McDonald’s is the largest fast food chain in the world. They have more than 35,000 restaurants located in 119 countries. And because of their popularity and prominence, they sell approximately 75 hamburgers every second. One of their most popular hamburgers, the Big Mac was introduced in 1968. It features two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun (and if you didn’t sing that in the tune of the ‘70s Big Mac jingle, you’re wrong).
In 1955, Burger King opened its doors. And in 1957, the Whopper was created and Burger King became known as “Home of the Whopper.” It sold for only 37¢. Although this fast food favorite has increased in price and undergone several reformulations, it’s still beloved by many. It consists of a beef patty, sesame seed bun, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and sliced onion. Burger King now offers a Whopper Jr. that is smaller in size and an Impossible Whopper that is made with a 100% vegetarian patty.
In 1967, founder S. Truett Cathy opened the first Chick-Fil-A with his brother, Ben, in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to his deep love for customers and his heart for employees, Truett created a simple, yet successful menu. The chicken sandwich is a fan favorite and differs from the traditional fast-food hamburger. By 2020, Chick-Fil-A is expected to become the third-largest fast-food chain, following close behind McDonald’s and Taco Bell.
Taco Bell is an American chain of fast food restaurants founded by Glen Bell in Irvine, California. For the last 57 years, Taco Bell has served a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes. The most popular item is the crunchy taco. It was originally 19¢. It’s now only $1.29 and includes seasoned beef, shredded cheese, and lettuce. Customers can upgrade the classic taco with beans, rice, chicken, steak, sour cream, tomatoes, onions, and other flavorful toppings.
Wendy’s famous Frosty is one of its most popular menu items. There have been times when I’ve stopped at Wendy’s for only a Frosty—forget the burger and fries! The texture and taste make it an irresistible treat. It was featured on the original Wendy’s menu in the ‘60s. And luckily, inflation hasn’t hurt the cost of the iconic dessert. At just $1, it’s a reasonably priced treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. If you haven’t ever dunked your fries in your Frosty, go forth and do so!
Andrew and Peggy Cherng founded Panda Express in 1983 in California. They realized the need for a restaurant with an American Chinese cuisine and introduced us to their casual, yet delicious fast food establishment. Their Kung Pao Chicken is a Szechwan-inspired dish that includes chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. The popularity of the spicy stir-fry is undeniable. It’s salty, savory flavor leaves you wanting more!
This family-owned franchise has been around since 1950 and continues to be family-owned and operated today. The Whataburger chain has more than 800 restaurants spanning across 10 states. It’s made-to-order burgers are so delicious that it’s hard to resist stopping for one when you spot the orange-and-white-striped A-framed roofs. The company is known for its Whataburger, Whataburger Jr., and Justaburger. The Whataburger is the most popular and is best known for its five inch bun, large beef patty, and tasty toppings.
The first Starbucks opened in Seattle, Washington in 1971 and our lives haven’t been the same since! While their traditional menu features many beloved beverages, their seasonal menus also contain many favorites. As the weather cools down, Starbucks announces the release date for their Pumpkin Spice Latte, or PSL. It’s the behemoth of coffee and PSL lovers annually and anxiously await its return. It’s made with real pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, and clove, and is the ideal autumnal treat.
White Castle is a Midwestern hamburger chain that has 377 locations across 13 states. It was founded in 1921 and has since become a successful fast food competitor. It’s known for its small, square hamburgers. These are referred to as “sliders” and come in many variations. The original slider is made with 100% beef, grilled onions, a slice of pickle, and is nestled between White Castle’s signature bun. They also sell sliders with cheese, bacon, chicken, and veggies. If you don’t live near a White Castle franchise, look for their cheese sliders at your local grocery store.
If you’ve ever eaten at Arby’s it’s likely you’ve tried their Classic Roast Beef sandwich. The restaurant was founded in 1964 by the Raffel Brothers, who took the opportunity to create a fast food franchise that sold something other than hamburgers. Their venture paid off because their Classic Roast Beef sandwich was a hit. The roast beef is thinly sliced and served on a sesame seed bun. Customers can add cheese, Arby’s Sauce, or the zesty Horsey Sauce to give their sandwich an extra kick.
The first Zaxby’s opened in March of 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia. The restaurant chain has since expanded to and operates in 18 states. They offer chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches, and salads. The Zaxby’s website has a page dedicated to its “most popular meals,” and the first meal featured is the Chicken Finger Plate. Customers can choose between four, five, or six pieces, and whether or not they want regular Chicken Fingerz with Zax Sauce or Buffalo Fingerz with Ranch Sauce.
Ah, the Golden Arches. There’s a reason why McDonald’s earns approximately $75 million every day. It’s a restaurant that isn’t afraid of innovation. In the 1970s, McDonald’s devised the iconic Happy Meal. Kids’ meals were unheard of at the time, but they decided to take a chance. I’d imagine they’re glad they did because they are one of McDonald’s most popular items. The circus-themed boxes are filled with a hamburger, cheeseburger, or chicken nuggets, french fries, fresh fruit, or vegetables, a beverage, and a toy.
Sonic prides itself in being America’s Drive-In. Founded in the ‘50s, it’s remembered for its use of carhops on roller skates. The groovy fast food joint has since evolved, and although carhops no longer wear skates, it’s still a frequented location. It’s best known for its iconic Happy Hour. Happy Hour runs everyday from 2PM to 4PM and offers half-price fountain drinks and slushes. Their crushed ice, thirst-quenching beverages, and special deals keep customers feeling happy and refreshed.
Five Guys is an American fast food chain that’s been in business since 1986. It was founded after Jerry and Janie Murrell offered advice to their four sons, “Start a business or go to college.” They chose the latter. A fifth son was born and so was Five Guys. Their juicy cheeseburger is their most popular menu item. They use fresh ingredients to satisfy cravings. Two slices of Kraft American Cheese are melted between two grilled patties and served on a toasted bun! Talk about mouthwatering!
The Panera Bread Company features more than 2,000 bakery-cafe style restaurants throughout the United States. It was founded in 1981 near St. Louis, Missouri, which is the only city where the company operates as Saint Louis Bread Company rather than Panera Bread Company. While they have many delicious menu options at all of their locations, a favorite is their Broccoli Cheddar soup. Chopped broccoli and carrots are simmered in a creamy cheese sauce and then poured into a cup, bowl, or bread bowl—I recommend the bread bowl!
For over 85 years, Steak and Shake has been serving quality steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. The combination of the two are a match made in heaven. You can’t go wrong with anything on the Steak and Shake menu, but if you haven’t tried the Frisco Melt, I advise you to do so. The steakburger is served on buttery grilled sourdough bread, is layered with American and Swiss cheese, and is drizzled with Steak and Shake’s original Frisco Sauce.
Burger King was founded in 1953, but their Chicken Fries weren’t introduced until 2005. It’s no secret that their Chicken Fries are a fan favorite. They’re made with white meat chicken and coated in a crispy breading. The spices and herbs give it extra flavor, and since they’re shaped like actual french fries, they dip perfectly into any of Burger King’s dipping sauces. They were discontinued in 2012, but returned in 2014 after many customer complaints.
KFC is one of the most successful fast food chains in the world. It was established in 1930 in (you guessed it) Kentucky. Harland Sanders, the founder of KFC, popularized chicken in the fast food industry. He became better known as Colonel Sanders and continues to be the face of the company. KFC’s rapid growth and success is due largely to its menu. The Colonel’s Original Recipe is seasoned and breaded to perfection.
Because Chick-Fil-A’s Waffle Fries pair with nearly every menu option, they’re the restaurant’s most popular pick and most ordered item. They were first offered in 1985 and the recipe has yet to change. The potatoes are grown in Washington State, along the Columbia River Basin. They’re made with canola oil and sea salt, and are perfect for dipping in one (or more) of your favorite Chick-Fil-A dipping sauces. Loyal followers argue the tastiest way to eat fries is in waffle-form.
Popeyes, which is a competitor of KFC, was founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Although it is the second-largest “quick service chicken restaurant group” (following KFC), it still has more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide. And one of their most popular menu items? The buttermilk biscuit. The fluffy and crumbly biscuits are close to perfection. They can be dipped in your mashed potatoes, covered in gravy, or smothered in honey. No matter how you eat them, there’s no denying Popeyes’ biscuits are a fan favorite.
If you’re searching for the perfect fast food bacon cheeseburger, look no further. Wendy’s Baconator has gained some much-needed notoriety and for good reason. They offer nine cheeseburger options that include bacon. Whether you’re in the mood for the classic Baconator or something more filling (like the S’Awesome Bacon Cheeseburger Triple), Wendy’s has you covered.
Based in New York City, Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart inside Madison Square Park. Since its humble beginnings in 2001, Shake Shack has grown and evolved to more than 249 locations. It’s signature ShackBurger is extremely popular. It can include one or two beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce. The company is continuing to expand across the United States and to other countries and international cities.
Although the majority of McDonald’s menu items dominate, it’s their crispy and golden french fries that are the bestseller. They’re sold more than nine million times a day. So yes, approximately 7% of potatoes grown in the U.S. become McDonald’s french fries. Prior to 1990, McDonald’s prepped their fries by cooking them in beef tallow. They’re now cooked in vegetable oil and have a 45% decrease in fat. They’re still the most popular menu item, regardless of their change in recipe, and they’re healthier!
Dairy Queen is a chain of soft serve ice cream and fast food restaurants that have been around for more than 75 years. Although it was founded in 1940, it wasn’t until 1985 that Dairy Queen introduced it’s most popular dessert— the Blizzard (specifically the Oreo Blizzard). The ultra-thick ice cream treats are served upside down to prove they aren’t watered down. If an employee fails to do so, customers receive it for free!
With more than 2,200 locations, Jack in the Box has become a very successful fast food restaurant chain. And although the menu has a variety of options, one of the most popular items is the Sourdough Jack. It was first introduced in 1993 and has been a hit since. It uses two slices of sourdough bread, a hamburger patty, bacon, tomato, Swiss cheese, special sauce, and ketchup. It continues to be rated one of the best burgers in the fast food world.
Although various fast food restaurants have different renditions of the classic cheeseburger, In-N-Out Burger’s double double is the real deal. If you’re ever in the Southwest or near the Pacific coast, you should dine at In-N-Out Burger. Two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, and a secret spread are combined and placed between toasted, slow-rising sponge dough buns to create the Double Double.
Five Guys does a decent burger, but nothing is tastier than their boardwalk style fries—their boardwalk style Cajun Fries to be exact. They’re crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside. And the heavy dose of seasoning they add to their Cajun Fries makes them even more delectable. The savory flavor give the fries an added kick. If you’re unsure about the seasoning, have them put it on the side!
The Subway restaurant franchise was founded in 1965 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Although the carefully crafted menu allows customers to create their own submarine sandwiches, the majority of customers choose to order the Italian B.M.T. The millions of sandwich options and combinations available for customers are overshadowed by Subway’s most popular sandwich, which is also known as the “Big Meaty Tasty.” It includes salami, pepperoni, and ham, and is served with the customer’s choice of bread, cheese, and vegetable toppings and seasonings.
Wilber Hardee, the founder of Hardee’s, opened his first restaurant in North Carolina in 1960. Since then, the burger joint has become one of the most successful fast food chains in America. The Original Thickburger is one of the most ordered items on their menu. The 100% black angus beef patty is layered with American cheese, tomato, lettuce, red onion, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and dill pickles and served on a premium bun.
Little Caesars may be the third-largest pizza chain in the United States, but they’re the largest carryout-only pizza chain in the United States. They’re best known for their “hot and ready” pizza that can be ordered and taken to-go in a matter of minutes. In addition to quality pizza at an affordable price, the restaurant also offers Crazy Bread, which is crazy good. This side item features eight bread sticks that are flavored with butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
