Ground Round was founded in Freeport, Maine, in 1969 by Howard Johnson’s. The company is a casual restaurant chain that was very popular in the 1970’s and early 80’s for their children’s parties, which included silent movies and Bingo the Clown. Instead of candy, Bingo passed out peanuts and guests were encouraged to throw the shells on the floor and crunch them.
In early 2004, Ground Round filed for bankruptcy and abruptly closed almost all of their restaurant locations. The chain was quickly purchased by a group of franchise owners who then created Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative, LLC.
The company currently has 30 locations in 13 states. The company states that since new owners took control, revenues at all locations have steadily increased by 4% or more each quarter.
Ground Round Grill and BarGround Round was founded in Freeport, Maine, in 1969 by Howard Johnson’s. The company is a casual restaurant chain that was very popular in the 1970’s and early 80’s for their children’s parties, which included silent movies and Bingo the Clown. Instead of candy, Bingo passed out peanuts and guests were encouraged to throw the shells on the floor and crunch them.
In early 2004, Ground Round filed for bankruptcy and abruptly closed almost all of their restaurant locations. The chain was quickly purchased by a group of franchise owners who then created Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative, LLC.
The company currently has 30 locations in 13 states. The company states that since new owners took control, revenues at all locations have steadily increased by 4% or more each quarter.
