Buzz
Before food delivery apps like DoorDash existed, Baby Boomers and Generation X flocked to Howard Johnson’s, a popular chain offering signature fried clams and a wide selection of 28 ice cream flavors—instantly recognizable by its iconic orange roof.
That chapter has now come to a close, as the last remaining 'HoJo's' has locked its doors for good.
As reported by ABC News 10, the final location, situated in Lake George, New York, closed its doors in May and has been up for lease since December 2021. Nestled near the Adirondack Mountains, this spot had been a fixture in the local community, which is preparing for another bustling summer tourist season.
Howard Johnson’s, named after its founder, opened its first full-service restaurant in 1929 and quickly spread across the nation, pioneering the concept of franchising both the brand and menu long before it became widespread. The restaurant’s hearty meals and iconic ice cream were favorites among travelers and locals alike, with Johnson later expanding into the hotel business. The brand became synonymous with mid-20th-century Americana, even being recreated in a scene on AMC’s Mad Men.
The rise of fast food and frequent turnover in leadership led Howard Johnson’s toward decline. While the hotel chain still operates, the number of restaurants dwindled, leaving only the Lake George location standing. Much like the last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon, it became a poignant reminder of a once-dominant cultural force.
There’s a chance that the Howard Johnson’s name might live on under a new leaseholder, but for now, the signature orange roof has disappeared.
