Back in Time Today
Before the golden arches towered over every highway and bucket meals became iconic, these fast food giants were small-town ventures with humble beginnings. Step back in time and see how these mega-chains looked when they first opened their doors—and just how far they’ve come.
1. Burger King (1954 – Miami, Florida)
In 1954, Burger King began as “Insta-Burger King” in Miami, Florida. The restaurant’s unique feature was the Insta-Broiler machine. It was a bright spot with tiled walls and a fast-paced environment. The original store did not serve the Whopper, which would later become its flagship item. The focus was on quick and efficient service, with burgers cooked rapidly by the machine. The setup was modest, yet innovative for its time, and it paved the way for the future success of Burger King. The brand quickly caught on with the public.
2. Wendy’s (1969 – Columbus, Ohio)
Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy’s in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. The restaurant was known for its fresh, square hamburgers and signature chili. The atmosphere was cozy with a sit-down feel, and it featured red-and-white checkered décor. Portraits of the real Wendy added a personal touch to the venue. The restaurant quickly became popular for its unique offerings and warm environment. Wendy’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients set it apart from other fast-food chains. The early customer experience was personal and inviting, making it a favorite among locals.
3. Taco Bell (1962 – Downey, California)
Taco Bell’s first location opened in 1962 in Downey, California. It was a small adobe-style building that featured a walk-up window. Customers could enjoy classic 19¢ tacos without a dining room. The setup was simple, focused on providing quick service. The atmosphere was lively, with customers eagerly waiting to try the unique offerings. This tiny establishment laid the groundwork for what would become a global brand. The focus was on affordability and flavor, attributes that have remained synonymous with Taco Bell to this day.
4. KFC (1952 – Salt Lake City, Utah)
The first official KFC franchise opened in 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Though Colonel Sanders had been perfecting his fried chicken since the 1930s, this was the first true KFC restaurant. It was a simple roadside eatery, focused on the famous secret recipe. Colonel Sanders became a well-known figure, often seen promoting his brand and serving customers. The atmosphere was unpretentious, with the main attraction being the finger-lickin’ good chicken. This humble beginning quickly turned KFC into a household name across the country.
5. McDonald’s (1940 – San Bernardino, California)
Originally a barbecue joint, McDonald’s in 1940 was a modest venture by the McDonald brothers. Dick and Mac McDonald created a place that focused on barbecue and had a simple yet inviting setup. The restaurant was located in San Bernardino, California, and it was known for its delicious barbecue dishes. In 1948, the menu was streamlined to include only burgers, fries, and shakes. This change laid the foundation for the “Speedee Service System.” This system revolutionized the fast food industry. McDonald’s early days were humble but pivotal in shaping what it is today.
6. Subway (1965 – Bridgeport, Connecticut)
Subway began in 1965 as “Pete’s Super Submarines” in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The initial setup was a no-frills deli-style layout. Handwritten signs and paper menus were standard. The sandwiches were wrapped in wax paper, emphasizing simplicity and quality. The founder, Fred DeLuca, was just 17 years old, and he focused on offering affordable and tasty sandwiches. This concept quickly caught on, leading to the Subway we know today. The early emphasis on fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction set the foundation for its global success.
7. Domino’s (1960 – Ypsilanti, Michigan)
Domino’s started as “DomiNick’s” in 1960 in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The store was run by the Monaghan brothers and had a basic setup with wooden counters and a single oven. It was initially a carry-out-only operation, focusing on quick service and quality pizza. Customers would come to pick up their orders, enjoying the efficiency of the process. The early days of Domino’s were marked by hard work and innovation, laying the groundwork for the future delivery empire. The brand’s commitment to quality and speed became its hallmark.
8. Pizza Hut (1958 – Wichita, Kansas)
The first Pizza Hut opened in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, started by the Carney brothers. It was a literal hut with a red roof, designed to accommodate about 25 customers. The restricted sign size led to the name “Pizza Hut.” Inside, the atmosphere was intimate, with a simple menu focusing on quality pizza. The Carney brothers emphasized fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction. This small venture quickly gained popularity, becoming known for its unique environment and delicious offerings, setting the stage for its future growth.
9. Chick-fil-A (1967 – Atlanta, Georgia)
Chick-fil-A’s first location opened in 1967 inside a mall food court in Atlanta, Georgia. The founder, Truett Cathy, was dedicated to serving quality chicken sandwiches. The original counter setup was simple, in line with 1960s cafeteria style. The focus was on fast, friendly service, with the chicken sandwich becoming an immediate hit. The brand quickly became known for its innovative approach to fast food. The commitment to customer service and quality established Chick-fil-A as a beloved brand across the U.S. from its very first day.
10. Dairy Queen (1940 – Joliet, Illinois)
The first Dairy Queen opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois. It was a minimalist storefront focusing on soft-serve ice cream. There was no seating available, emphasizing take-out service. The promise of something new in frozen desserts attracted customers from miles around. Dairy Queen’s soft-serve quickly became a favorite treat, known for its creamy texture and unique flavor. The simple exterior didn’t detract from the innovative product that laid the foundation for its future success. The brand’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to this day.
11. Sonic Drive-In (1953 – Shawnee, Oklahoma)
Originally named “Top Hat,” Sonic Drive-In began as a root beer stand in 1953 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The unique feature was carhops on roller skates serving customers directly at their cars. The menu board was hand-lettered, reflecting the personal touch of the service. Customers ordered via intercom, enjoying the novelty of the experience. This approach to fast food was both innovative and entertaining. Sonic’s commitment to providing a fun and unique dining experience was evident from the start, laying the foundation for its future success.
12. Jack in the Box (1951 – San Diego, California)
From the outset, Jack in the Box was designed for drive-thru service, opening in 1951 in San Diego, California. The restaurant had a futuristic theme, complete with a clown speaker box that greeted customers. This innovative approach made ordering food a fun and engaging experience. Jack in the Box was known for its quick service and quality burgers. The brand quickly developed a loyal following. The whimsical theme and commitment to customer satisfaction set Jack in the Box apart from other fast-food chains, establishing its lasting popularity.
13. Arby’s (1964 – Boardman, Ohio)
Arby’s first restaurant opened in 1964 in Boardman, Ohio, founded by the Raffel brothers. The building had a distinctive Wild West theme, complete with a ten-gallon hat marquee. The focus was on serving quality roast beef sandwiches, priced just under a dollar. The unique theme and quality offerings quickly attracted a dedicated customer base. Arby’s early dedication to high-quality ingredients and innovative restaurant themes laid a strong foundation for future success. The brand became known for its distinctive approach, setting it apart in the fast food industry.
14. Hardee’s (1960 – Greenville, North Carolina)
Hardee’s first location opened in 1960 in Greenville, North Carolina. Founded by Wilber Hardee, the restaurant operated out of a small, drive-up shack. Hardee himself was often seen at the grill, serving 15¢ burgers and 10¢ fries. The service was quick, with a focus on quality and affordability. This hands-on approach attracted customers looking for a great meal at a reasonable price. Hardee’s commitment to quality food and customer service was evident from the beginning, laying the groundwork for its expansion across the U.S.
15. Little Caesars (1959 – Garden City, Michigan)
Little Caesars opened its first store in 1959 in Garden City, Michigan, founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch. The restaurant was simple, with just a few booths and a menu board. The focus was on affordability, offering quality pizzas at a reasonable price. The “Pizza! Pizza!” deal quickly became a signature of the brand, attracting families looking for a great value. Little Caesars’ early commitment to customer satisfaction and affordability set the stage for its future success as a leading pizza chain in the U.S. and beyond.
16. A&W (1919 – Lodi, California)
A&W started as a roadside root beer stand in 1919 in Lodi, California. Founded by Roy Allen, the stand offered frosty mugs of root beer, attracting customers with its refreshing taste. The setup was simple, with a focus on quality and service. Customers could enjoy a cool drink and a hot dog, making it a popular stop for travelers. A&W’s commitment to quality beverages and friendly service became its hallmark. This early dedication laid the groundwork for its future success as one of America’s oldest fast-food brands.
17. White Castle (1921 – Wichita, Kansas)
White Castle opened its first location in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. The building was small and designed to resemble a white castle. Inside, there was a counter with stools, creating a clean and uniform environment. Burgers were sold for 5¢, making them affordable for everyone. The focus on cleanliness and quality quickly established White Castle as a favorite among locals. The brand’s dedication to providing a consistent and delicious product set it apart from other eateries, ensuring its place as a pioneer in the fast food industry.
18. Carl’s Jr. (1941 – Anaheim, California)
Carl’s Jr. began in 1941 with Carl Karcher’s hot dog cart in Anaheim, California. The first official location was a walk-up burger stand with a basic brick structure. The focus was on providing quality food with quick service. Carl Karcher was often seen greeting customers and ensuring their satisfaction. This hands-on approach and commitment to quality quickly made Carl’s Jr. a favorite among locals. The brand’s early dedication to customer service and quality laid a strong foundation for its growth and success as a leading fast-food chain.
19. Popeyes (1972 – New Orleans, Louisiana)
Popeyes, originally named “Chicken on the Run,” opened in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founder Al Copeland struggled initially, but soon rebranded and introduced spicier flavors. The early store was simple, but the bold flavors of the chicken quickly gained attention. Customers were drawn to the unique taste, and the brand began to grow. Popeyes’ commitment to flavorful, spicy chicken dishes set it apart from other fast-food chains. This early dedication to quality and innovation laid the foundation for its future success as a major player in the industry.