3 ms·
HoJos were catering to travelers, not to locals(which is why they are on the side of highways generally). So the idea is you're in some new territory on a road
by oh_sigh 4y ago
HoJos were catering to travelers, not to locals(which is why they are on the side of highways generally). So the idea is you're in some new territory on a road trip, and you see a name you know and trust and know you can go in there and get a meal that you'll enjoy. Yes, sometimes exploring unique local food options is what you want to do. Other times, it isn't. Maybe you just spent 8 hours driving in the car with 3 kids, and you need to get food into them that you know they won't reject. Or you're a business traveler and aren't interested in sightseeing, and just want to get a quick meal near your hotel.
I'm sure it happened, but I'd imagine very few customers lived within a couple miles of a HoJo and would eat there regularly.
- anyfoo 4y agoThat's a good explanation, thanks. So it's basically McDonald's but with more "substantial" food suited to sit in with families. That makes sense to me. Almost no matter where I traveled in the world, I sometimes wanted to just get some food in me and move on, say because I was transitioning through a place or simply did not have the energy for more. As a then single guy, McDonald's was always a good option for that: You know what you get and it's quick and easy.
- bobthepanda 4y agoRight. These days, a lot of chains like these have become less necessary, since Yelp and the like are everywhere. But in pre-digital days you didn’t know which local restaurant was good and which would send you to the clinic.
- Spooky23 4y agoHoJos were based on the famous “Harvey Houses” of Santa Fe railroad fame. They were sort of like a mix of Dennys and a Waffle House. In alot of out of the way places, they were the restaurant. So they carried a nostalgic appeal even for locals.