The Burger in a Hurry chain was established in Birmingham, AL in 1961. There were several built in the Birmingham area, one in Tuscaloosa, AL, and one in Hialeah, FL. There may have been others. There were plans to build other locations in Houston, TX and New Orleans, LA but I don't know if those were actually built. By the late 1970s, the chain was defunct. I don't know of any other surviving buildings other than the two shown below. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

former Burger in a Hurry Haltom City, TX

This former Burger in a Hurry now houses a used car dealership. [map]

former Burger in a Hurry Tuscaloosa, AL

This former Burger in a Hurry has been covered up considerably with vinyl siding. It now houses the Tuscaloosa Drug Store. [map]

The Mr. Quick Hamburgers chain was founded in 1962 in Moline, IL. There were at least 300 locations in about 13 states. There are a few still operating in Michigan. However, none of those have vintage signs or buildings. The building design was inspired by McDonald's restaurants. If you know of any other surviving Mr. Quick buildings or signs, I'd love to hear about them.

former Mr. Quick Hamburgers Fort Worth, TX 2011:

2021:

This former Mr. Quick Hamburgers was built sometime before 1972. Although a dining area box has been added to the front of the building, its original profile is intact. By 2014, the building housed Louisiana Seafood & Fish Market. [map]

former Mr. Quick Hamburgers Tucson, AZ 2012:

2020:

This former Mr. Quick Hamburgers had been abandoned for many years. The building may have housed a fried chicken take-out in the 1980s. The atom on top of the sign was part of the Mr. Quick design. There was also a two-dimensional atomic neon sign and a flat-roofed building design as evidenced by this Carthage, MO location which is gone now. In 2016, the Tucson building was adapted for a Domino's and the sign was removed. The atomic sign has been restored and is now displayed at the Ignite Sign Art Museum in Tucson, AZ. The 15-cent round panel was restored and is displayed inside the museum. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. [map]

The El Taco chain was established by Glen Bell in 1958. In 1962, after four locations had been built, Bell broke away from his partners and established the Taco Bell chain. The El Taco locations were either built entirely or primarily in California and Arizona. There were plans to build 100 locations but I don't know how many were actually built. If you know of other El Taco locations still in operation with vintage signs or buildings, I'd love to know about them.

former El Taco Tucson, AZ
2012:	2020:

El Taco Orange, CA

former El Taco Anaheim, CA

This Tucson location was built in 1966. I believe this building is the only one with a sawtooth roof. I don't know if there were others built like this. At least 20 locations were built in Tucson. However, this was apparently the only one left. I believe it closed in 2013. The building and sign were still there in 2014. By 2016, the building was housing the Caravan Mediterranean restaurant. [map] The Orange and Anaheim buildings appear to have had double drive-thru windows. Those lanes are blocked off now. The Anaheim location became Taqueria El Primo around 2019 and the El Taco signs were removed. [Orange map]; [Anaheim map]

former El Taco Costa Mesa, CA

This former El Taco building later housed Taco Jr. Later, it housed Taco Brat. The building now houses Landers Bar & Kitchen and has been painted black. [map]

former El Taco Maywood, CA

This former El Taco building has housed the El Indio Azteca restaurant since at least 2007. [map]

El Taco San Pedro, CA

This El Taco location appears to be more modern. It is also known as El Taco #17. This location has a simple boxy building with a walk-up window and a single drive-thru window on the side. This plastic sign is also not embossed. These photos are from 2014. The panels were replaced again around 2021. [map] There are a couple of locations in Downey, CA but they do not have vintage buildings or signs.

More El Tacos: Glendale, AZ [closed; sign removed; building remodeled] Downey, CA [vintage; gone]

More Fast Food Chains: Dawn Donuts Geri's Hamburgers Gino's Hamburgers: 1, 2 Happy Chef Horne's Hot Shoppes Jr. In-N-Out Burger Kelly's Jet-System Drive-In: 1, 2, 3 [scan thanks Robby Delius] Lil' Duffer Burger Barn Mister Donut Pioneer Chicken: 1, 2 Red Barn Restaurants Sherer's Drive-ins Stuckey's Waffle House: 1, 2 Videos: Where's the Beef? Savoring Relics of America's Fast-Food Chains Spotlight on Main Street: Who is Speedee?

Other Fast Food Chains (page 1)

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Copyright. All photos at this website are copyrighted and may only be used with my consent. This includes posting them at Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, other websites, personal use, etc. Tips & Updates. If you have suggestions about places that I haven't covered, historical info, or updates about places/things that have been remodeled or removed, I'd love to hear from you: roadarch@outlook.com.