Damon’s had just $70 million in sales as of 2011, down more than 75% from 2001 when it had nearly $285 million in sales.
Nonetheless, it was still a favorite, and still holds many of our memories. Wouldn’t you guys agree that this restaurant deserves a spot on this list?
Tony Roma's
While it took a definite hit, Tony Roma’s is still active internationally, with restaurants in over 30 countries.
Even though it disappeared from the United States, you can still visit the other restaurants... you’ll just have to leave the United States to do so! Any excuse to travel, right?
Tony Roma's
Here’s a familiar chain that you can breathe a sigh of relief over because it is still alive to this day! Tony Roma was founded in 1972 and has claimed to be one of “the largest casual theme restaurant chains specializing in ribs in the world.”
Tony Roma’s domestic sales fell by over 70%, while its total number of U.S. restaurants declined from 162 to 46 between 2001 and 2011. The restaurant’s parent company, Romacorp Inc., filed for bankruptcy in 2005.
Damon's Grill & Sports Bar
Founded in 1979, Damon’s was initially based in Columbus, Ohio. It was considered “a leading full-service, casual dining restaurant concept” and most of its restaurants were in the Midwest and Southeast United States, as well as the United Kingdom.
The chain filed for bankruptcy in 2009, because it was part of the struggling, full-service barbecue restaurant segment of the market.
Country Kitchen
Between 2001 and 2011, Country Kitchen closed almost 200 locations. The total number of restaurants fell from 249 to 52, thanks to sales declining by more than 80% during the same period.
According to Technomic’s Tristano, the restaurant exists in the highly competitive mid-scale family-style market, which has been crowded out by fast, casual dining.