It all started in 1925, with Howard Deering Johnson and his small soda fountain in Quincy, Massachusetts. By the 1950s and 60s, the chain had spread across the country, becoming the go-to spot for travelers and families alike. With consistent quality and recognizable branding, Howard Johnson’s quickly became a roadside icon.
But it wasn’t just about convenience — Howard Johnson’s was a true cultural experience. From fried clams and hot dogs to 28 flavors of ice cream, the menu featured classic American favorites. The iconic “Simple Simon and the Pieman” logo was a comforting sight, promising good food and friendly service. The unique franchising model allowed the chain to expand rapidly while maintaining high standards.
As times changed, Howard Johnson’s faced increasing competition from fast-food chains and new dining trends. Despite this, the brand has left its mark on American culture. Many remember the joy of spotting that familiar orange roof, signaling a reliable place to rest and refuel. Today, Howard Johnson’s is a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era.
To celebrate this cherished part of Americana, we’ve gathered a collection of vintage photos and advertisements from Howard Johnson’s heyday in the 50s and 60s, capturing the charm and character of the iconic chain and bringing its history to life once more.
Vintage Howard Johnson’s: Haven for the folks… heaven for the kids (1950)
One way or another, everybody goes for Howard Johnson’s! You get ice cream with the famous “28 flavors,” fried clams and other New England favorites.
Hurry-up snacks or full-course meals. Quick, friendly service. And the check’s always a pleasant surprise.
Howard Johnson’s: Happiest thought on wheels (1950)
Just think! Ice cream with the famous “28 flavors,” fried clams and other New England favorites. Hurry-up snacks or leusirely full-course meals. Friendly service and a check that keeps you smiling. All this is yours at Howard Johnson’s. Stop — and see!
PS: Try Howard Johnson’s candies, baked beans, brown bread and date and nut bread — delicious!
PLANNING A TRIP? Write for free descriptive road map showing route numbers and locations of all Howard Johnson’s on your way.
Howard Johnson’s, Wollaston, Mass — Ice Cream Shops and Restaurants Landmark For Hungry Americans
Vintage Howard Johnson’s: Calling all appetites! (1954)
What’s your favorite? It’s on the menu! (1955)
Ready for a sizzling plate of tendersweet fried clams? In the mood for chicken? For a juicy cut of roast beef? Feast yourself under the orange roof.
Or must you eat and run? Then try a Frankfort, simmering in sweet butter and nestled in a hot, hot roll. 28 flavors of ice cream, too! Come to friendly, courteous Howard Johnson’s tonight.
The original Howard Johnson taste-tests pies – 1948
Put away the skillet, Mom. Tonight, it’s Howard Johnson’s. (1955)
Hurray! Family meals are the most fun (1955)
Howard Johnson’s Ice Cream: 28 flavors (1955)
Ah, those delicious decisions! 28 flavors, all as pure and rich as a melody! But what will you have first? A large charcoal-broiled steak, tender fried deep sea scallops, a grilled ham steak, golden fried butterfly shrimp?
Deciding is half the fun, for appetites of all sizes. Come to friendly, courteous Howard Johnson’s tonight.
Under the orange roof
MORE: Old-fashioned Tastee-Freez ice cream shops: Remember these treats?
Everything’s better than make-believe at Howard Johnson’s (1955)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Sammarco, Anthony Mitchell (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Host of the highways: Vintage Howard Johnson’s motor lodges & restaurants (1959)
Old Howard Johnson’s restaurants: Care for a menu? (1958)
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Howard Johnson’s 60s restaurant CLAMboree dinner (1965)
There’s Good-Old-Days goodness in every flavor… under the orange roof! (1966)
How ever you love it… to eat in a heaping cone… or to sip by the glass… or spoon by the bowl-full… you’ll never discover finer ice cream treats than Howard Johnson’s wonderful world of 28 flavors.
Whenever you take the family to Howard Johnson’s for ice cream, you know every lick is not only down-right delicious… it’s pure and wholesome, too!
HoJo: The finest flavor ingredients, plus pure country-fresh milk and cream… that’s what gives such rich, superb, good-old-days goodness to every one of Howard Johnson’s Wonderful World of 28 flavors!
2 Responses
Do you have the date and nut bread Recipe from between 1955-1960?
It was served at the tables at the Howard Johnson restaurants
HoJo’s was the original “fast casual” restaurant — one of the only restaurants where you didn’t have to dress up, and pretty much the only one that was kid-friendly back in the day. They were our go-to dinner spot when we were on vacation. Their lemon ice cream (not sherbet) was amazing.