| Postcard circa 1970s |
Darien,
Connecticut --Exit
13, I-95 |
With great expectations the Howard Johnson Company opened its Darien Red Coach Grill in September of 1963. Located directly off of I-95 (the Connecticut Turnpike) and near the Darien Motor Lodge and Restaurant complex, the 320 seat eatery was the 13th in the chain, and one of only two that were opened in 1963. Records indicate that it did "a capacity business" during its first year of operation. Remarkably the unit kept its status until the early 1980s. Deliberately located and designed to attract persons who can indulge their wish to dine sumptuously. The decor and bill of fare are tailored to this concept of serving the "carriage trade." |
| 1963 Howard Johnson Company Annual Report |
| Postcard circa 1960s |
Wethersfield,
Connecticut -- Berlin
Turnpike (CT 15) AKA Hartford |
An early expansion location, Weathersfield was one of eight Red Coach Grills, and the first of the four that were opened in the Constitution State. It likely opened in the 1950s, and remained a Red Coach until the early 1980s. By the 2000s it had maintained its outward appearance but had been converted into a furniture store. For more information about several of the Red Coach Grill locations, please visit: http://orangeroof.org/Massachusetts/RedCoach/redcoach1.html |
| Photograph May 2002 |