Many people in the Lake George region were saddened when news broke in 2012 that their beloved Howard Johnson restaurant was closing. However, the doors under the iconic orange roof on Route 9 that first opened in 1953 have reopened this past January! What was once the largest restaurant chain in the United States in the 1960’s and 70’s has dwindled to only a handful of locations still operating with the Howard Johnson name. Howard Johnson’s Lake George location is one of only three left in the world!
HoJo History
Stepping into a Howard Johnson’s restaurant can make you feel as though you’ve time traveled back to an episode of Mad Men! Always popular among both tourists and locals, it is welcome news that HoJos has opened its doors once more. Covered with a decades-old mural depicting a hand-painted map of historical landmarks in Lake George and boasting rights that claim Rachael Ray’s start in the restaurant industry… there’s no reason to not check out this living piece of history right in the village of Lake George!
HoJo Today
John LaRock of Moreau and Joe DeSantis of DeSantis Enterprises have reopened the historic establishment. LaRock, a former cook at the restaurant, explained per this interview with The Post Star that he’s been surprised at the rapid sales during the slowest season in Lake George. He has spent more than $200,000 refurbishing the building. This includes the retro glass ice cream dishes! Many classic HoJo favorites such as the ice cream and the Friday night fish fry will still be available to indulge in at the Lake George location.
Quick Facts
Currently, it’s open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat before enjoying the rest of your day in the Adirondacks.
There are plans in motion to remain open 24 hours a day during the summer.
Looking for a summer job? Up to 20 new employees could be hired for the busy tourist season. Stop into Hojos to grab an application!
