If one thing rings true about the American cultural fabric, it's our enduring love affair with fast food. Over the last hundred years or so, countless fast-food chains have emerged that offer convenience, affordable fare and unique dining experiences. But as consumer preferences change over time, some franchises fail to keep up. TACO BELL, PIZZA HUT GOING 'AI-FIRST' WITH FAST-FOOD INNOVATIONS Sometimes, bad business decisions bring about the downfall of a brand.
Lum's, Inc., purchased Caesars Palace, the hotel and casino in Las Vegas, for $60 million in 1969. In 1971, John Y. Brown, then-chairman of Kentucky Fried Chicken, bought Lum's food operations, though he intended to act as an investor and take a back seat when it came to running the chain. Then, the Swiss parent company of the Wienerwald restaurant chain purchased Lum's, which comprised 273 locations at the time of purchase in 1978.
series of protests and lawsuits coupled with unrelated internal challenges led to Sambo's filing for bankruptcy in 1982. Restaurant Business reports that the last remaining location operating as Sambo's changed its name in 2020 amid widespread protests following the death of George Floyd, drawing mixed reactions from the public. 1996-2008 … until April 2024 The Dallas-based Steak and Ale was once a beloved fast-casual eatery where patrons could enjoy a steakhouse filet for just $1.