The Long-Lost Burger Chain That Was Inspired By A Boomer-Era TV Show

If you grew up in the 1950s, you probably remember gathering around the living room television to watch "The Howdy Doody Show." The Wild West-themed show was led by host Buffalo Bill and his marionette Howdy Doody. The freckle-faced, bandana-wearing character was beloved by children across America, and later, Howdy even served as inspiration for a popular burger chain. 

Howdy! Beef n' Burger first opened in the 1960s and soon became a regional favorite in the Northeast. It was the brainchild of William Rosenberg, who also created Dunkin' Donuts. Some Howdy! Beef n' Burger and Dunkin' locations even shared the same location, a vintage twist on modern-day KFC/Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combos.  

Using Howdy as a mascot, Rosenberg capitalized on children's love for the puppet. Kids could get a free Howdy sticker with their meals, and the menu of burgers, fried chicken, shakes, and french fries also helped attract hungry diners, young and old. 

The branding behind Howdy! Beef n' Burger was also very memorable. When you entered Howdy! Beef n' Burger, the staff would say, "Howdy, may I help you?" And the restaurant's advertisement jingle ("Speedy, speedy, speedy service and the best beefburgers yet") was a catchy earworm before Burger King's "You Rule" existed.

Howdy! Beef n' Burger only had locations in New England, so it's a niche bit of nostalgia. However, if you hail from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Rhode Island, and you're over a certain age, you may remember eating a Howdy! burger. But, sadly, by the end of the 1970s, the last Howdy! Beef n' Burger location closed.

Despite the passage of time, many people still fondly remember eating at Howdy! Beef n' Burger. On a Facebook post about the retro chain, one commenter writes, "Howdy was a special treat for me. Burgers were 10 cents." Others agree, with another person stating, "Great memories there. Burgers, fries and a shake for almost nothing."