A 'Slice of Roadside Americana' Is Nearly Gone

The second-to-last Howard Johnson's restaurant is closing
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 24, 2016 5:29 PM CDT
America Will Soon Have Only 1 Howard Johnson's Restaurant
Patrons dine inside a Howard Johnson's restaurant in Bangor, Maine.   (AP Photo/David Sharp)

A "slice of roadside Americana" is almost gone forever, as the second-to-last Howard Johnson's restaurant is slated to close Sept. 6, the AP reports. The restaurant in Bangor, Maine, opened in 1966 as part of the more-than-800-strong franchise of orange-roofed eateries. But come September, this once "dependable place for travelers to park the family car, grab a meal, and spend the night" will be represented only by a final location in Lake George, New York. "It's bittersweet, but it's nothing to be sad about," says a waitress who's worked at the Bangor Howard Johnson's since it opened. "Knowing I have the only one left makes it special," the owner of the Lake George location says. (More Howard Johnson's stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X