Introduced on November 5, 1984 at the renovated Carlisle Restaurant, the Deli•Baker•Ice Cream Maker concept was touted as a reshaped and repositioned direction for the Orange Roofed chain, but respected the heritage and strengths of Howard Johnson's Restaurants.

Emphasizing fresh foods served quickly, the units were said to be two restaurants in one. In the first part, the Dairy Bar was replaced with "a long sleek counter" where guests could view a wide variety of foods and order them at a "pick-up" area. The remainder of the restaurant offered traditional table service.