Horne's (restaurant)

Horne's was a chain of restaurants and gift shops primarily located along major highways in the Southeastern United States. Founded in 1936 by S. Fuller Horne in Selma, South Carolina, Horne's catered to travelers with a combination of moderately priced meals, gasoline service (in some locations), and souvenir merchandise. The restaurants were known for their distinctive architecture, often featuring a Colonial Revival style with prominent signage that was easily visible from the road.

At its peak, Horne's operated dozens of locations across several states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. The chain was particularly popular during the mid-20th century, a period of increasing automobile travel and the growth of the interstate highway system.

Horne's faced increased competition from larger national restaurant chains as well as changes in travel patterns. Over time, the number of Horne's locations gradually declined. By the late 20th century, many of the original restaurants had closed or been repurposed. While the original Horne's chain is no longer operating, the name and memories associated with it remain a part of the history of roadside Americana.

Some former Horne's locations still stand, although they may operate under different ownership and branding. These remnants serve as nostalgic reminders of a bygone era of highway travel.