
These days, your fast-food choices are generally limited to a handful of major chains – McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell – or the odd independent restaurant. But back in the mid-20th century, when those names were just starting to take off, there were plenty of other businesses attempting to cash in on the franchise craze. From Red Barn to Chi-Chi’s, however, these once-famous chains all eventually capitulated for one reason or another – whether it was simply a poor business model or even an unfortunate viral outbreak.