The Lost Burger Joint....

..well, it isn't really lost, it actually is remembered fondly south of the border in the US, it was never here in Canada, but these spots just came north of the border in a box of commericals I bought from a guy in Ohio off Ebay a few years back (and no doubt a lot of them will eventually end up here on the jetsam)

Burger Chef had its humble beginnings much like the Mcdonalds and Burger Kings and Dairy Queens that are still around. Bought by Hardees in 1981, it remained in operation until 1996, and obviously has left a mark on many people, in fact here's a whole WEBSITE dedicated to the franchise. Nostalgia is big on the internet. and just think what history would have been forgotten if blogs like this and website like the burger chef site didn't exist?

OK, so you tube has a 1974 Burger Chef COMMERICAL for your visual delight, but now for a delight for your ears.

Apparently, having fish at a burger joint is a big deal, at least for Burger Chef. Their new "Mariner" Meal radio spots have all the plastic hype you expect from 1977 and the jingle to match. Sometimes I miss the 70's for that reason. Everything is too serious now. Still, let's hear two spots promoting "Fish, at a Burger Place"

From January 1977 (to run 02/77-04/77)
Burger Chef "Mariner-Fish Lovers" # BC 60 2061R
Produced by Ogilvy and Mather, NYC
Dub From Syncrofilm Services NYC
:60




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From January 1977 (to run 02/77-04/77)
Burger Chef "Mariner-You Got a Fish Lover" # BC 60 2062R
Produced by Ogilvy and Mather, NYC
Dub From Syncrofilm Services NYC
:60




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Finally, does anyone pay remember the 1970s "King Kong" movie from Paramount? Yeah, that's what I figured. Big budget, big names, and largely a big flop. Details to refresh your memory HERE They might have had big glasses as a promotional tie in with the film at Burger Chef, as the radio spot implies, but they're were probably not that big...but the commerical certainly tries, rather humorously, to be. enjoy!

From April 1977
Burger Chef "King Kong Glasses REV # 2"
Produced by unknown
:60




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Disco, Disco Bear.....

A&W, an American restaurant chain which is still quite big in Canada, has been building on their history in this country since 1956. The walls of each restaurant are lined with their archive of pictures taken over the decades. This particular jingle may not be something they remember or want to remember fondly.

It's 1979, at the height of the disco era, and A&W doesn't want to be left out in relating to the young crowd. "Follow the root bear.." is about as intense as this jingle gets to a disco beat, but what's a bit surprising for me is the voice over announcer mixed in with the jingle. This guy is kinda creepy. Even in the loose and swinging era of the 70's, I really think any girl, even this guy's own sister, would run the other way instead of heading to A&W for a burger and fries. But who am I to say? I still think the guy comes off as creepy or desperate or maybe even both.

From 1979, A & W Food Services
Produced by Spot Shop, Vancouver
From Tape Sept 21st, 1979

:60 sec Disco with VO (cut 4 of 4 on the reel)





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PS:

After listening to the whole tape of the additional 3 spots, these are just as "good" (tongue in cheek on what you consider good in life) so i'm also including these as below:

A & W Country with V/O





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A & W Baroque with V/O




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A & W 50's with V/O




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