Howard Johnson's (Demolished)
Kirkwood, MO
Photo courtesy Dirk Burhans

Here is a shot of Howard Johnson's in Kirkwood which was a rare survivor from one of America's most recognizable restaurant chains. With its bright orange roof, towering cupola, and classic mid-century design, it looked just the way a Howard Johnson's was supposed to look. By the time this photo was taken, finding one this intact had already become a real treat. 07-08

The restaurant opened in 1955 and eventually became the last Howard Johnson's restaurant operating west of the Mississippi River. For years it continued serving the chain's familiar menu while many other locations were remodeled or disappeared altogether.

Unfortunately, this landmark couldn't escape the same fate as the rest of the chain. The restaurant closed in 2002, and the building was later demolished. Today, photos like this are a reminder of a time when the orange roofs of Howard Johnson's were a familiar sight along America's highways.

UPDATE: The Kirkwood Howard Johnson's closed in 2002 and has since been demolished. With the closure of the final Howard Johnson's restaurant in New York in 2022, the original restaurant chain is now gone. 06-26

Kappy's American Grill
Morton Grove, IL
Photo courtesy Jason Carlton

Check out Kappy's American Grill which has the look of a classic neighborhood coffee shop, the kind of place where the parking lot starts filling up early every morning. The roadside sign along Dempster Street is simple but inviting, making it easy to imagine pulling in for a cup of coffee and a big breakfast. 07-08

Known today as Kappy's American Grill, the restaurant has long been a favorite in Morton Grove for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is packed with diner classics, from omelets and skillets to homemade soups and Friday fish fries, all served in a comfortable, family-friendly setting.

While the restaurant has been updated over the years, it still has the feel of the traditional coffee shops that were once found all over the Chicago area. Thankfully, the roadside sign is still there to greet passing motorists, even if it's been modernized a bit since this photo was taken.

UPDATE: Kappy's American Grill remains open in Morton Grove. The restaurant continues serving customers, and its roadside sign still stands, although it has been updated over the years. 06-26

Bek Hee Chinese Restaurant (Closed)
Overland, MO
Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier

The Bek Hee Chinese Restaurant may not have had a flashy neon sign, but that's part of what made it stand out. The simple sign above the entrance paired perfectly with the building's angular mid-century siding, giving the restaurant a clean, understated look that still caught your eye as you drove by. 07-08

For years, Bek Hee was a favorite local spot for Chinese-American comfort food, serving everything from fried rice and egg rolls to classic Cantonese dishes. It was the kind of neighborhood restaurant that built a loyal following simply by serving good food without a lot of fuss.

The building is still there today, although it has a very different look. After Bek Hee closed, the restaurant was converted into another eatery and the original sign was removed. It's a reminder that sometimes it's the simple signs that are missed the most once they're gone.

UPDATE: Bek Hee Chinese Restaurant has closed, and the building is now home to another restaurant. The original sign has been removed. 06-26

Frisch's Big Boy (Closed)
Anderson, IN
Photo courtesy Craig Selvey

Frisch's Big Boy is one of those restaurants that instantly brings back memories for a lot of people. The Big Boy statue, the familiar sign, and the classic diner-style building have been roadside favorites for generations. The Anderson location has long been one of the best-known Frisch's restaurants in Indiana. 02-08

Located along Scatterfield Road, the restaurant has been serving burgers, breakfasts, and slices of Hot Fudge Cake for decades. Like many Frisch's locations, it became a gathering place where families met for breakfast, teenagers grabbed burgers after ballgames, and travelers knew they could count on a familiar meal.

The sign and Big Boy statue are just as much a part of the experience as the food. They're the kind of roadside landmarks that have become harder to find as older restaurants disappear or are remodeled.

UPDATE: Frisch's Big Boy permanently closed in late 2024 after serving the Anderson community for more than 60 years. The future of the building and its classic roadside sign remains uncertain. 06-26