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10 Restaurant Chains We Thought Were Great, But Aren’t

March 14, 2025 · Shopping
Fried fish in a basket under harsh light in an empty restaurant.
Crispy golden-brown fish and fries served in a classic tray, capturing the timeless appeal of a fried seafood feast.

Long John Silver’s

Once a favorite among fast-food seafood enthusiasts, Long John Silver’s provided a distinctive dining experience with a pirate theme. The chain was well-known for its hush puppies and fried fish.

However, the chain’s greasy menu lost its appeal as healthier options became more popular. Customer numbers declined at many locations. Long John Silver’s struggled to succeed, even though it tried to offer healthier options. This shows how difficult it is for niche chains to thrive in a market that cares about health.

Are you longing for the old taste of the foods made in Long John Silver’s restaurants? What if you could use a deep fryer to prepare those nostalgic meals you’re craving right in your kitchen? The Chefman Fry Guy is super compact and a breeze to store, making it perfect for any kitchen with limited space. You can grab one for just $33.99 on Amazon.

Photo by Mahmoud Suhail from Shutterstock
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13 responses to “10 Restaurant Chains We Thought Were Great, But Aren’t”

  1. D. HOLLAND says:
    February 21, 2026 at 8:10 pm

    Every time I start to read an article top one. You get to reading. Then it disappears. Then you get hit with others. Mixed in or advertisements. Ruins your articles.

    Reply
  2. Barbara Mayers says:
    February 21, 2026 at 11:11 pm

    Click bait with a mosh mash of erratic ads. We’re done clicking and only deleting no reading!

    Reply
  3. Randy says:
    May 6, 2026 at 12:08 am

    Not interested

    Reply
  4. Carol says:
    May 7, 2026 at 8:35 pm

    Totally agree with your assessments. Most fast food restaurants have increased their prices and downsized portions. In today’s economy that’s to be expected BUT if the quality was as good or better than it used to be, it would be more palatable.

    Reply
  5. Jo Williams says:
    May 11, 2026 at 11:14 pm

    I say they ALL NEED a nationwide boycott. Fast food crap is at least as much as a daily menu meal in a sit down restaurant. WE ARE IN CHARGE!!!
    Close all of the poor quality “restaurants” with exorbitant prices down!
    Time to teach them WHY people chose them.
    You are taking advantage of loyal customers! YOU will miss US before WE will miss YOU!

    Reply
  6. Sandra says:
    May 12, 2026 at 2:41 pm

    McDonald’s is becoming the worst restaurant specially the one on Bloomingdale here in Brandon it’s a food is fresh. Sometimes the employees act like they have an attitude. Is it worth going there and spending your money and then when you get home it doesn’t taste like poop. Very poor service.

    Reply
  7. AllenS Belgarde says:
    May 12, 2026 at 3:01 pm

    Dairy Queen is a good choice.

    Reply
  8. Harold McWilliams says:
    May 18, 2026 at 6:05 pm

    unsubscribe me from this and don’t sell my info

    Reply
  9. Gary McCormick says:
    May 22, 2026 at 11:55 am

    I like the Filet-Of-Fish (or use to). To me the size seems to be the same, but the price doubled or maybe even tripled. Two Filet-of-Fish and a small fry is about twenty dollars.
    Coffee price has gone sky high as well.

    Reply
  10. Cathy Terrell says:
    May 25, 2026 at 7:58 pm

    The filet of fish is tiny. The fish use to fill the whole bun. Now it’s a little piece and a lot of bread. The cheese is a little piece too.

    Reply
  11. Chief says:
    June 1, 2026 at 8:37 am

    Saving you a click.
    Bonanza Steakhouse
    Whataburger
    Pizza Hut
    Chili’s
    Arby’s
    IHOP
    Long John Silver’s
    McDonald’s
    White Castle
    Taco Bell

    Reply
  12. alena bengtson says:
    June 3, 2026 at 9:30 pm

    yes the food shrank and the price inflated, McD buns shrank along with the thing called a burger,
    fries not like they used to taste like since oil change,
    Arby’s gyro bread shrank and the amount of meat also and turkey one is usually cold, for depends on the young people working,
    Taco Bell, is just more expensive for the amount you get, and used to have coffee but that disappeared
    Long John’s needs save on the amount of oil usually greasy
    ALL THESE FAST FOOD PLACES the FOOD is shrinking and the PRICE is increasing,

    Reply
  13. Jessie Jamerson says:
    June 12, 2026 at 11:40 pm

    I totally agree all the fast food joints are way too expensive. I don’t eat at them anymore. And on top of everything the food sucks. And McDonald’s is just ridiculous

    Reply

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