Next generation, old style Gino's to re-open

GLEN BURNIE, Md. - The ubiquitous Gino's fast-food restaurant, which became a popular chain serving burgers, fries and shakes in the 1950s, is returning to the same Glen Burnie building where it started.

The chain is being re-introduced at 7598 Ritchie Highway near Fifth Avenue, serving fresh, cooked-to-order classics as well as a few trendy items. One of the old-time favorites is the Classic Gino Giant burger, replete with special sauce.

Gino's was founded in 1957 by former Baltimore Colts stars Alan Ameche and Gino Marchetti along with their friend, Louis Fischer. The chain quickly expanded throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, at one time boasting 20,000 employees, before it was bought by Marriott in 1982 and folded into Roy Rogers.

The Glen Burnie restaurant is just one of 25 franchises being planned for the region.