Think You Know Fast-Food? These Facts May Surprise You.
McDonald’s. Burger King. Wendy’s. Chick-fil-A. Taco Bell.
These are some of the most iconic names in fast-food. They do so much more than satisfy cravings – they spark nostalgia, serve up quick and affordable meals and bring smiles with fun mascots, timeless menu items and catchy jingles that stay in your head forever.
It’s no wonder the fast-food industry keeps growing. The International Franchise Association reports that the retail food, products and services segment is expected to grow by 3.5% this year – making it the second-fastest growing sector behind personal services.
These franchises are ubiquitous and have been household names for generations. You may think you know everything about these brands – but get ready to be surprised!
Bite into these juicy tidbits about your favorite fast-food franchises!
Fun Facts about Fast-Food Franchises
Burger King
While Burger King’s Whopper has been its crown jewel, not every menu item has been a royal success. For example, Burger King introduced Burger Bundles in 1987 to the delight of young people and late-night customers. However, preparing them was more difficult than anticipated. CNBC reports that line cooks experienced “operational difficulties” when working with the tiny patties, which frequently fell through the grating of the kitchen’s broilers.
Then there was the Flame Broiled Meatloaf Sandwich, launched in 1992 with a celebrity endorsement from Major League Baseball’s Bob Uecke. Despite his fame, negative reviews poured in, and the menu item quickly flamed out.
Chick-fil-A
It is no secret that Chick-fil-A is a faith-based fast-food franchise that’s closed on Sundays, but did you know that the brand celebrates every new location by honoring 100 Community Heroes — local individuals who make a positive impact – with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year?
You may also have noticed that Chick-fil-A staff members are especially nice to every customer, but there’s a story behind it. According to Taste of Home, employees are trained to say “My pleasure” instead of “You’re welcome,” a custom that founder Truett Cathy discovered during a stay at the Ritz-Carlton hotel. He brought that same elevated touch to Chick-fil-A’s customer service training and it stuck.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is well known for its Blizzards and curly Q-topped dipped cones and sundaes. But here’s a surprise – none of those treats are technically ice cream! According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a frozen treat must contain at least 10% butterfat (the fat that naturally occurs in milk) to be considered ice cream. As Dairy Queen states on its website, its soft serve contains only 5% butterfat.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s mascots are as iconic as its menu items. For example, Grimace (pictured above with Hamburglar and Ronald McDonald) is a fun-loving purple blob who enjoys milkshakes and soft drinks. His 52nd birthday was celebrated with the Grimace Birthday Meal and a limited-edition shake, which turned the purple mascot into an unexpected pop culture icon.
Then, he made headlines after being associated with a Mets winning streak in 2024! However, the iconic mascot wasn’t always beloved; he was originally introduced in 1971 as Evil Grimace. After scaring children, marketers gave him a friendly makeover and made him Ronald McDonald’s sidekick.
Of course, Ronald McDonald himself is more than just a clown mascot – he’s also the face of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which supports the families of sick children with resources and housing while traveling for medical treatment.
KFC
There is almost a mythical quality to Colonel Harland Sanders‘ Original Recipe fried chicken. The Los Angeles Times reports that “this blend of 11 herbs and spices is one of the most tightly guarded trade secrets in the restaurant industry.” KFC goes to great lengths to keep it secret. According to The Times, the recipe itself is locked inside a vault at KFC’s headquarters in Louisville. To ensure top secrecy, half of the ingredients are blended by Griffith Foods and then the mixture is sent to McCormick & Company, where the other half is added.
Subway
Subway is famous for its $5 Footlong promotion and equally iconic jingle. But did you know the sub franchise was started by a 17-year-old? Fred DeLuca (above) launched the sub franchise when he was just a teen with a $1,000 loan from a family friend, Dr. Peter Buck. The pair went on to open Pete’s Super Submarines together in 1965, and business proceeds went toward DeLuca’s college tuition. Subway became its official name in 1968.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell didn’t start with tacos – it started with hot dogs! Founder Glen Bell first ran a hot dog stand called Bell’s Drive-In, but was intrigued with the long lines across the street at a taco stand. After reverse-engineering the recipe for the now-famous crunchy taco, he opened the first Taco Bell in a tiny 400-square-foot walk-up stand where every menu item was just 19 cents! Before settling on the name Taco Bell, he tried a few others, including Taco-Tia and El Taco.
Wendy’s
Wendy’s most famous ad campaign is undoubtedly “Where’s the Beef?” The breakout star was 83-year-old Clara Peller (above) whose blunt delivery and no-nonsense attitude turned her into an overnight pop culture icon. Her signature line became a national catchphrase, sparking merchandise, parodies and was even mentioned in the 1984 presidential debate. Thanks to her viral fame, Peller became one of the most unlikely – and beloved – celebrities of the 1980s.
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