To be absolutely honest, I love eating out. Growing up in the Texas panhandle, our family ate out at restaurants quite a bit. I'd venture to say we ended up going out more than not. It's not that we never broke bread at home. Both my parents were excellent cooks, but the whole family always enjoyed going out on the town.

Let's face it, it's nice to take a break from the kitchen. There's no mess to clean up, and it's often quicker and easier. We all have our favorite places to eat away from home. I know I did. And we can come to rely on those places for special occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, or just a nice evening out.

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However as time goes on, things change. Some of these special places are no longer around, or only have one or two remaining locations. An article from Investing lists over 100 restaurant chains that have closed their doors (or on the brink of doing so). Some of these were my absolute favorites growing up and trust me, they are missed. See how many of these you remember.

LOOK: 6 RESTAURANT CHAINS THAT I LOVED GROWING UP AND ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Showbiz Pizza Place

Opening Year: 1980
Highest Number of Stores: 280
Last Store Closed: Rebranded as Chuck E. Cheese


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Bonanza Steakhouse

Opening Year: 1965
Highest Number of Stores: 600
Last Store Closed: only 19 left


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Steak and Ale

Opening Year: 1966
Highest Number of Stores:
280
Last Store Closed:
2008


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Bennigan's Tavern

Opening Year: 1976
Highest Number of Stores:
150
Last Store Closed: only 11 left


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Shakey's Pizza Parlor

Opening Year: 1958
Highest Number of Stores: 342
Last Store Closed: only 58 left


Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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Pancho's Mexican Buffet

Opening Year: 1958
Highest Number of Stores: 55
Last Store Closed: only 4 left

Times have changed and so have restaurants. I'm sure you remember at least one of the above. If you've lived in Abilene for years, I'm willing to bet you remember Pancho's being at the corner of South 14th and Danville.

Restaurants are a favorite thing of mine, and Abilene has some of the best around. To me, you never can have too many options though. There are plenty of restaurants Abilenians would love to have come to town. Look below for some favorites and see if you agree.

Restaurants We Wish We Had in the Abilene Area

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