If You Thought These Restaurant Chains Are Still Around, You Thought Wrong

Published on 08/07/2019
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Chock Full O’Nuts

The Chock Full O’Nuts cafes and coffee brand go a long way back. First started by William Black, it started as a New York City nut shop chain in 1926. During the Great Depression, even nuts were considered a luxury, which is why Black started to turn the nut stores into lunch counters instead. He served a sandwich and a cup of coffee for only 5 cents. In 1971, there were more than 80 sandwich and coffee shops all over the New York area. After Black’s death in 1983, there were only 17 Chock Full o’ Nuts in operation, and they all closed eventually. They made a comeback in 2010, which is why you will find six of them in Miami and New York.

Chock Full O'Nuts

Chock Full O’Nuts

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Taco Bell

Who hasn’t heard of Taco Bell? Well, it was founded in 1962 in California by Glen Bell 7 years after opening up his first drive-in restaurant. In 1978, PepsiCo bought the chain and has since been a huge part of the brand’s success. The chain sells a variety of Mexican inspired foods that include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, novelty, and specialty items, and a variety of “value menu” items.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell

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