Lost Legends: America’s Iconic Fast Food Chains of Yesteryear

Beefsteak Charlie’s started out as a regular restaurant in New York City in 1910. The founder, Charles W. Chessar, was known for his delicious beefsteak sandwiches. The restaurant had a racehorse theme and was decorated with pictures from horse races and equestrian events.

In 1976, Larry Ellman decided to turn the now 66-year-old restaurant into the restaurant chain we recall today. They stayed true to serving beefsteak sandwiches and even advertised an unlimited, all-you-can-eat salad bar and bottomless wine and beer. After the chain changed a number of hands in management, the final location closed for good in 2009.