Howard Johnson's

In the 1950s and '60s, the Howard Johnson's chain affectionately known as HoJo's was a can't-miss attraction for baby boomer kids being carted around in the car by their Greatest Generation parents. Howard Johnson’s was a pioneer of the nationwide roadside restaurant, replicating from coast-to-coast everything from its signature orange roof, cupola, the Simple Simon and the Pieman plaques, and its limited-menu food items. Howard Johnson's presaged the success of McDonald's doing the same thing. At its zenith, Howard Johnson's operated more than 1,000 restaurants, including the Ground Round brand.

So what took the mojo out of HoJo? Failing to update its menu -- centered around fried clams, chicken, hot dogs and ice cream -- its infrastructure and its marketing, along with increased competition from the likes of Friendly's, Applebee's and Chili's, sealed the fate of the Howard Johnson's restaurant chain. The last location closed in 2017, in Lake George, N.Y.


This Gildan t-shirt has a classic fit with thick cotton fabric.

• 100% cotton
• Sport Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester
• Ash Grey is 99% cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 50% cotton, 50% polyester
• Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²)
• Open-end yarn
• Tubular fabric
• Taped neck and shoulders
• Double seam at sleeves and bottom hem

Size guide