| Photograph December 31, 2001 |
Meridian
has been a rare Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge survivor. Although
it long ago gave up the Motor Lodge moniker, the location remained
a Howard Johnson branded property into 2006. Curiously the worn
out circa 1985 - 1996 era signage remained at Meridian long after
Cendant/HJI had mandated replacement. |
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With
pretensions of grandeur, the former Restaurant became the Greenbriar
Restaurant and Lounge--it is apparently more night spot than restaurant.
At least the Motor Lodge's guests can opt for the nearby Cracker
Barrel for a standard, predictable family style meal similar to
that which they might have experienced in the Howard Johnson's
of old. |
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 |
| Photograph December 31, 2001 |
The
photo above is out of chronological order. It shows the former
Restaurant prior to its "fancy" Greenbriar days operating
as the Red Hot cafe. The Red Hot name was used for many years
by another eatery and hot spot in the Meridian area along U.S.
80. Its interesting highway sign remained extant along the Interstate
for many years -- even after the place was long gone. |
| Photograph December 2003: Courtesy of Phil Edwards |