Bring home a remarkable piece of American roadside dining history with this set of 6 vintage Howard Johnson's divided grill plates produced exclusively for Howard Johnson's Restaurants.
These heavy restaurant-ware plates feature the iconic red scenic transferware border that became synonymous with the Howard Johnson's dining experience during the 1950s and early 1960s. The detailed design depicts nostalgic Americana scenes, including horse-drawn carriages, pastoral landscapes, farms, and classic Howard Johnson's architecture, celebrating the golden age of the American road trip.
Designed with three divided sections, these grill plates were created to serve complete meals in the busy Howard Johnson's restaurants that lined America's highways. Their durable construction and practical design made them ideal for everyday restaurant service while showcasing the chain's distinctive visual identity.
Howard Johnson's became one of the most recognizable restaurant chains in America by offering travelers a dependable place to dine while exploring the country by automobile. The scenic border artwork reflected this spirit of travel, blending images of America's rural heritage with the modern roadside restaurant experience.
The backstamp identifies these plates as products of Caribe China, a respected manufacturer in Puerto Rico that supplied commercial-grade restaurant ware during Howard Johnson's peak years. The mark also notes distribution through W.C. Ayres Co., Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, linking these plates to the chain's extensive East Coast operations.
As Howard Johnson's modernized its image in the 1960s, many of these beautifully detailed transferware pieces were retired in favor of simpler contemporary designs. Today, surviving examples are highly sought after by collectors of restaurant ware, Americana, advertising memorabilia, and vintage travel history.
Excellent vintage condition. Plates are free of chips, cracks, and repairs. The red transferware decoration remains vibrant and well preserved. Minor utensil marks and light signs of use consistent with age and restaurant ware may be present.
A wonderful addition to any Howard Johnson's collection, restaurant ware collection, Americana display, or vintage kitchen décor. The combination of authentic restaurant history, iconic design, and complete service for six makes this a particularly desirable set for collectors.