In 1981, TCBY started as “the country’s first frozen yogurt shop.” And who doesn’t love frozen yogurt? It’s healthy, and it’s a better alternative to ice cream. We are definite fans!
The chain was purchased by Mrs. Fields Holdings in 2000. The Chicago Tribune noted that “both TCBY and Mrs. Fields have considerable brand equity among consumers,” at the time.
Beefsteak Charlie’s
Beefsteak Charlie’s opened its doors in Manhattan in the year 1910. The restaurant slowly started rising to fame because they were known to take care of their customers by spoiling them with all-you-can-eat salad and shrimp.
Then, of course, there were alcoholic accompaniments like sangria, beer, and wine.
Beefsteak Charlie’s
If you think this sounds too good to be true, you’re right. Beefsteak Charlie’s took care of their customers a little too much and this became the reason they couldn’t earn a decent profit. The generous establishment tried to live up to their slogan of "you're going to get spoiled," but unfortunately, they couldn't keep up with their losses.
Eventually, the chain had to put all that "spoiling" to a halt and close its doors for the last time in 2010.
TCBY
Unlike all the other restaurants on this list, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 2008, and requested a restructuring deal to avoid bankruptcy.
Between 2001 to 2011, TCBY shut well over 1,300 stores, leaving just 405 locations as of 2011.
Minnie Pearl’s Chicken
One of Minnie Pearl’s biggest competitors was none other than KFC. In fact, Minnie Pearl’s Chicken was one of the only fast food chains built to compete with KFC.
It was co-founded by entrepreneur John Jay Hooker and the famous country singer, Minnie Pearl, which is how they came up with the name.