In 1948 the first Howard Johnson’s Restaurant opened at the corner of Broad & James
The photo above is the Howard Johnson’s restaurant at 1313 Olentangy River Road, in 1952
By the 1980s, few were left many were been converted to Ground Round Grill & Bar restaurants, best remembered for encouraging folks to toss their peanut shells on the floor.
- 4932 E. Main St.: close to James Road, it was the First location in the city opened in 1948.
- 1313 Olentangy River Rd.: A well-remembered location that was demolished in the 1980s.
- 999 E. Dublin-Granville Rd.: Situated near I-71, this was another key spot for the chain.
- 3833 West Broad St (U.S. 40 West) Built in 1962 with a motor lodge
