Down, but not trout!
Iconic fast food chain, Arthur Treacher’s, is planning a comeback.
During their heyday in the 1970s, the chain boasted as many as 800 locations across the country. But the fried seafood-centered restaurant frittered away. After it’s brief but beloved run, the chain ended up filing for bankruptcy before the 1980s. Only a few independent franchises still survive -- seven through Ohio and New York, most recently.
Now a slow-roll relaunch is planned by parent company and hot dog king, Nathan’s Famous. The relaunch will exist as numerous ghost kitchens -- locations that make the food for pick-up or delivery only. Plans are in order to open up sit-down restaurants again, but for now, the ghost kitchens will be the only option for those who have pined for the fried Treacher treats of yore.
In their glory days, Arthur Treacher's offered what seemed then a somewhat healthier and unique option against all the burger joints. Their authentic, British-style, fish-and-chips basics gained popularity quickly, featuring delicious curiosities like their “hush puppies,” fried cornbread balls. And their pine-green tiled roofs could be recognized from miles away.
The Nathan’s Famous chain has already offered some Arthur Treacher’s items at some of its locations. They plan to keep some favorites and create new ones. Like every fast food chain favorite, the company realizes they need to freshen up the old deep-fried menu.
"We're using the same breading that everyone loves,” promises James Walker, SVP of restaurants for Nathan’s Famous. “That same hand-batter, crispy golden batter. We'll have the same hush puppies. But we're upgrading all of the proteins. We're adding more shrimp to the menu. We're really upscaling the quality, but keeping those same flavors and appearance that people love about the brand."
The ghost kitchens are already in gear -- there are 168 so far -- and physical restaurants are promised soon. Fans can look forward to those Fish n' Chips Sandwiches, Captain's Dinners, and the Boom Boom Shrimp Platters.
Some background, for those who were born after Reagan’s Presidency -- the first Arthur Treacher’s opened in that perpetual test-market town, Columbus, Ohio, in 1969, with the help of Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, according to Yahoo! Life. The restaurant was named after British actor Arthur Treacher, best known for playing a number of butler roles in 1930s films.
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