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Burger Chef
Date EstablishedLocation1954Indianapolis, Indiana
Description
Before the first franchise location in 1954, Frank and Donald Thomas had patented the flame broiler process in their parent company General Equipment Corporation. Not long after the initial store opened in 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the chain expanded to other states, until in 1973 had 1,050 locations, even locations in Canada. A few of their signature items were the Big Shef and Super Shef hamburgers and later even had the addition of a condiment bar where customers could add their toppings. During the height of the franchise success, it rival McDonald's and had almost the same amount of locations countrywide. One of the reasons for such rapid success was the idea of opening rather in large cities but instead in smaller towns where food selections were limited. The company sold its holdings to General Foods Corporation in 1968 and afterward the chain still expanded with additional outlets in other countries but proved to be a strain on the corporation causing it to lose revenue. It was eventually sold to a Canadian company called Imasco which also owned Hardee's and eventually was renamed to that brand or ceased operations in some areas of the Burger Chef brand.
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Cruising through many states of America, remnants of eateries of the past can still be found. Travel back to a stage in time with me to rekindle the memories of food franchises and the lost cuisine of bygone days. We can remember the presence of these dining experiences in their heyday long ago, but still etched in moments and recollections.
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