What can a 100-year-old restaurant empire teach modern business owners about branding, innovation, and losing their way?
In this episode of “The Story: Back When They Had Their Story”, Jeff Gould explores the fascinating rise and fall of Howard Johnson’s — once one of the most recognizable names in America. From orange roofs and 28 flavors of ice cream to franchising innovation and roadside dominance, Howard Johnson helped shape the modern travel and restaurant experience.
But this isn’t just a history lesson.
Jeff breaks down what Howard Johnson’s got right, where they lost momentum, and what today’s entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators can learn from their success and decline. At the center of it all is one powerful truth:
“Don’t lose the heart of your story.”
If you own a business, lead a brand, or care about legacy, innovation, and storytelling, this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
• The origin of Howard Johnson’s and early franchising
• Branding through design, consistency, and customer experience
• Why innovation matters more than nostalgia
• How competition slowly changed the marketplace
• The dangers of ignoring internal warning signs
• Lessons modern business owners can apply today
Watch, reflect, and ask yourself:
What is the heart of your story — and are you protecting it?
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Learn all about America’s Storyteller on his website: https://www.ilikethatstory.com