Fast Food

Guide Note

A multi-billion dollar industry, fast food has been a steady favorite of American cuisine since the mid-20th century. Though hot dogs, corn dogs and other quick foods were available at state fairs as early as the late 19th century, hamburger and hot dog vendors did not become a regularly occurring phenomenon until the 1950s.

Fast Facts

1. World's largest fast food chain: McDonald's
2. Nearly 30,000 Subway locations worldwide
3. 2006 Fast Food sales: $146 billion
4. 1951: "Fast Food" recognized by Merriam-Webster dictionary
5. Largest pizza chain: Pizza Hut
6. Largest Chinese chain: Panda Express
7. In France, a "Quarter Pounder with Cheese" is called a "Royale with Cheese"

Though fast food is most often associated with burgers and fries, fast and casual dining has spread across international cuisines, including Mexican food, Chinese food and even Middle Eastern food, with an emphasis on falafel.

Though White Castle originated in Wichita, Kansas, nearly all major fast food burger chains started in Southern California. Carl Karcher founded Carl's Jr. in 1941 after owning several successful hot dog stands. Dick and Mac McDonald opened their barbecue drive-in restaurant in 1940, but it took Ray Kroc in the early 1960s to turn it into the multinational conglomerate popular today.

The fast food industry has been routinely criticized by health advocacy groups for their trans-fat heavy and high-sodium meals, marketed primarily toward children. In recent years, restaurant chains have attempted to supplement their regular menus with more healthy choices, such as salads, fruit parfait and yogurt.