On August 26, 1969, Earl S. Swenson received U.S. Patent No. D215,050 on a Self-Service Restaurant Building:

Born Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, Minnie Pearl, was an American comedian who performed at the Grand Ole Opry for decades before she became nationally famous because of her appearances on the hit television show, Hee Haw. At the height of her popularity she was persuaded by businessmen John and Henry Hooker to lend her name to a fried chicken chain to compete with Kentucky Fried Chicken.

By 1968 the Hookers had sold nearly 300 franchises, an decided to go public. The stock quickly climbed to $40.50 per share, even though there were just five restaurants in operation. The stock price continued to climb reaching $56 per share (a $64 million valuation), yet there were still fewer than 40 restaurants open, and none of them making a profit. After an SEC investigation revealed that the company lost $31 million in 1969, the stock price collapsed to under a dollar.

The chain is long gone, but the patented buildings live on. This one at 2130 Leavitt Road, Lorain, Ohio, is now a Marco’s Pizza: