Over a decade ago, back when my friend Jon lived in Rockville, Maryland instead of Sydney, New South Wales, we and our friend Cary used to get together on a really regular basis. We’d hang out, maybe go somewhere, watch some movies… and inevitably we would want some dinner. And that was where the Bad Food Triangle was born.

There was a span of about six months when Jon would inevitably suggest one of three restaurants: T.G.I. Friday’s, Ruby Tuesdays, or Bennigan’s. To add to the amusement level of this predictability, two of them were in the same parking lot on one side of Rockville Pike, the third directly on the other side of the street. I am not 100% sure if it was me or Cary that first called it the “Bad Food Triangle” (alternate name: “The Triangle of Death”) but it stuck, with much amusement.

Well, the unthinkable has happened. Bennigan’s announced yesterday that it has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which means it’s going away. The End.

I will admit it, I never thought any of those three chains would go away; they just seemed so carved in stone on the American psyche. (Meanwhile, I am pretty sure the last time I ate at any of those restaurants was back in 2000 or so when Jon was home for a visit and T.G.I. Friday’s was the only place that would accomodate a large group on very short notice. I remember this trip quite vividly because there was a puddle of vomit next to my car in the parking lot, and everyone mocked me when I then moved my car. It was either that or let no one else back into the car for fear that they’d stepped in it, and after I explained that they agreed it was the right call.)

So, goodbye Bennigan’s. Jon and my old roommate Marc both loved you once up on a time, and of the three Bad Food Triangle locations you were actually my favorite. And now all we will have to remember you are some really terrifying commercials. And perhaps memories of food poisoning. Ah, those were the days.