BLOOMFIELD, NJ – If you grew up in New Jersey, you might have a different memory of Kentucky Fried Chicken as a child than most people in the country. If you think New Jersey was devoid of Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants as a child in the 1970s and early 1980s, you’re not imagining things. This is not some Mandella effect.
You might remember having to get KFC chicken at a place called Gino’s. You might also remember buying Roy Rogers hamburgers at Gino’s. Don’t worry; there’s a good reason why New Jerseyeans are completely confused about the whole KFC, Gino’s, and Roy Rogers thing.
Gino’s Hamburgers, a fast-food restaurant chain founded by Baltimore Colts players Gino Marchetti and Alan Ameche and Louis C. Fischer, made its mark in New Jersey in the 1960s. Known for its Gino Giant, a McDonald’s Big Mac competitor, Gino’s rapidly gained popularity. By the mid-1970s, it had expanded significantly, becoming a beloved spot for families seeking a quick and satisfying meal.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Fried Chicken, founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, was growing its presence in New Jersey. KFC’s unique selling point was its secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, offering a distinct flavor that set it apart from other fast-food chains. By the late 1970s, KFC had become a household name, synonymous with finger-licking good chicken.
Gino’s was the sole franchisee of KFC chicken in several mid-Atlantic states during this period. So, if you wanted KFC in those states, you would go to Gino’s.
The 1980s marked a turning point for Gino’s. In 1982, the chain was acquired by Marriott Corporation, which eventually converted most of Gino’s locations into Roy Rogers Restaurants. This shift ended Gino’s presence as an independent brand in New Jersey. KFC, on the other hand, continued to expand and innovate, introducing new menu items and modernizing its restaurants to enhance customer experience.
Now you know why you might also be confused about Gino’s and Roy Rogers.
During it’s heyday, Gino’s had stores all across New Jersey, including Bloomfield, Ocean City, Oaklyn, Elizabeth, Newark, Westfield, Union, Toms River, Highland Park, Trenton, North Brunswick and several others.
Today, Gino’s legacy lives on through nostalgia and the memories of those who dined there during its heyday. While it no longer has a presence in New Jersey, its impact on the fast-food industry and the cultural fabric of the 1960s and 70s remains significant.
KFC continues to be a major player in New Jersey’s fast-food scene. It has adapted to changing consumer preferences, focusing on menu diversification and incorporating healthier options. KFC’s adaptability and commitment to its original recipe have ensured its continued success and relevance in the state’s fast-food landscape.
Do you miss Gino’s? Guess what, the company is trying to make a comeback. There is a Gino’s operating in Glen Burnie, and one in Towson, Maryland.