Iconic American Restaurants Day
When is Iconic American Restaurants Day? This holiday is always celebrated on August 24
Today is Iconic American Restaurants Day. This August 24 holiday celebrates the many great restaurants in this country, and the outstanding staff that works hard to make your dining experience pleasurable. Of particular note today, are those iconic restaurants that have turned off their grills and ovens forever. There probably isn’t a better example of a great iconic American restaurant than Howard Johnson’s, fondly called HoJo’s.
The HoJo’s chain has been around for over 90 years. At its peak, there were over 1,000 company and franchise stores in the U.S. and Canada. The Lake George, NY. restaurant was proudly the “Last One Standing” of the infamous Howard Johnson restaurant chain. It closed in 2021 as a result, partially the result of the COVID pandemic.
During the peak years in the 1940s through the 1970s, travelers sought out the easily recognized orange roof. Without a doubt, travelers knew they would receive high-quality food at reasonable prices. Travelers and residents alike, thronged to HoJo’s ice cream fountain bar with lines out the door during summer months, to choose among the famous “28 flavors”.
Without a doubt the list of great American restaurants is endless. Large, national chains like McDonald’s, Red Lobster, the Outback, Applebee’s, and Chili’s readily come to mind. But, there are also countless one-location restaurants in your local community. Go outside of your town, and no one has ever heard of that great breakfast shop, sidewalk cafe, or Italian restaurant on Main Street that you frequent regularly.
It’s going to be a wonderful experience celebrating Iconic American Restaurants Day. Grab the family or a few friends, and head off to your favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. While you’re there enjoying a fabulous meal, make sure to show your appreciation to the waiter, busboy, chef, and manager. After all, it’s their day, too.
How to Celebrate and Participate in Iconic American Restaurants Day
Participation in this day is easy. And, it’s fun. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate and participate in Iconic American Restaurants Day:
- Visit existing iconic restaurants before they turn off the grills and ovens.
- Take a picture of you at the restaurant.
- How many can you name. Play a game to name as many historic restaurants as you can.
Thought for Today
Don’t grow up…. It’s a trap!
History and Origin of Iconic American Restaurants Day
This special holiday was created in 2020 by Bob Matthews, from Rochester, NY, and creator of HolidayInsights.com. After visiting the “Last One Standing” Howard Johnson’s Restaurant in Lake George, NY, Matthews felt it important to celebrate great American restaurants like HoJo’s and the employees who make them great.
A second, and equally important goal of today, is to capture the memories of one of America’s most iconic restaurants, as well as other great American restaurants that have come and gone. During the Pandemic of 2020, restaurants struggled to survive And like the rest of us, their employees were significantly impacted.
Amazingly, up to now, there were no special holidays recognizing great dining venues and their staff.
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