37. Steak & Ale

Norman Brinker opened the first Steak & Ale in Dallas, Texas back in 1966. The restaurant’s goal was to serve quality steaks at a price any American could afford. It served up steaks, sandwiches, and hamburgers, with a salad bar in a Tudor-style building with dimmed lighting. The setting made you feel like you weren’t eating fast food but good food at prices.

The chain remained independent until it was purchased by Pillsbury, which was soon followed by the creation of S&A Restaurant Corporation. Unfortunately, in the aftermath of the 2008 market crash, the company filed for bankruptcy, and all Steak & Ale restaurants were closed for good.