For those who grew up in Toronto during the 1970s and 1980s, the name Ponderosa might stir up long-lost memories of creamy baked potatoes, all-you-can-eat salad bars, and refreshing sundaes. While you won't find any of its restaurants in Canada anymore, Ponderosa was once named after the ranch in the long-running Western TV series, Bonanza. The chain operated in the middle ground between a fast food and full-service restaurant, offering budget-friendly meals with cafeteria-style service. The chain first entered the Canadian market in 1971, operated by Foodex Inc., and rapidly expanded over the next decade and a half. Although it has disappeared from Canada, Ponderosa is still fondly remembered by generations of Toronto residents to this day.