Curious about how popular US fast food joints stack up in the eyes of dedicated foodies? This article dives into 10 popular fast food chains, exploring their offerings from a foodie perspective. Discover which restaurants foodies love, and which they skip - and why!
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen was formed in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, with the initial focus on ice cream and milkshakes. Fast-forward 80 years, and it is now an international fast-food restaurant that also serves meals, including burgers and its famous chicken baskets.
With restaurants in over 25 countries, there’s no doubt that DQ has achieved global stardom. That said, there is no shortage of diners that insist that the food is overpriced and some even call it “really bad”.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A is a Georgia-founded restaurant that became renowned for its chicken sandwiches when it first opened in 1946. Nowadays, the brand has branched out and created a range of meals, such as sandwiches, breakfasts, salads, and its famous waffle potato fries. While Chick-fil-A has achieved great success, it has a reputation for long lines/waiting times, so much so that one restaurant caused so many traffic issues that city officials ordered it to be demolished! These days, many people avoid it due to the controversies of recent years, but still say they enjoy the food.
KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken is the second-largest fast-food chain in America (narrowly beaten by burger giant McDonald’s) and cashes in on the country’s unwavering love of fried chicken. The chain has restaurants in over 150 countries worldwide, making it a popular food establishment for anyone with a love of greasy comfort food. And although the chain has had its share of controversies over the years, it still remains a fan-fave. I'm one, for sure!
Subway
Founded in 1965 in Connecticut, USA, Subway is the sandwich giant that offers giant sandwiches loaded with your favorite meats, cheeses, salads, and sauces. It markets itself as a healthier fast-food option in comparison to the over-processed burgers of McDonald’s and deep-fried chicken wings of KFC, but are they really all that? One foodie insists that the chain is overrated and the concept of ‘hot sandwiches’ is not appealing. I can only agree - I never saw the appeal!
Pizza Hut
With an abundance of pizza-related chains all across the country, Pizza Hut has managed to remain a family favorite since its start in 1958. Offering dine-in or takeaway options Pizza Hut guarantees full bellies. But with vast and cut-throat competition, is it worth a visit?
It would seem that Pizza Hut’s crown is slipping. In the last few years, it has gained a disappointing reputation, with one foodie stating that he “misses the Pizza Hut from his childhood”. Where I live they have recently changed from sit-down restaurants to fast food joints where you order everything in a machine, and I really don't think that's the way to go in 2024!
Wendy’s
1950s-style diner Wendy’s draws tourists and natives in droves every year to get a taste of that rock ‘n’ roll-era dining culture - as well as their famous frosted milkshakes. Although Wendy’s is quintessentially American, it is creeping overseas to Europe and the UK, with restaurants popping up in England, Germany, and Greece.
Wendy’s is still largely considered to be well-priced and superior to rival McDonald’s in terms of quality, and I have to agree, those fries are just awesome!
Starbucks
Starbucks has rapidly become such a global phenomenon that it’s difficult to associate it exclusively with American culture, although the chain started in Seattle, Washington, in 1971.
It has a mixed reputation amongst the world’s coffee lovers, with some users considering themselves devotees, while other coffee connoisseurs turn their noses up at it - and some even consider it “gross and overrated”. I'm definitely a fan, and never miss out on a chance to get my Starbucks fix!
Dunkin’
Formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, Dunkin’s used to be famous for—you guessed it—donuts. However, since ditching the last part of the name in 2019, Dunkin’s has become more known and loved for its coffee.
Dating back to 1950, Dunkin’ has survived rival appearances, such as Krispy Kreme. Although it remains a popular food and coffee chain, some former employees have been vocal about their donuts being made from frozen dough, and not freshly made. As mass-made donuts go, I think they're fine - but there are definitely better options out there, for both coffee and donuts!
Taco Bell
Americans notoriously love food that stems from south of the border, and the Mexican-oriented chain Taco Bell is a household name everywhere.
Formed in 1962 in California, Taco Bell now covers over 7000 locations worldwide - so it must be doing something right. Right? Well, at least one Reddit user insists that the food is either too hard or too soggy and they’d rather make their own tacos at home. Well sure, homemade will win out, but I still find it decent for a fast food option, and much better than all those burger chains.
Domino’s
Arguably the head honcho of American Pizza chains, Domino’s was created in 1960 and is now a multinational restaurant chain.
And while the chain certainly has no shortage of devotees, many online foodies slam the brand for being overhyped, overpriced, and “not the best pizza”. Well, no, you'd rarely get the best pizza at a chain restaurant, anyway. Try Pequod's in Chicago instead, and thank me later!
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