Take a delicious trip down memory lane

Remember when Krispy Kreme opened in Latham and people lined up for doughnuts? Or when Noodles & Company showed up with two locations, only to close both about a year later?

The Capital Region has welcomed plenty of national restaurant chains over the years, but not all of them stuck around.

Some disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived, while others lasted a few years before closing their doors.

Here are some restaurant chains that tried to make a home in the Capital Region but eventually disappeared from the local dining scene.

Krispy Kreme (2004–2006)

Few restaurant openings in the Capital Region generated the kind of excitement Krispy Kreme did when it arrived in Latham in 2004.

The doughnut shop on Troy-Schenectady Road attracted huge crowds, with traffic backing up as customers waited to get their hands on the chain's famous glazed doughnuts.

But the excitement didn't translate into long-term success. Krispy Kreme closed in 2006, just two years after opening.

REUTERS MARIO ANZUONI

Noodles & Company (2016–2017)

Noodles & Company arrived in the Capital Region in early 2016 with two locations: Crossgates Commons in Albany and the Shoppes at Latham Circle.

The fast-casual chain offered everything from macaroni and cheese to pasta dishes and international noodle bowls.

But in March 2017, both restaurants abruptly closed after only about 13 months in business. The shutdowns came as the company was closing dozens of underperforming locations nationwide.

Joe's Crab Shack (2012–2015)

When Joe's Crab Shack opened in Latham in September 2012, customers lined up overnight to be among the first through the doors.

The first 100 customers even received vouchers for free snow crab every month for a year.

Unfortunately, the seafood chain didn't have the same staying power as its grand opening excitement suggested.

Joe's Crab Shack closed in 2015, about three years after opening. The location was subsequently occupied by Brick House Tavern & Tap which also closed and is now home to Latham's Chik-Fil-A

Quiznos

Before toasted subs were everywhere, Quiznos was a popular alternative to traditional sandwich shops.

The chain had several Capital Region locations over the years, including restaurants on Central Avenue, North Pearl Street in Albany and Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham.

But Quiznos struggled nationally, filing for bankruptcy in 2014 and closing hundreds of locations. Its local restaurants eventually disappeared, too.

REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Old Chicago (2007–2008)

Old Chicago brought deep-dish pizza, beer and an arcade to Wolf Road in Colonie when it opened in 2007.

The restaurant at 111 Wolf Road didn't make it to its second anniversary, closing in 2008.

The building later became Wolf's 1-11, which opened in 2009.

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs brought its hot specialty sandwiches to the Latham Farms area, but its only Capital Region location ultimately closed in December 2018.

The franchise owner said the restaurant had struggled to become profitable, citing competition from other nearby sandwich shops.

The location closed just before Christmas, leaving another national sandwich chain without a Capital Region presence.

Firkin & Fox (2005–2009)

Firkin & Fox offered an English pub-style experience along Wolf Road when it opened in 2005.

With its casual atmosphere, food and drinks, the restaurant was another addition to the busy Colonie dining scene.

But it closed in 2009 after about four years in business. The property later became Nottingham Chop House & Pub.

Atlanta Bread Company

If you remember Atlanta Bread Company on Route 9 in Latham, you're remembering a restaurant that was only here for a relatively short period.

The bakery-cafe chain operated at 620 New Loudon Road in the early 2000s, serving sandwiches, soups, salads and baked goods.

The location eventually closed, leaving the Capital Region without an Atlanta Bread Company.

Fuddruckers

Known for its burgers and toppings bar, Fuddruckers once operated at 72 Wolf Road in Colonie.

The restaurant opened in 2007 in the former Lone Star Steakhouse building and closed in 2010.

Hooters eventually took over the location and eventually closed in 2026. 

Lone Star Steakhouse (1997–2006)

Lone Star Steakhouse was another national chain that once called Wolf Road home.

The steakhouse operated at 72 Wolf Road from 1997 until 2006, serving steaks, burgers and other casual American favorites.

Although its nine-year run was longer than many restaurants on this list, the chain eventually disappeared from the Capital Region.

Carrabba's Italian Grill (2005–2024)

Carrabba's certainly lasted longer than most of these restaurants.

The Italian chain opened at 675 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham in 2005, becoming a longtime destination for pasta, chicken dishes and other Italian-American favorites.

But after nearly 19 years, Carrabba's abruptly closed in February 2024 as its parent company shut down several restaurants.

It was the chain's only Capital Region location.

Which Restaurant Would You Bring Back?

From Krispy Kreme's unforgettable grand opening to Noodles & Company's surprisingly quick departure, the Capital Region has seen plenty of national chains come and go.

Some barely lasted a year. Others became familiar places to eat before eventually disappearing.

Which of these restaurants do you miss the most? And what other chain do you remember that didn't last in the Capital Region?