In the land of drive-thrus and supersized meals, fast food reigns supreme. But rewind to the 1950s and a different era of greasy delights emerge. Back then, fast food joints were bustling hubs, dishing out juicy burgers for a mere 15 cents alongside crispy fries and creamy milkshakes, all served with a side of nostalgia at classic drive-ins. While the fast food landscape has evolved over the decades, take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about some beloved chains of yesteryear that have since vanished into the annals of culinary history.
1. Henry’s Hamburgers
Henry’s Hamburgers thrived for three decades during America’s fast food boom. They were front runners with McDonald’s. In fact, the restaurant and its operations were modeled after the successful Southern California chain. Henry’s Hamburgers was opened in Chicago, Illinois when Bresler’s Ice Cream wanted in on the fast-food industry and decided to expand.
The chain’s main strength was that they could sell hamburgers for just 15 cents, which means you could feed a family of six for just under a dollar. The last and only remaining Henry’s Hamburgers location sits in Chicago and still welcomes guests.