My Questionable Howard Johnson’s 2001: A Space Odyssey Menu

There’s something undeniably charming about vintage fast-food memorabilia. It’s not just about the collectible value—it’s the nostalgia, the stories they carry, the little time capsules of pop culture they represent. And few brands capture that mid-century Americana vibe quite like Howard Johnson’s. Remember the bright orange roofs, the 28 flavours of ice cream, and that weirdly comforting, almost kitschy aesthetic? At its peak in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Howard Johnson’s was the go-to stop for road-tripping families across the U.S., with over 1,000 locations serving up classic comfort food and a slice of Americana.

These days, the chain is extinct, but its memorabilia lives on, stirring up memories of a bygone era. One of the strangest, yet most fascinating relics? The 2001: A Space Odyssey Preview Edition Children’s Menu. Yeah, you read that right—a kids’ menu tied to Stanley Kubrick’s trippy sci-fi epic. It’s such an unlikely pairing that it almost feels like a joke, but it’s real. Released in 1968 as a promotional tie-in, it’s one of the weirdest examples of movie-themed marketing I’ve ever seen.

The menu itself is a blast from the past, featuring retro-futuristic artwork and playful nods to the movie’s space exploration theme. It’s kitschy in all the right ways, a perfect blend of Space Age optimism and good old-fashioned diner fare. It’s also a pretty rare piece of memorabilia—one that gives you a glimpse into the quirky marketing strategies of the ‘60s.

It’s wild to think that Stanley Kubrick, the master of cerebral, mind-bending cinema, signed off on a fast-food tie-in for 2001: A Space Odyssey. But MGM knew 2001 was a tough sell—it was ambitious, weird, and unlike anything audiences had seen before. So they leaned into every marketing opportunity they could find, even if it meant pairing a philosophical space opera with children’s chicken fingers. It’s a testament to Kubrick’s willingness to experiment, not just on screen but off it too. And in hindsight, it’s kind of brilliant. By linking the movie to a beloved family brand, they planted the seed of curiosity in young minds

If you’re into collecting weird and wonderful bits of nostalgia, children’s movie menus are a goldmine. They’re not as flashy as action figures or posters, but that’s what makes them special. These were disposable items—meant to be coloured on, spilled on, and tossed out with the trash. Nobody thought to save them, which is why finding one in good condition today feels like stumbling upon a lost artefact.

This 2001: A Space Odyssey menu stands out for its sheer oddness. Imagine sitting down for a burger and fries while reading about a movie that asks existential questions about human evolution and artificial intelligence. Only in the ‘60s, right?

I first found this little gem on an online auction site. The price was a bit too good to be true, but I took the gamble. When it arrived, I was equal parts excited and skeptical. The paper felt too crisp, the print was a little too clean, and it lacked that unmistakable musty smell that old paper should have. Deep down, I know it is probably a reproduction, but honestly? I don’t really care.

Here’s the thing about collecting: it’s not always about authenticity. Sometimes the story is more important. The fact that someone, somewhere, cared enough to recreate this bizarre piece of nostalgia is awesome. Real or not, it’s a conversation starter.

This menu, genuine or not, is a piece of history. It represents a time when restaurants weren’t just places to eat—they were experiences. It takes one back to a world where a simple paper menu could be a gateway to imagination, where brands weren’t afraid to get a little weird with their marketing.

Would I have preferred an authentic, crinkly, yellowed-with-age version? Absolutely. But I love this thing for what it represents—a slice of pop culture that refuses to fade away. This little oddity is one of the coolest stories I’ve added to my collection in a long time.