Last Updated on November 6, 2022 by Lauren Beck
If you’re wondering what the oldest fast food restaurant is, the answer might surprise you. It’s not McDonald’s or Burger King – it’s White Castle. White Castle was founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, making it nearly 100 years old. While it’s not as widespread as some of the other major fast food chains, it still has a loyal following. So next time you’re craving a burger, remember that White Castle has been satisfying customers for almost a century.
10 Oldest Fast Food Chains in the US
- White Castle: White Castle was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. The restaurant chain is known for its small, square hamburgers, sometimes called “sliders.”
- Sonic Drive-In: Sonic Drive-In was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The restaurant chain is best known for its drive-in service and unique menu items such as the Corn Dog on a Stick and the Footlong Quarter Pound Coney.
- Wendy’s: Wendy’s was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. The restaurant chain is known for its square hamburgers and Frosty desserts.
- Hardee’s: Hardee’s was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The restaurant chain is known for its charbroiled burgers and biscuit sandwiches.
- Arby’s: Arby’s was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant chain is known for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries.
- Jack in the Box: Jack in the Box was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. The restaurant chain is known for its Jack’s Munchie Meals, which are late-night meals designed to satisfy customers’ cravings.
- Dairy Queen: Dairy Queen was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The restaurant chain is best known for its soft serve ice cream and Blizzard desserts.
- Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant chain is known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
- Burger King: Burger King was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. The restaurant chain is known for its Whopper sandwich and for being the home of the original Croissan’wich.
- McDonald’s: McDonald’s was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. The restaurant chain is the largest fast food company in the world and is known for its Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, and Happy Meals.
While White Castle is the oldest fast food restaurant, there are several other chains that are close in age. Sonic Drive-In, Wendy’s, Hardee’s, and Arby’s were all founded in the 1960s. And McDonald’s and Burger King are both just a few years younger than White Castle.
What Is the Oldest Fast Food Chain Still Open?
The oldest fast food chain still in operation is White Castle, which was founded in 1921. White Castle has been in business for nearly 100 years and is best known for its small, square hamburgers. They have a loyal following of customers who appreciate their simple, yet delicious food.
What Is White Castle Known For?
White Castle is best known for their small, square hamburgers, which are sometimes called “sliders.” The restaurant chain is also known for their drive-in service and unique menu items such as the Corn Dog on a Stick and the Footlong Quarter Pound Coney.
Who Is Older, White Castle or McDonald’s?
White Castle is older than McDonald’s by about 21 years. White Castle was founded in 1921, while McDonald’s was not founded until 1940. While McDonald’s is now the largest fast food company in the world, White Castle still has a loyal following of customers.
How Much Did a McDonald’s Hamburger Cost in 1948?
A McDonald’s hamburger cost 15 cents in 1948 [1]. This is the equivalent of about $1.60 in today’s money. McDonald’s has always been known for their affordable food, and this hasn’t changed much over the years. A McDonald’s hamburger still only costs about $1 today.
Conclusion
White Castle is the oldest fast food restaurant, with McDonald’s coming in a close second. White Castle is known for their small, square hamburgers, while McDonald’s is known for their Big Macs and Happy Meals. Both restaurant chains are still in operation today and have loyal followings of customers.
Reference:
- https://www.insider.com/surprising-facts-mcdonalds-hamburgers#:~:text=In%201948%2C%20you%20could%20get,burger%20for%20just%2015%20cents.&text=At%20the%20original%20McDonald’s%20locations,burger%20cost%20just%2015%20cents.
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