Connecticut’s Lost Restaurants: Bennigan’s or Howard Johnson’s – Your Vote Counts

MSN recently released a list titled 14 Restaurant Chains We Truly Miss. Naturally, I scanned it for the ones I know for sure had locations here in Connecticut. Their list included: Howard Johnson's, Orange Julius, Sizzle, Casa Bonita, Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes, Ponderosa, Maggie Moo's Ice Cream, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Rainforest Cafe, Bob's Big Boy, Chi-Chi's, ESPN Zone, Planet Hollywood, and Bennigan's.

From that list, I know for sure we had a Bennigan's and a Howard Johnson's here in CT. Here's a quick look at these two beloved chains:

Bennigan's

Founded in 1976 in Atlanta, Bennigan's was a popular Irish-pub–style casual-dining chain. In Connecticut, the Danbury location at 106 Federal Road was a staple for many years. However, the restaurant closed in 2006 and remained vacant for years, becoming an eyesore for locals. In March 2021, the building was finally demolished to make way for a new 7-Eleven store. This closure marked the end of Bennigan's presence in Connecticut. I know, I was there for the demolition. In the days after the demolition, I kept joking that I’d open my own restaurant with the same exact décor and menu, and call it BEGIN-Again’s.

Howard Johnson's (HoJo)

Started in 1925 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Howard Johnson's grew into a massive restaurant and motor-lodge empire. Connecticut had several locations over the years, including spots in Waterbury, North Haven, and Plainville. The last recognizable CT restaurant closed in the mid-2000s, and now there aren't any Howard Johnson's restaurants left in the U.S. (though the hotel brand lives on, if you call that living).

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Now, here's the important part — I want to know which one you miss more: Howard Johnson's or Bennigan's? Cast your vote and let's settle this once and for all.

Here’s what I can’t stop thinking about: how many couples probably argued over whether to wait for a table at Bennigan’s on a busy night? Now that it’s gone, you can’t help but wonder — what was it all for?

P.S. I was going to include Orange Julius, but it looks like a few locations are still lingering in Connecticut which is kind of amazing.