While the concept of quickly prepared food has existed for centuries across various cultures, the modern fast food industry, characterized by standardized menus, efficient service, and widespread franchising, took root in the United States during the early 20th century. These pioneering establishments revolutionized how people ate, introducing convenience and affordability that shaped the global culinary landscape we know today. But among these early innovators, the question remains: what was the very first fast food restaurant?
To answer this, we need to delve into the history of these iconic chains and trace their origins. Many of these early fast food pioneers prioritized consistency across locations, ensuring customers received the same experience regardless of which restaurant they visited. This commitment to uniformity, along with innovations like the drive-thru and intercom ordering systems, became hallmarks of the fast food industry. Several of these groundbreaking chains are still thriving today, having evolved into global powerhouses. Let’s explore some of the oldest contenders and pinpoint the true originator of the fast food phenomenon.
A&W: Rooted in Root Beer and History
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
A&W’s story begins on June 20, 1919, when Roy W. Allen opened a humble root beer stand in Lodi, California. Allen, having acquired a unique root beer recipe from a pharmacist, chose a sweltering summer day, coinciding with a celebratory homecoming parade for World War I veterans, to launch his refreshing beverage. The timing was perfect, and Allen’s root beer quickly became a local sensation.
In 1921, Allen partnered with Frank Wright, a former employee, to expand their root beer venture, establishing more stands in the surrounding areas. It was around this time that they officially adopted the name A&W, derived from the first initials of their last names.
Recognizing the burgeoning popularity of their brand, Allen and Wright made a pivotal decision in 1925: they began selling A&W franchises. This move is significant because it marks A&W as the oldest fast food chain in the world to initiate franchising, a key characteristic of the modern fast food model. While initially focused on root beer, A&W expanded its menu over time to include quintessential fast food items like burgers, hot dogs, and cheese curds, solidifying its place in fast food history. In 1956, A&W expanded internationally, opening its first location in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, further cementing its global reach.
Did You Know? A&W holds the distinction of being the first fast food chain to franchise, laying the groundwork for the industry’s expansion.
White Castle: Pioneering the Burger Revolution
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
While A&W started as a root beer stand and later incorporated food, many consider White Castle to be the first true fast food restaurant focused on food from its inception. Founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson, White Castle specialized in hamburgers, making it the oldest fast food burger chain globally.
At the time of White Castle’s founding, hamburgers were not the ubiquitous and beloved food they are today. Public perception of ground beef was often negative, with concerns about food safety and quality. Ingram and Anderson directly addressed these concerns by emphasizing cleanliness and transparency. Their first White Castle restaurant was meticulously clean, with employees impeccably groomed.
In a revolutionary move for the time, White Castle ground beef in full view of customers, showcasing their commitment to freshness and quality. This innovative approach, combined with their focus on affordable and quickly served hamburgers, resonated with the public. White Castle’s success led to rapid expansion in the following years, solidifying its role as a pioneer in the fast food industry. Notably, White Castle has remained company-owned throughout its history and has not adopted franchising.
Did You Know? White Castle is credited with popularizing the hamburger and changing public perception of ground beef as a safe and desirable food.
KFC: Fried Chicken Fast Food First
Year Founded: 1952 (as KFC, but origins in 1930s)
Founder(s): Harland Sanders
Year Franchising Started: September 24, 1952
Current No. of Locations: over 25,000
Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky
While A&W and White Castle focused on root beer and burgers respectively, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) emerged as the world’s first fast food chicken chain restaurant. Harland Sanders’ journey began much earlier, in 1930, when he started serving food to travelers from his gas station. As demand grew, Sanders relocated to a larger gas station across the street, converting it into a restaurant.
Fried chicken became a signature dish, but the traditional cooking process was slow. Sanders sought a faster method and, in 1939, adopted one of the newly released commercial pressure cookers, transforming it into a pressure fryer. This innovation revolutionized fried chicken preparation, allowing for faster cooking while maintaining juiciness and crispness.
By 1940, Sanders perfected his legendary “Original Recipe” of 11 herbs and spices, a closely guarded secret to this day. Officially franchising as KFC in 1952, Sanders’ chicken chain rapidly expanded, becoming the second-largest fast food chain globally in terms of sales, after McDonald’s.
Did You Know? Colonel Sanders’ title was honorary, bestowed upon him by the Governor of Kentucky in recognition of his culinary contributions.
McDonald’s: Streamlining the System
Year Founded: 1940
Founder(s): Richard and Maurice McDonald
Year Franchising Started: 1955
Current No. of Locations: over 40,275
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
McDonald’s, while often associated with Ray Kroc, was originally founded by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940. They opened their first drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California, initially serving barbecue. However, recognizing hamburgers as their most profitable item, the McDonald brothers streamlined their operation in 1947. They closed their drive-in and reopened with a focused menu: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and a limited selection of sides and drinks, emphasizing speed and efficiency.
This new concept proved highly successful, leading to multiple McDonald’s restaurants in Southern California by the early 1950s. Ray Kroc entered the picture in 1955 as a franchisee and eventually bought out the McDonald brothers, transforming McDonald’s into the global giant it is today. While Kroc is responsible for McDonald’s global expansion, the McDonald brothers were the original innovators of the streamlined fast food system. The iconic Golden Arches logo, designed in 1953, further cemented McDonald’s visual identity.
Did You Know? The McDonald brothers pioneered the “Speedee Service System,” a revolutionary approach to fast food preparation that emphasized efficiency and assembly-line techniques.
Dairy Queen: From Soft Serve to Fast Food Staple
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, while renowned for its frozen treats, also holds a significant place in fast food history. Founded in 1940 by John Fremont McCullough, Dairy Queen initially focused solely on soft-serve ice cream, a product McCullough invented in 1938. The first Dairy Queen opened in Joliet, Illinois, in partnership with Sherb Noble.
Dairy Queen began franchising in the same year it was founded, 1940, demonstrating early adoption of this expansion model. While starting with desserts, Dairy Queen expanded its menu to include hot food items like burgers, chicken strips, and fries, evolving into a more comprehensive fast food offering. The 1950s saw the introduction of iconic menu items like the Dilly Bar, further solidifying Dairy Queen’s place in popular culture.
Did You Know? Dairy Queen’s signature soft-serve cone curl is trademarked, highlighting the brand’s attention to detail and unique identity.
In-N-Out Burger: West Coast Cult Classic
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, established on October 22, 1948, by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, California, holds a unique position in the fast food landscape. It is celebrated for its devoted following and regional exclusivity, operating only in the Western United States and remaining family-owned without franchising.
In-N-Out distinguished itself as California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand. The Snyders prioritized fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, classic menu items, which contributed to its enduring popularity and “cult following.”
In-N-Out’s commitment to family values and quality over rapid expansion has shaped its brand identity and fostered immense customer loyalty. The chain’s packaging features Bible citations, reflecting the Snyder family’s values, a practice started in the 1980s.
Did You Know? In-N-Out Burger is known for its “secret menu,” offering customizable options beyond the standard menu board, further enhancing its appeal to loyal customers.
Dunkin’: From Donuts to Global Brand
Year Founded: 1948
Founder(s): William Rosenberg
Year Franchising Started: 1955
Current No. of Locations: over 12,900
Headquarters: Canton, Massachusetts, USA
Dunkin’, originally Dunkin’ Donuts, traces its roots back to 1948 when William Rosenberg opened “Open Kettle” in Quincy, Massachusetts, selling donuts and coffee. Two years later, after collaborating with executives, Rosenberg rebranded it as Dunkin’ Donuts, establishing the oldest fast food donut chain worldwide.
Rosenberg’s vision was to offer fresh, delicious coffee and donuts with quick, courteous service in modern, welcoming stores. Dunkin’ Donuts experienced immediate success, and franchising began in 1955. Within a decade, it grew to 100 locations and continued its rapid expansion.
Over time, Dunkin’ broadened its menu to include breakfast sandwiches and other food items, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. To acknowledge this expanded offering, Dunkin’ Donuts rebranded as simply “Dunkin’.”
Did You Know? Dunkin’ has grown to over 12,400 restaurants across 46 countries, demonstrating its global appeal beyond donuts and coffee.
Jack in the Box: Innovation in Drive-Thru Service
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, founded in 1951 by Robert O. Peterson in San Diego, emerged from Peterson’s existing chain, Topsy’s Drive-In. Peterson carried over the circus décor from Topsy’s to the first Jack in the Box locations.
Jack in the Box was a pioneer in drive-thru technology, being one of the first to utilize an intercom system. Peterson acquired rights to an early intercom system in 1947 and improved it, establishing the first two-way intercom system that became standard in fast food drive-thrus.
Expansion followed, and in 1968, Peterson sold Jack in the Box to Ralston Purina Co., under which franchising began in the early 1970s. Jack in the Box became known for its quirky mascot and a diverse menu catering to various cravings.
Did You Know? Jack in the Box’s mascot, Jack, debuted in his current form as the company’s fictional founder and CEO in 1995, becoming a central figure in their advertising.
Sonic: Drive-In Reimagined
Year Founded: 1953
Founder(s): Troy Smith
Year Franchising Started: 1956
Current No. of Locations: over 3,606
Headquarters: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Sonic, founded in 1953 by Troy Smith, began as a walk-up root beer stand named Top Hat in Seminole, Oklahoma. Smith, seeking to innovate, installed drive-in speakers after observing them in Louisiana and introduced carhops to deliver food to customers’ cars, creating the distinctive Sonic drive-in experience.
Franchising began in 1956 after Smith partnered with Charles Woodrow Pappe. The name changed to Sonic in 1959 due to trademark conflicts. Sonic’s drive-in model and carhop service set it apart in the fast food landscape, contributing to its growth to over 3,600 locations.
Did You Know? Sonic’s early franchising model involved charging franchisees a fee based on hamburger sales, a unique approach compared to traditional franchise fees.
Burger King: Home of the Whopper
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 originated in 1954 as “Insta-Burger King,” founded by Keith J. Kramer and Matthew Burns in Jacksonville, Florida. The name derived from the “Insta-Broiler” machines they used for cooking burgers. The broiled burgers were a success, and franchising started quickly, requiring franchisees to use the Insta-Broiler.
Financial difficulties led to Miami-based franchisees David Edgerton and James McLamore purchasing the company in 1959 and renaming it Burger King. Edgerton and McLamore innovated the flame broiler machine used today and introduced the Burger King mascot and the signature Whopper sandwich.
Did You Know? Burger King restaurants in Australia are known as Hungry Jack’s due to trademark issues, showcasing the complexities of global brand expansion.
Conclusion
So, What Was The First Fast Food Restaurant? While several chains emerged in the early to mid-20th century, A&W, founded in 1919 and franchising by 1925, holds the title of the oldest fast food chain. White Castle, established in 1921, is recognized as the oldest fast food restaurant chain specializing in hamburgers from its inception. These pioneering restaurants, along with KFC, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, and others, collectively shaped the fast food industry we know today, introducing innovations in service, menu standardization, and franchising that continue to influence the global culinary landscape. They remain relevant today, adapting and evolving while maintaining their iconic status in the world of quick-service dining.
