While the concept of quickly prepared and readily available food has existed for centuries across various cultures, the modern fast food industry, with its emphasis on standardization and franchising, has distinctly American roots. These pioneering establishments not only served up convenient meals but also introduced innovative practices that have become staples of the industry. Let’s explore the contenders for the title of “first fast food chain” and uncover their unique stories.
Burger King
Year Founded: 1954
Founder(s): Keith J. Kramer and Matthew Burns
Year Franchising Started: 1959
Current No. of Locations: Over 18,700
Headquarters: Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA
Burger King’s journey began in 1954 in Jacksonville, Florida, under the name Insta-Burger King, thanks to the Insta-Broiler ovens used to cook their burgers. Founders Keith J. Kramer and Matthew Burns mandated the use of these machines across all franchises. Despite initial success, the company faced financial challenges. In 1959, franchisees David Edgerton and James McLamore stepped in, purchasing the company and renaming it Burger King.
Edgerton and McLamore were instrumental in shaping Burger King’s identity. They replaced the Insta-Broiler with the flame broiler, invented by themselves, and introduced the Burger King mascot in 1955. James McLamore also created the signature Whopper sandwich in 1957.
Did You Know?
In Australia, Burger King restaurants operate under the name Hungry Jack’s due to a pre-existing trademark on the Burger King name. Master franchisee Jack Cowin selected the alternative name from a list provided by Burger King.
Sonic
Year Founded: 1953
Founder(s): Troy Smith
Year Franchising Started: 1956
Current No. of Locations: Over 3,606
Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Sonic’s history dates back to 1953 when Troy Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, acquired a walk-up root beer stand called the Top Hat in Seminole, Oklahoma. Seeking to enhance the customer experience, Smith installed drive-in speakers, inspired by a similar system he saw in Louisiana. Carhops were then hired to deliver food to customers in their cars, revolutionizing the drive-in concept.
In 1956, Smith partnered with entrepreneur Charles Woodrow Pappe, who recognized the potential of Smith’s drive-in restaurant. Discovering that the name Top Hat was already trademarked, they rebranded the chain as Sonic in 1959.
Did You Know?
Instead of a traditional franchise fee, Troy Smith and Charles Pappe charged two cents per hamburger, translating to a penny profit per bag stamped with Sonic’s logo.
Jack in the Box
Year Founded: 1951
Founder(s): Robert Oscar Peterson
Year Franchising Started: Early 1970s
Current No. of Locations: 2,200
Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Jack in the Box emerged in 1951 in San Diego, California, founded by Robert O. Peterson, who already owned a chain of restaurants called Topsy’s Drive-In. Jack in the Box distinguished itself as one of the pioneers of the drive-thru restaurant model, utilizing an intercom system. Peterson acquired the rights to the system in 1947 from George Manos and further refined it, creating the now-ubiquitous two-way intercom system used in drive-thrus worldwide.
The chain expanded under Peterson’s leadership until he sold it to Ralston Purina Co. in 1968. Franchising began under Ralston Purina, leading to significant growth.
Did You Know?
The Jack character, initially a clown atop the restaurant roof and intercom, was reimagined in 1995 as the company’s fictional founder, CEO, and advertising personality.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Year Founded: 1948
Founder(s): William Rosenberg
Year Franchising Started: 1955
Current No. of Locations: Over 12,900
Headquarters: Canton, Massachusetts, USA
Dunkin’ Donuts traces its origins to 1948 when William Rosenberg opened a donut and coffee shop called Open Kettle in Quincy, Massachusetts. In 1950, after discussions with company executives, Rosenberg rebranded the restaurant as Dunkin’ Donuts.
Rosenberg’s vision was to provide customers with fresh, delicious coffee and donuts in a welcoming environment. The concept quickly gained popularity, and in 1955, Rosenberg began franchising the Dunkin’ Donuts concept.
Did You Know?
Dunkin’ Donuts, now often referred to simply as Dunkin’, has expanded to over 12,400 restaurants across 46 countries.
In-N-Out Burger
Year Founded: October 22, 1948
Founder(s): Harry and Esther Snyder
Year Franchising Started: N/A – all locations are company-owned
Current No. of Locations: Over 387
Headquarters: Irvine, California
In-N-Out Burger, a West Coast institution, was founded in 1948 by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California. It is renowned for its cult following, quality ingredients, and limited regional availability. In-N-Out has always been family-owned.
The Snyders established In-N-Out as a drive-thru hamburger stand, a first of its kind in California.
Did You Know?
In-N-Out’s packaging includes Bible citations as a reflection of the Snyder family’s Christian values, a practice initiated by Rich Snyder in the 1980s.
Dairy Queen
Year Founded: 1940
Founder(s): John Fremont McCullough
Year Franchising Started: 1940
Current No. of Locations: Over 6,800
Headquarters: Edina, Minnesota, USA
Dairy Queen is known for its soft-serve ice cream, invented in 1938 by founder John Fremont McCullough and his son Alex. The first Dairy Queen opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, by the McCulloughs and Sherb Noble.
Throughout the 1950s, Dairy Queen introduced iconic menu items like the Dilly Bar.
Did You Know?
The signature curl on top of Dairy Queen’s soft-serve ice cream cones is trademarked by the company.
McDonald’s
Year Founded: 1940
Founder(s): Richard and Maurice McDonald
Year Franchising Started: 1955
Current No. of Locations: Over 40,275
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
While Ray Kroc is often credited with McDonald’s success, the true founders are brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald. They opened their first drive-in restaurant in 1940 in San Bernadino, California. Initially selling barbecue sandwiches, the brothers later focused on hamburgers and streamlined their operations.
Ray Kroc joined McDonald’s as a franchisee in 1955 and eventually bought out the McDonald brothers, transforming the company into a global powerhouse.
Did You Know?
The iconic Golden Arches logo was designed by architect Stanley Clark Meston and his assistant Charles Fish, with the first location featuring the new logo opening in 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona.
KFC
Year Founded: 1952
Founder(s): Harland Sanders
Year Franchising Started: September 24, 1952
Current No. of Locations: Over 25,000
Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky
Alt text: A portrait of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, smiling and wearing his signature white suit and black bow tie.
KFC, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, began in 1930 when Harland Sanders started selling food to travelers from his gas station. As business grew, Sanders purchased a gas station across the street and converted it into a restaurant.
Sanders perfected his fried chicken recipe and cooking method, using pressure cookers to produce juicy and crispy chicken. In 1940, he finalized his Original Recipe of 11 herbs and spices.
Did You Know?
Colonel Sanders was made an honorary Kentucky Colonel in 1939 by Governor Rudy Laffoon for his contributions to the state’s cuisine.
White Castle
Year Founded: 1921
Founder(s): Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson
Year Franchising Started: N/A – all locations are company-owned
Current No. of Locations: About 345
Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Alt text: A White Castle restaurant showcasing its iconic castle-like architecture and white and blue color scheme.
White Castle is widely considered the first true fast-food restaurant. Founded in 1921 by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson in Wichita, Kansas, White Castle focused on selling hamburgers.
Ingram and Anderson aimed to change public perception of hamburgers, which were often seen as unsafe. They emphasized cleanliness and hygiene in their restaurants, and ground beef in full view of customers.
Did You Know?
White Castle has remained relatively small because it has never been franchised; all locations are company-owned.
A&W
Year Founded: 1919
Founder(s): Roy W. Allen and Frank Wright
Year Franchising Started: 1926
Current No. of Locations: 1,000
Headquarters: Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Alt text: A vintage photograph of an early A&W Root Beer stand, showcasing its original signage and outdoor seating.
A&W traces its roots to June 20, 1919, when Roy W. Allen opened a root beer stand in Lodi, California. Allen partnered with Frank Wright in 1921, and they named the company A&W, using the first letter of their last names.
A&W began franchising in 1925, making it the oldest fast-food chain in the world.
Did You Know?
A&W opened its first international location in Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1956.
Conclusion
These pioneering fast food chains have left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape, and they continue to evolve. From A&W’s humble beginnings as a root beer stand to McDonald’s global dominance, these restaurants have shaped the way we eat and think about convenient food. So, the next time you grab a quick bite, remember the rich history and innovation behind your favorite fast food chain.
