by Gary Hoover | Aug 26, 2021 | Articles, Foodservice and Lodging, Newsletters
In the 1950s and 1960s, Howard Johnson’s rose to become the largest American restaurant chain, the first giant in the industry. The company’s familiar orange roofs and steeples covered much of the U.S. highway system. “HoJo’s” was also a leader in the development of...
by Gary Hoover | Jul 21, 2021 | Articles, Articles, Articles, Foodservice and Lodging, Media & Entertainment, Newsletters, Transportation
Today we republish an excerpt from the book I wrote twenty-one years ago, including some short but sweet diverse business history stories. The original has been slightly edited and we have added a few more pictures. (The complete book, expanded but only available as...
by Gary Hoover | Jun 25, 2021 | Articles, Articles, Foodservice and Lodging, Newsletters, Transportation
In the nineteenth century, restaurants were patronized by the wealthy and by travelers (at stagecoach stops, inns, and on trains and in train stations). Most workers brought their lunch from home. Over time, especially in cities, diners had more options....
by Gary Hoover | May 8, 2020 | Articles, Foodservice and Lodging, Newsletters
The lodging industry is one of the oldest industries on earth, and one of the most important. No one can do business, trade, spread ideas, practice diplomacy, explore the world, or migrate without temporary lodgings. From the lowliest hostel to the finest...
by Gary Hoover | Jan 23, 2020 | Articles, Data, Foodservice and Lodging, Newsletters
Few industries are more fascinating than the “hospitality” industry, which includes lodging (hotels, motels, BnBs) and foodservice (restaurants, bars, stadium corporate and institutional foodservice). Going to a restaurant convention is one of the most exhilarating...
by Gary Hoover | Sep 12, 2019 | Articles, Articles, Articles, Articles, Business in General, Foodservice and Lodging, Other Industries
This article first appeared on June 24, 2019 in The Archbridge Institute’s ‘American Originals’ series. Despite being often forgotten today, Henry J. Kaiser was one of the most unusual and diverse entrepreneurs in American history. Quitting school at...
by Gary Hoover | Dec 14, 2018 | Articles, Articles, Foodservice and Lodging, Other Industries
This article first appeared on December 14, 2018 in The Archbridge Institute’s ‘American Originals’ series. One of the myths about great entrepreneurs is that they love risk and are big gamblers. In fact, they usually do everything they can to reduce risk and are...
by Gary Hoover | Sep 27, 2018 | Articles, Data, Data, Data, Foodservice and Lodging, Other Industries
Here is a list of the largest US-based hotel chains in 1969, including the number of hotels and motels (“units”). Source: Institutions Magazine 400 1969 list. 1969 largest hotel chains (XLSX)
by Gary Hoover | Apr 24, 2018 | Articles, Foodservice and Lodging
This article first appeared on April 24, 2018 in The Archbridge Institute’s ‘American Originals’ series. Conrad Nicholson Hilton was born to wealth. His father, “Colonel” A. H. “Gus” Hilton, was the leading merchant and trader in the...