The 1920s is an important decade because it marked the birth of the modern restaurant industry.

Introduction of Restaurants

Before World War I, automobiles were less common and there were few opportunities for getting meals on the road.  Between 1920 and 1930, the number of automobiles in America rose from eight million to twenty-three million and along with the increase came thousands of barbeque shacks, ice cream stands and diners.  These restaurants and stands catered to motorists, travelers and tourists, like the Howard Johnson ice cream stands that popped up in Boston in the mid-20s, later evolving into the hotel and restaurant chain.