Pup ‘N’ Taco started in Southern California and specialized in tacos, hot dogs, and pastrami sandwiches. In 1965, their first branch opened in Pasadena. In 1973, just a few years after, they blossomed to a total of 62 chains state-wide.
Pup ‘N’ Taco was known for having spots in prime locations, which helped bring in customers. Unfortunately, this also became their undoing.
Royal Castle
Royal Castle was a hamburger restaurant chain based in Miami, Florida. It was founded by William Singer in 1938 and was popular for its miniature hamburgers, similar to the ones by White Castle.
At its prime, the chain grew to more than 175 locations all throughout Florida, Ohio, Georgia, and Louisiana, with most of them being in Miami.
Royal Castle
The restaurant’s motto was “Fit for a king.” By 1970, royal castle started losing its fire due to heavy competition with monster competitors, McDonald’s and Burger King.
The company decided to close almost all of their locations, except for one that’s still holding out in Miami.
Pup ‘N’ Taco
The high real estate prices overwhelmed the company, which eventually sold out to Taco Bell in 1984.
Some of the last remaining franchise locations flipped their name slightly to “Pop ‘N’ Taco.”
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Yankee Doodle Dandy first opened in 1966 and was founded by business brothers Chris and Bill Proyce. After 10 years, their restaurant started to explode in the Chicago area.
The chain reached 27 locations in its prime and most of them were franchised. Yankee Doodle Dandy was well known for its red, white, and blue motifs. As the name suggests, it depicts the perfect American burger.