A History of Howard Johnson's: How a Massachusetts Soda Fountain Became an American Icon

The iconic restaurant chain that defined Americana by introducing twenty-eight flavors of ice cream, "tendersweet" clam strips, grilled "frankforts," and more.

Popularly known as the "Father of the Franchise Industry," Howard Johnson delivered good food and fair prices—a winning combination that brought appreciative customers back for more. The attractive white Colonial Revival restaurants, with eye-catching porcelain tile roofs, illuminated cupolas, and sea blue shutters, were described ...