NathanDoggie Diner
Anyone from San Francisco would not forget Doggie Diner and the trademark smiling dachshund mascot that is adorning a chefs hat and bow tie. Doggie Diner was a small chain spread across San Francisco and Oakland. The chain offered hamburgers and hot dogs. Initially opened in 1948 by Al Ross, the chain got shout down in 1986 but the Doggie mascot kept its significance even in the years to come.
Ameche’s Drive-In
Ameche’s was opened in the Baltimore area and were a chain of drive-ins which had five locations in the 1960s. This was started by legendary NFL football player Alan Ameche and the brand’s mascot was a little football player. They popular items were the Powerhouse Burgers, described as “a banquet on a bun”. There are rumors that McDonald’s came up with the idea for its Big Mac eight years later from this joint.
G. D. Ritzy’s
G.D. Ritzy’s was definitely a hot and happening place to be back in the day. It was opened in 1980 by ex Wendy’s exec Graydon Webb, as a “luxury grill” with a ’50s diner feel. There were classic hamburgers and hot dogs and homemade ice cream on the menu. G.D. Ritzy’s opened up in 120 locations but soon ended up closing completely in 1991. There is a handful of them still operating in Evansville, Indiana and Huntington, West Virginia.
Valle’s Steak House
Valle’s Steakhouse was unique during its prime as they offered patrons their popular surf and turf meal for an incredibly low price. It was started by restaurateur Donald Valle in 1933. There were several of these that had been opened during the ’70s. The expansion happened when there were countless economic problems, which ultimately led to the chain’s demise. The last location in Portland Oregon was closed in 2000.