Vintage Western Sizzlin: Clemson, SC

Western Sizzlin was once the undisputed star of the family steakhouse industry. Since the 80's, however, most steakhouse chains with their old-fashioned comfort food, stuff-your-face buffets and aging crowds have fallen out of favor with the young, weight conscious and hipster crowd. Because of that, the chain exists in fewer and fewer locations. Nevertheless, it is far from dead and remains quite successful in secondary and tourist-oriented markets.

Most Western Sizzlins I see today are fairly recently built with their older locations long closed, abandoned or repurposed. None, though, are as puzzling as this location in Clemson, SC. That is because not only is it an original location mostly unmodified, but also because if the chain is not what it used to be, you would never know it by the full parking lot I saw there. The sign and style of this location I have not seen in years, so that is why I wanted to show you this rare treat.