Howard Deering Johnson

Howard Brennan Johnson (1970)

Howard Deering Johnson (February 2, 1897 – June 20, 1972) was an American entrepreneur, best known for founding the Howard Johnson's restaurant and hotel chain. His innovative approach to franchising played a significant role in the development of the modern hospitality industry in the United States.

Early Life

Howard Deering Johnson was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1897. He grew up in a modest family and faced numerous challenges in his early years, including the death of his father when Johnson was a teenager. This event forced him to leave school and enter the workforce to support his family.

Career

Johnson's career in the hospitality industry began in the late 1920s when he took over a small drugstore in Quincy, Massachusetts. He expanded the business by offering homemade ice cream with a high butterfat content, which quickly became popular. Encouraged by this success, Johnson opened a restaurant in Quincy in 1929, focusing on simple, quality food at reasonable prices.

The first Howard Johnson's restaurant became a local favorite, known for its ice cream, fried clams, and other simple dishes. Recognizing the potential for expansion, Johnson began franchising his restaurant concept in 1935, marking one of the first uses of franchising in the restaurant industry. By the late 1930s, there were over 25 Howard Johnson's restaurants in operation, each offering a standardized menu and quality control, which were innovative concepts at the time.

Expansion and Legacy

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Howard Johnson's brand expanded beyond restaurants to include motels, becoming one of the first nationwide chains of motor lodges in the United States. The company's distinctive orange-roofed buildings became a familiar sight along American highways, symbolizing reliable quality and service for travelers.

Howard Deering Johnson's vision and entrepreneurial spirit were instrumental in shaping the modern American hospitality industry. His emphasis on franchising, quality control, and brand consistency set standards that are still followed today. Johnson's success with Howard Johnson's established him as a pioneer in the field of franchising and hospitality.

Death and Legacy

Howard Deering Johnson passed away on June 20, 1972. His legacy lives on through the Howard Johnson brand, although the number of operating locations has significantly decreased from its peak. Today, Howard Johnson's is remembered not only for its impact on the hospitality industry but also as a symbol of mid-20th-century American culture and entrepreneurship.

See Also

• Franchising
• Hospitality industry
• American cuisine