topic Re: Fun Memory in Community Chat

Fun Memory

QVCkitty1 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 18:58:58 GMT

I ran across one of those remember when posts online this morning and it featured Howard Johnson's. It was so long ago, but I remembered going there with my parents and ordering fried clams and strawberry ice cream shortcake . The one I'm thinking of was near a small city where we often went shopping, so we would stop there for dinner. I haven't thought of Howard Johnson's in years forever, but it's a nice memory.

Re: Fun Memory

Mi47 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:03:21 GMT

We used to stop for Friday night dinner in Flint Mi going to our cottage in northern Mi. Fried claims and for dessert, peppermint ice cream. Great memories.

Re: Fun Memory

LindaSal — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:10:24 GMT

I remember when those would be along the highways and when we did road trips with my parents we always stopped at a HJ's!! They had the best open face turkey sandwich on the planet. That was my favorite! Yes, nice memories for sure.

Re: Fun Memory

We rescue cats — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:10:53 GMT

I drive by our HoJo's quite often, still has the orange roof but it is now a thrift shop.

Re: Fun Memory

spiderw — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:12:27 GMT

I loved Howard Johnson's hot dogs and for dessert their ice cream!!!!! I miss that place,good food and fun!!! !!! Also my girlfriend worked as a waitress, it was a busy restaurant and she did well. Happy memory!

Re: Fun Memory

Desertdi — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:23:57 GMT

@QVCkitty1 @Mi47

Yup....I went every Friday with my folks for the FRIED CLAMS... di

Re: Fun Memory

PA Mom-mom — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:27:11 GMT

@QVCkitty1 YES! I always ordered the clam strips and a cup of clam chowder. Would do it again today if I could. I just saw Hojo mentioned on a PA history website about the turnpike. The post was about the Midway plaza, and someone mentioned Howard Johnson had the concessions on the TPK.

Re: Fun Memory

Bookplate — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:30:55 GMT

Yes! HoJo's hot dogs and peppermint ice cream will always be a happy memory.

Re: Fun Memory

Shelbelle — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:34:18 GMT

Remember their fried clam rolls

Re: Fun Memory

Puppy Lips — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:38:41 GMT

I remember eating a Howard Johnson's, many times as a kid. Seems like it was mostly when traveling. I remember that their colors were orange and like a turquoise color, and I remember thinking that I did not like those two colors together. Don't remember what I ordered though - probably just burgers and fries.

Re: Fun Memory

Citrine1 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:41:41 GMT

As soon as I read the words "Howard Johnson's", the first thing that popped into my head was fried clams. Then I was questioning myself because it seems like an odd thing to sell at this kind of little family restaurant.

Made me laugh as I read so many posts from others talking about the fried clams, so I guess my memory was correct and that, yes, I used to get them at Howard Johnson's!

I remember going there often, as a kid, with both my parents and grandparents.

Re: Fun Memory

Desertdi — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:41:49 GMT

Re: Fun Memory

Citrine1 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:43:35 GMT

@Desertdi I love how you always provide us with pictures. That menu is fantastic! Those prices!!

Re: Fun Memory

ninjawife — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:44:03 GMT

I worked as a hostess at HoJo's during the summer and school breaks when I was in college.

Re: Fun Memory

Leelee1123 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:09:35 GMT

Remember the kids menu? more choices than chicken fingers and Pizza! And more nutritious too!

Re: Fun Memory

Group 5 minus 1 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:24:57 GMT

i read somewhere that Rachel Ray worked at an HJs.

Re: Fun Memory

1Snickers — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:28:15 GMT

@Mi47 @The fried clams and peppermint ice cream in the silver frosted dish was great! And the Simple Simon menu for kids!
🍽️ 🍤 🍧 😋

Re: Fun Memory

I am still oxox — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:33:51 GMT

Last Hojo Hotel I went to was in Key Largo about 30 years ago, there was a restaurant attached. We used to go to HoJo in Yonkers NY across from the Cross County Mall that my parents would take us for Fish Fry on occasion.

Re: Fun Memory

LizzieInSRQ — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 22:41:08 GMT

Fun Fact: after having served as the personal chef to French President Charles de Galle, Chef Jacque Pepin ( now a culinary icon and legend) turned down a job to be the personsal chef to President Kennedy and instead took a position in culinary development for Howard Jonhson's!.

Re: Fun Memory

haddon9 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 22:34:47 GMT

I can remember going on several road trips with my parents to either the Midwest or south and we usually stopped at a Howard Johnson's for both dinner and an overnight stay.

I don't remember the food but to me the ice cream was the highlight!