Last Howard Johnson’s Restaurant in the World in Lake George Has Closed [PICS]

It's the end of an era! At one time there were 1000 Howard Johnson's restaurants across the United States and one standing in Lake George Village. The famous orange-roofed restaurant is now closed for good. Take a walk down memory lane and look at this iconic restaurant that kept the nostalgic orange decor and atmosphere.

There Almost Wasn't a Howard Johnson's Restaurant in Lake George

In the 1950s Carl DeSantis' dad said no to opening a Howard Johnson franchise in Lake George but Carl begged him to reconsider. He asked his dad to cosign a loan for him and donate some land to build the restaurant. Carl then trained with Howard Johnson's for a few months and then opened the restaurant according to Atlas Obscura.

Rachel Ray Once Worked at This Howard Johnson

Growing up near Lake George, Rachel Ray worked at this Howard Johnson when she was a teenager scooping ice cream. Her mom was the manager according to the Daily Gazette.

It Was the Last Howard Johnson's in the World

The 1970s saw a boom of fast food chains and it hindered the Howard Johnson experience of stopping in while traveling. One by one, the restaurants closed. Sadly, Lake George doesn't have the last Howard Johnson restaurant anymore. It has closed its doors. The entire property is up for lease.

Take A Look at What it Looked Like Inside-It's Like Traveling Back in Time

Front of House

Check out the counter and the fountain glasses. There is also an old apron hanging from the walls. Notice the walls are still painted in the Howard Johnson signature orange.

Entrance

This is the counter area where you would walk over to the booth section to wait to be seated.

Rows of Booths

This is the booth section. Notice the paneling walls and the brown rug. Signature of the Howard Johnson's restaurant.

Salad Bar

This was the enormous salad bar that Howard Johnson was famous for.

Large Corner Booth

This was the large round corner booth at the Howard Johnson's. It is upholstered in the signature red with an orange tabletop.