Off the Cob is a popular corn dog franchise that has been delighting customers with its hand-dipped corn dogs since the 1980s. However, with many restaurants struggling in recent years, some customers have been wondering – is Off the Cob still in business?
A Brief History of Off the Cob
Off the Cob was founded in 1981 by entrepreneur Howard Johnson. Johnson came up with the idea for a corn dog restaurant after enjoying the hand-dipped corn dogs at state fairs. He saw an opportunity to bring this tasty fair food to the masses year-round.
The first Off the Cob opened in Dallas, Texas in 1981. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its freshly made corn dogs coated in a secret crispy batter. Everything was hand-dipped and made to order. The menu later expanded to include fresh-cut fries, onion rings, and milkshakes.
By 1985, there were 35 Off the Cob locations across Texas. Franchising began in 1988, allowing for rapid national expansion. By the 1990s, there were over 300 Off the Cob restaurants across the United States. Off the Cob continued growing into the 2000s and 2010s. At the chain’s peak, there were 425 locations nationwide.
The Decline of Off the Cob
In the mid-2010s, Off the Cob began experiencing a decline. Rising costs and increasing competition from trendier fast casual restaurants led to several consecutive years of falling profits. Some franchise owners began closing underperforming locations.
Off the Cob’s downturn can also be attributed to shifts in consumer preferences. Customers, especially younger ones, have been choosing healthier options like salads and bowls over fried corn dogs. Off the Cob’s classic fair fare wasn’t evolving along with consumer tastes.
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt another blow to Off the Cob. Government-mandated closures and supply chain issues made it difficult for many restaurants to stay afloat. Off the Cob shuttered dozens more locations during 2020 and 2021.
Current State of Off the Cob
As of October 2023, there are approximately 200 Off the Cob restaurants still operating. This is less than half of the chain’s peak number of locations. However, 200 stores still represent a sizable footprint across 25 U.S. states.
Here is a breakdown of how many Off the Cob locations currently exist in each state:
| State | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| Texas | 42 |
| California | 28 |
| Florida | 16 |
| New York | 12 |
| Illinois | 11 |
| Pennsylvania | 10 |
| Ohio | 9 |
| Michigan | 8 |
| Georgia | 7 |
| North Carolina | 6 |
| Arizona | 5 |
| Tennessee | 5 |
| Virginia | 5 |
| Indiana | 4 |
| Missouri | 4 |
| Oklahoma | 4 |
| Maryland | 3 |
| Minnesota | 3 |
| South Carolina | 3 |
| Wisconsin | 3 |
| Alabama | 2 |
| Colorado | 2 |
| Louisiana | 2 |
| Oregon | 2 |
| Kentucky | 1 |
| Massachusetts | 1 |
| Mississippi | 1 |
| New Mexico | 1 |
| South Dakota | 1 |
Texas, where Off the Cob was founded, still boasts the most locations. Other states with a sizable Off the Cob presence include California, Florida, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Some states like Wyoming, Vermont, and Hawaii have no Off the Cob restaurants.
Reasons for Remaining Locations
Although the number of Off the Cob restaurants has significantly declined, the chain has managed to stay afloat in certain markets. Here are some of the reasons why Off the Cob remains open in some areas:
- Brand loyalty – States like Texas and Oklahoma have patrons who grew up loving Off the Cob. Their lifelong brand loyalty has kept enough locations profitable.
- Tourist attractions – Stores near popular theme parks or vacation destinations bring in consistent business from tourists.
- Strategic closures – Closing underperforming stores has allowed the best-performing locations to stay open.
- Nostalgia factor – Off the Cob gives millennials and Gen Z diners a taste of vintage fast food.
- Fair season – Locations near state and county fairgrounds thrive during peak fair season.
While their heyday has passed, Off the Cob still evokes nostalgia and cravings for a classic corn dog. For many longtime fans, it would be disappointing to see the remaining restaurants go under.
The Future of Off the Cob
The future of Off the Cob remains uncertain. The chain could potentially close more underperforming restaurants until only the most profitable locations in the strongest markets remain. However, there is also a possibility that Off the Cob could experience a comeback.
Potential Decline
If sales continue to lag, Orr the Cob may have no choice but to keep shutting down locations. If too many stores close, it could reach a tipping point where the manufacturing and distribution chains are no longer profitable. If Off the Cob keeps losing name recognition and relevance among younger generations, it may only be a matter of time before the whole chain goes under.
Potential Revival
On the other hand, there are ways Off the Cob could entice diners to return. Nostalgia marketing and limited-time throwback menu items could summon old cravings. Modernizing its brand image while still keeping classic menu items could help attract new fans. Adding trendy items like hand-dipped corn dog bites or gourmet dipping sauces could also draw crowds. Franchise owners have the power to revive their local stores with smart promotions and community events.
Conclusion
Off the Cob has experienced a significant decline over the past decade, shrinking from a 400+ location national chain to around 200 scattered stores. The brand has struggled to stay relevant as consumer tastes have evolved. However, a loyal fanbase and smart business moves from remaining owners have kept Off the Cob afloat, at least for now.
It’s hard to predict whether Off the Cob will vanish in the coming years or make a comeback. Nostalgia and brand loyalty could keep stores running in some regions. But the chain would require strategic changes to thrive again nationwide. Off the Cob’s fate ultimately comes down to whether the brand can rediscover its appeal and recapture the delight of generations past.