Some of the earliest fast-food chains began over 100 years ago and are still active today. But what was the first fast-food restaurant to be established? This article covers some of the oldest fast-food eateries that rose from humble beginnings to become iconic brands globally.
Fast food has become an integral part of our lives, often associated with quick meals and convenience. However, many people might not realize how these establishments started and evolved over time. The first fast-food restaurants emerged in the early 20th century, catering to the growing population of busy commuters and travelers who sought quick and affordable meal options.
For many, fast food is synonymous with American culture, embodying a lifestyle of speed and efficiency. Yet, the concept of fast food transcends borders, with various countries adopting their unique spin on the model. This article will delve into the history and significance of these iconic fast-food chains, highlighting their journey from humble beginnings to global recognition.
What You Will Learn
- The origins of fast food in America and the establishment of White Castle.
- Key milestones in the history of popular fast-food chains like McDonald's and KFC.
- An overview of various fast-food chains, their founders, and their impact on the industry.
- Insights into the global influence of fast food and its adaptation in different cultures.
What was the first fast-food restaurant?
Fast-food restaurants originated in the United States with White Castle in 1921. The most popular chains have stood the test of time and continually evolved to keep up with changing culinary trends. Below are some of the first fast-food restaurants in the world.
| Fast-food restaurant | Founded |
| White Castle | 1921 |
| A&W Restaurants | 1923 |
| McDonald’s | 1940 |
| Dairy Queen | 1940 |
| In-N-Out Burger | 1948 |
| Dunkin’ | 1950 |
| Kentucky Fried Chicken | 1952 |
| Sonic Drive-In | 1953 |
| Burger King | 1954 |
| Sbarro | 1956 |
| Pizza Hut | 1958 |
| Domino's Pizza | 1960 |
| Taco Bell | 1962 |
| Tim Hortons | 1964 |
| Subway | 1965 |
1. White Castle
- Founded: 13 September 1921
- Founders: Billy Ingram, Walter Anderson
- Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Number of locations: 350 (as of 2024)
White Castle is an American regional hamburger restaurant chain with 345 locations in 13 states. It is arguably the world’s first fast-food hamburger chain, with its greatest presence in the Midwest and New York metropolitan area.
Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson founded White Castle in Wichita, Kansas, on September 13, 1921. It is widely known for its small, square hamburgers, called "sliders," made with beef patties, onions, and pickles on soft buns.
2. A&W Restaurants
- Founded: 20 June 1923
- Founders: Roy W. Allen, Frank Wright
- Headquarters: Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Number of locations: 900+
A&W Restaurants, Inc., also known as Allen & Wright Restaurants, is a fast-food restaurant chain best known for its "Burger Family" combos, draft root beer, root beer floats, and snacks like popcorn, peanuts, and sandwiches on sliced bread.
As one of the oldest fast-food chains in the United States, A&W was founded by Roy W. Allen and Frank Wright in Lodi, California, and has over 900 locations nationwide.
3. McDonald’s
- Founded: 15 May 1940
- Founders: Richard & Maurice McDonald
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Number of locations: 41,822 (as of 2024)
McDonald's is one of the world's largest and earliest fast-food restaurant chains. It was founded on 15 May 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, United States.
Currently, McDonald's operates over 40,000 locations in over 100 countries. The chain is known for its hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and French fries. Their menu also includes chicken, fish, fruit, and salads.
4. Dairy Queen
- Founded: 22 June 1940
- Founder: John Fremont McCullough
- Headquarters: Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
- Number of locations: 4,455
Dairy Queen (DQ) was founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, United States, by John Fremont McCullough. The first Dairy Queen was owned and operated by Sherb Noble. It is best known for its soft-
