Introduced near the end of 1984 not long before the dissolution of the Howard Johnson Company, Deli Baker Ice Cream Maker was a short lived concept. A few existing Howard Johnson's Restaurants in Pennsylvania like Lancaster were converted. The Company hoped to increase sales, yet retain the familiarity of the Orange Roof and perhaps eventually replace all Howard Johnson's with the new concept that was described as two restaurants in one. The converted units featured freshly remodeled dining rooms and also "an enticing and exciting emporium of fresh foods" where the Dairy Counters had been.

Alas the new cupola-less twist on Howard Johnson's failed to save the Company.