Check Out These Fast Food Chains’ Humble Beginnings

For so many decades now, United States has been known for having some of the most famous fast food chains in the entire world. In fact, most of these restaurants have spread out in cities around the globe and have introduced their own take on fast food which has changed the industry in many different ways.

Then again, some people wonder what is it exactly in fast food that people can’t seem to get enough of. From thick calorie-dense milkshakes from McDonald’s to crispy fried chicken from KFC, there is something about fast food that screams comfort and joy. No wonder these fast food chains are still here even decades after their inception.

Fast Food Flashback

According to some analysts, a lot of people enjoy fast food because they literally offer convenience. You see a fast food outlet wherever you go, and it is often used as a landmark to find other places in the surrounding area.

Fast food chain have gained their reputation (and the name) because of their fast service. Once you’ve ordered, you’ll most likely be severed your meal in less than 10 minutes and in some places you don’t need to wait at all! This quick service makes fast food chains a convenient dining option for people who are always on the go and don’t have time to sit around in a restaurant waiting for the food to arrive.

But while fast food is convenient and cheap, it’s usually high in calories which makes it a less ideal option for people who’re watching their weight; and even though it may not be the healthiest option, it is still pretty light on the wallet.

A lot of people know exactly what their favorite fast food restaurants from childhood looked like which is why they have continued to eat from it for so many years now. But then again, only the older generation knows what these chains were actually like when they opened their very first locations decades ago. Now we’re taking you down memory lane so you can learn the history of your favorite fast food chains and what they were like when they first opened.

McDonald’s

They have got to be the most popular fast food chain not just in the United States, but across the entire world. As off 2018, there are almost 37,000 McDonald’s outlets all over the world and you’re bound to spot the iconic Golden Arches no matter which city you go to.

McDonald’s very first store in California

McDonald’s is of course known for their cheeseburgers, signature french fries, and other mouth-watering chicken items which define classic American comfort food. Over the years this world-known eatery has added thousands of franchises to its fast food empire. But despite the massive expansion, McDonald’s has only added a couple of new thing on their menu. Nevertheless, it is still a dominating force in the industry with the biggest market cap among its other competitors.

What people don’t know is that McDonald’s surprisingly started as a hamburger stand. It was started by Richard and Maurice McDonald (hence the name) back in the 1940s in California. However, the very first time that they have used their famous Golden Arches logo that represents a letter M, was in 1953.

Dunkin Donuts

From one fast food restaurant that has hamburgers and fries, let’s go to another one that offers donuts and coffee to satisfy your sweet tooth craving. That’s right, we’re talking about one of the most famous donut chains in the world called Dunkin Donuts, which is known all over the world and has over 9,000 branches in the United States alone.

One of the very first stores of Dunkin Donuts

It was founded by William Rosenberg back in the 1950s, and after 68 years, they are still one of the strongest competitors followed by other donut chains like Krispy Kreme. In fact, they even bought one of their greatest competitors, Mister Donut, back in the 1990s and in 2000, they renovated their very first store in Massachusetts.

Pizza Hut

From a burger joint to a donut chain, now to an Italian fast food known for their pizza. As of March 2018, Pizza Hut now has more than 16,000 branches all over the world, and that just means they are now the largest pizza chain to have that many stores worldwide.

The first Pizza Hut was literally just in a hut

Their very first pizza store was actually in Kansas and it was by two brothers Dan and Frank Carney in 1958, but they began franchising in the late 60s.

Burger King

Last but definitely not the least is McDonald’s main competitor, Burger King. They have over 15,000 branches now all over the world, and their very first one is actually located in Florida. What a lot of people don’t actually know is that this fast-food chain was actually known as Insta-Burger King, until after a year, new owners actually renamed it as Burger King.