#32: Kenny’s (1960s–1979)
Kenny’s was a Midwestern fast-food chain that gained popularity in the 1960s and early ‘70s. Known for its mascot — Kenny the Kangaroo — and its simple yet tasty menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes, it was especially popular among families with young kids.
The restaurant had a whimsical charm and tried to stand out by appealing to children and offering value meals. At its peak, Kenny’s operated dozens of locations, primarily in the Midwest. However, by 1979, competition from national giants like McDonald’s and Burger King proved too fierce, and most Kenny’s restaurants were closed or sold off.