#31: D’Lites (1978–1987)
D’Lites was a forward-thinking fast-food chain founded in 1978 in Georgia. It aimed to serve healthier alternatives to traditional fast food. With leaner beef, whole wheat buns, and low-calorie offerings, it attracted health-conscious diners during a time when such options were rare.
The chain expanded quickly, growing to more than 100 locations across the U.S. in just a few years. However, its rapid growth led to financial overreach, and the market wasn’t yet ready to fully embrace diet-friendly fast food. D’Lites filed for bankruptcy in 1987, and most locations were sold or shuttered.