Howard Johnson Stock Certificate (1960s–1970s) — “HoJo’s” Hospitality Icon

Turn roadside nostalgia into a wall-worthy collectible with this Howard Johnson stock certificate, issued in the 1960s–1970s. Fondly known as “HoJo’s”, Howard Johnson helped define American travel with bright orange roofs, blue cupolas, and the unforgettable “28 flavors” of ice cream.

In the mid-20th century, the brand wasn’t just a place to eat—it became an experience that shaped how families traveled, dined, and spent time together along the highway.

From Roadside Dining to Modern Hotels

Today, while the restaurant division is gone, the Howard Johnson name lives on as a major hotel brand managed through Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. It remains part of an active international hospitality network, proving “HoJo’s” never truly disappeared—just changed its route.

Why Collectors Seek Howard Johnson Stock (1960s–1970s)

• Issued during HoJo’s peak era when roadside travel culture was exploding
• Strong nostalgia factor: instantly recognizable branding and menu traditions
• Story-rich history: from an ice cream dream to franchising and highway dominance
• A fun, collectible piece of American hospitality and consumer culture

The HoJo’s Story: A Hospitality Empire Built for the Highway

Origin & Early Growth (1925–1935)

Howard Johnson’s began in 1925 in Wollaston, Massachusetts. Howard Deering Johnson bought a small, indebted drugstore—and quickly noticed how popular the soda fountain was. To create something even better, he developed an ice cream recipe using a higher butterfat content and entirely natural ingredients, eventually expanding to a trademarked lineup of 28 flavors.

First Restaurant & Comfort-Food Fame (1929)

In 1929, Johnson opened the first full-service sit-down restaurant in downtown Quincy, Massachusetts, serving New England favorites like fried clams, chicken pot pie, baked beans, and butter-grilled frankfurters.

The “Modern Franchise” Breakthrough (1935)

When the Great Depression made traditional expansion difficult, Howard Johnson pioneered a modern franchise approach in 1935—licensing the brand name, recipes, and exact visual standards to scale the concept rapidly without massive capital requirements.

Golden Era: King of the Highways (1940s–1970s)

After World War II, expanding interstate turnpikes turned the highway into a national destination. Howard Johnson secured exclusive contracts along major routes, becoming a beacon for hungry road-trippers.

Dining Innovations Families Loved

• Kid’s menu (a family-friendly standard)
• Interactive placemats with crayons
• “Doggie bag” style take-home leftovers

Motor Lodge Expansion (1954)

In 1954, HoJo’s realized travelers needed predictable places to eat and sleep—so it launched its first Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge, built right next to the restaurants.

Peak Success in the 1960s–1970s

By the 1960s and 1970s, the empire included over 1,000 restaurants and hundreds of motels. During this time, Howard Johnson’s served more meals outside the home than any other organization in the world—second only to the United States Army.

Decline & Brand Evolution

The late 1970s and 1980s brought major change:

• Stiff competition from fast-food leaders
• Families were drawn away from aging menus by newer casual concepts
• In 1985, the company was bought out and split—brand and operations were separated among new owners

Stripped from the hotel ecosystem and affected by shifting ownership, the restaurants gradually shut down. The last Howard Johnson’s restaurant—located in Lake George, New York—closed permanently in 2022.

Collectible Display Value

Whether you collect scripophily, Americana, or roadside history, this Howard Johnson certificate offers a tangible connection to an era when hospitality was practically defined by the highway icon.

Product Details

• Company: Howard Johnson
• Issue Period: 1960s–1970s
• Theme: “HoJo’s” roadside dining, franchising, and family travel culture