Sushi and burritosUnited States8
Sweetgreen Fast casual United States75
Taco Cabana Tex-MexUnited States176
Taco del Mar Tex-MexUnited States260
Taziki's Mediterranean Café Fast casual United States82
Togo's SandwichesUnited States200Formerly operated alongside Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins
Toks Fast casual Mexico200
Tom's BaoBao Bao United States2Owned by a Chinese chain called Ganqishi
The Training Table Fast casual United States5
Tropical Smoothie Cafe SmoothiesUnited States700
Tudor's Biscuit World Breakfast and lunchUnited States100Also shared with Gino's Pizza and Spaghetti
Umami Burger Gourmet burgersUnited States, worldwide25
Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint PizzaUnited States38
Upper Crust Cafe and baked goodsUnited Kingdom, worldwide100
Upper Crust Pizzeria PizzaUnited States9
Vapiano ItalianGermany and 26 other countries180
VeganBurg Fast casual United States, Singapore2Vegetarian-style
Veggie Grill Fast casual United States29Vegetarian-style
Wahoo's Fish Taco Tex-MexUnited States100
Wayback Burgers BurgersUnited States133
Which Wich? SandwichesUnited States431
Wild Willy's HamburgersUnited States5
Xi'an Famous Foods Chinese foodUnited States12
YO! Sushi SushiUnited Kingdom, worldwide100
Yoshinoya Noodle bowlsAsia and United States1,100+
Your Pie PizzaUnited States58
Zankou Chicken Armenian MediterraneanUnited States12
Zaxby's ChickenUnited States800
Zippy's Fast casual United States24Based on the inspiration of the brothers' car wash failure

Nearly defunct former casual restaurant chains

This list contains chains that were much larger in the past, with some having several hundred locations at their peak, which have since been reduced to a single location.

NameTypeLocation(s)Number of locationsNotes
The Brothers Three PizzaWisconsin1 (7 at peak)Founded in 1972. At one time, had up to seven locations.
Casa Bonita Tex-MexUnited States1 (3 at peak)Has not re-opened since Colorado state mandatory closing in March 2020, but restaurant itself has not been sold or liquidated either, so true status cannot be determined as of November 2020. In August 2021, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone announced in a video interview with the Governor of Colorado that they are in the process of buying the restaurant. [7] [8]
Chi-Chi's Mexican Formerly United States, now single location in Austria1 (130 at peak)At one time, it was the largest Mexican restaurant chain in the United States with 130 locations worldwide before bankruptcy forced sale of U.S. locations to Outback Steakhouse. All that remains of the former chain by the second decade of the 21st century is a single franchised location in Vienna.
Du-par's Restaurant and bakeryUnited States (Southern California)1 (6 at peak)Scenes from the 1983 movie Valley Girl were filmed at their Studio City location
Horne's Southern-styleUnited States1 (60 at peak)Many were located near gas stations by highways
Jerry's Restaurants Family United States1 (~50 at peak)Was much larger, but sold most locations to Denny's in 1980s; was also parent company of Long John Silver's
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon SteakhouseFormerly United States, currently Guam 1 (267 at peak)Last remaining location is in Guam
Timber Lodge Steakhouse SteakhouseUnited States1 (85 at peak)
York Steak House SteakhouseUnited States1 (200 at peak)At one time had nearly 200 locations

Defunct chains

NameTypeLocation(s)Peak number of locationsNotes
Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill Sports barUnited States14
Bill Knapp's FamilyUnited States60
Blue Boar Cafeterias CafeteriaUnited States21
Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse SteakhouseUnited States, Worldwide30
Cheeseburger in Paradise Burgers and margaritasUnited States23At its peak, the chain had locations in 14 states. Named after the Jimmy Buffett song "Cheeseburger in Paradise".
China Coast American ChineseUnited States51Owned by General Mills and later Darden
Clifton's Cafeteria CafeteriaUnited States10Replaced by bar called Clifton's Republic in 2018
Coon Chicken Inn ChickenUnited States3Located in the Western United States during the early 20th century. Its trademark was a smiling blackface caricature of an African-American porter. The chain folded by mid-century due to its cultural and racial offensiveness.
Don Pablo's Tex-Mex United States120 [9]
Eatza Pizza PizzaUnited States115Ended in 2008
ESPN Zone Casual diningUnited States2Sports-themed
Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Ice cream and sandwichesUnited States1201900-themed ice cream parlor that also served sandwiches and was known for its theatrics when serving extremely large sized ice cream treats such as the Pig's Trough, Volcano and Zoo to accompaniment of drums, whistles, sirens and singing staff.
Fashion Cafe Fashion-themedUnited States, England, South Africa, Mexico, Spain5Fashion-themed restaurant chain that was backed by famous supermodels such as Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson, Claudia Schiffer, and Christy Turlington
Fresh Choice BuffetUnited States50
Hamburger Hamlet Gourmet hamburgersUnited States24Had locations in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC metro areas. Movie and TV actors frequented the original Hollywood location.
Harvey House CasualUnited States84Company originally started in 1876 as a chain of railroad eating houses along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway which later evolved into a chain of casual roadway restaurants along U.S. Highways and state tollroads before the growth of interstate highways finally killed the business.
Hen House Restaurants CasualUnited States40Had locations near interstate highways.
Howard Johnson's FamilyUnited States1,000+ at peakOne of the first restaurant chains. At one time, had over 1,000 locations across the U.S. Final location closed in 2022. [10]
How Do You Roll? SushiUnited States12
JB's Restaurants FamilyUnited States104A Big Boy franchise until 1987. One restaurant in the chain was named "Galaxy Diner".
Koo Koo Roo ChickenUnited States38Owned by Luby's
Little Chef Roadside restaurantsUnited Kingdom439Ended in 2018
Lum's FamilyUnited States273
Morrison's Cafeteria CafeteriaUnited States151
Mr. Steak SteakhouseUnited States, Canada282
Nickerson Farms FamilyUnited States6Usually found near interstate highways
Official All Star Café Sports-themedUnited States10Partially owned by Planet Hollywood International
Pasta Bravo Pizza and PastaUnited States16Owned by Yum! Brands
Piccadilly Pub Bar & grillUnited States (Massachusetts)13
Pizza Corner PizzaIndia70Ended in 2014
Richtree Market Casual diningCanada11Ended in 2020
Rio Bravo Cantina MexicanUnited States100Ended in 2002
Roadhouse Grill SteakhouseUnited States20
The Royal Canadian Pancake Houses Pancake houseUnited States5
Rustler Steak House SteakhouseUnited States110+Ended in 1984
Sambo's FamilyUnited States1,000+The chain mostly ended in the early 1980s due to financial mismanagement. At around the same time, disaffection with the name "Sambo's", which was viewed as racially derogatory, led to some locations being rebranded with names including "No Place Like Sam's" and "Jolly Tiger". [11] By 1984, all but one location was either closed or sold to other chains, including Bakers Square and Denny's. The one remaining Sambo's location was the original one, in Santa Barbara; in 2020 it was renamed to Chad's. [12]
ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen AsianUnited States15Owned by Chipotle; an attempt into the Asian fast casual restaurant industry
ShowBiz Pizza Place PizzaUnited States90Started in 1980 as a direct competitor to Chuck E. Cheese. In 1984, the company that owned ShowBiz Pizza Place bought the Chuck E. Cheese chain, and in 1992 all ShowBiz Pizza Place locations were rebranded as Chuck E. Cheese.
Sisters Chicken & Biscuits Chicken and biscuitsUnited States79Wendy's chicken restaurant subsidiary that existed during the mid-1980s
Soul Daddy Soul food United States3Once owned by Chipotle Mexican Grill; its creation was the prize for its founder in winning the reality show America's Next Great Restaurant
Souplantation BuffetUnited States104Operated as Sweet Tomatoes outside California; the chain filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy on May 7, 2020, and closed permanently on May 8, 2020, due to losses and health and safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with salad bars and buffets. [13]
Steak and Ale SteakhouseUnited States58Ended in 2008
Taybarns BuffetUnited Kingdom7Ended in 2016
Toddle House FamilyUnited States40
Valle's Steak House SteakhouseUnited States32
Victoria Station Steakhouse, BBQUnited States (northeastern)100Brand still exists in Japan, but owned by a different company
VIP's FamilyUnited States (western)53 Oregon-based chain that operated in five western states; not to be confused with a chain of the same name (but without an apostrophe) in Mexico operated by Walmart de México y Centroamérica
Wag's FamilyUnited States90+Once owned by Walgreens
Zoës Kitchen Fast casual United States258Merged into Cava

See also

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References

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  9. Gibson, Richard (23 September 1998). "Applebee's Hopes to Determine Direction For Ailing Rio Bravo Chain by Year End". The Wall Street Journal (Eastern ed.). p. B11C. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. [Lawrence M. Folk] resigned in August from Apple South Inc., where he had been president of its Don Pablo's Mexican restaurant division. Until recently, Apple South was the largest franchisee of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants, but decided to shed its Applebee's outlets to concentrate on what it considered better growth opportunities, among them Don Pablo's. Don Pablo's now has 117 units, second only to closely held Family Restaurants Inc.' Chi-Chi's chain in the Mexican-style restaurant sector. Alternate Link (subscription required) via ProQuest.
  10. Valinsky, Jordan (1 June 2022). "America's last Howard Johnson's restaurant has closed". CNN Business . Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  11. Romano, Andrew (30 June 2014). "Pancakes and Pickaninnies: The Saga of 'Sambo's,' The 'Racist' Restaurant Chain America Once Loved". The Daily Beast .
  12. Palminteri, John (15 July 2020). "It's official – Chad's replaces Sambo's after 63 years in Santa Barbara". KEYT-TV . Retrieved 1 September 2020.
  13. Stone, Ken (7 May 2020). "San Diego's Iconic Souplantation Buffets Closing Permanently, CEO Says". Times of San Diego .