Take one look at the black-and-white spotted Chick-fil-A mascot and you’d probably never guess that the original name of founder Samuel Truett Cathy’s first restaurant was the Dwarf Grill. Opened in 1946 in Hapeville, Georgia, the Dwarf Grill transformed into the Dwarf House and then became the popular “Eat Mor Chikin” chain of today. Image…
Home of the “Pizza! Pizza!” Little Caesars ranks third in the big pizza pie race, trailing Domino’s and Pizza Hut. Little Caesars is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Why is it Called Little Caesars? Mike and Marian Ilitch opened the first location of Little Caesars in 1959 in Garden City, Michigan. Marion’s nickname for Mike was “Little…
Panera Bread Company is a chain of bakery-café fast-casual restaurants found throughout the U.S. and Canada. What many do not know is that it was the first of its kind – the first upscale bakery-café, at a time when the only the fastest, most convenient restaurants dominated the market. Since it was first opened 35…
SONIC Drive-In’s website says, “Our vision is simple: to become America’s most loved restaurant brand.” Whew. Pretty lofty goal right there. But with its fast service, fun menu, constant deals, kitschy drive-in concept, and lovably wacky commercials, Sonic Drive-In is doing what it can. SONIC-Drive In is an American drive-in fast-food restaurant chain based in…
Many historians mis-credit James McLamore and David Edgerton with founding what was then called, Insta Burger King, but it was really Keith Kramer and Matthew Burns who came up with the idea. In fact, the latter two men were so impressed by McDonald’s, that in 1953, they began their own incarnation in Jacksonville, Florida. Unfortunately, 6 years…
After opening Bell’s Drive-In and Taco Tia in San Bernardino, California, in 1954, Glen Bell might not have realized he created what would become the huge Taco Bell empire of today. In fact, Bell’s Drive-In originally sold hot dogs. However, even at 23, Bell realized that if he was able to get tacos out to…
Subway has long capitalized on the fact that it is a healthier alternative to other fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King and Taco Bell, to name a few. Ironically enough, it was founded by Dr. Peter Buck and Fred DeLuca under the business name Doctor’s Associates Incorporated, in 1966. Fred DeLuca knew that if he…
The first Starbucks opened in 1971 in Seattle, Washington and interestingly enough, didn’t sell coffee. That empire would come later. Why is it called Starbucks? Many a literary tale has inspired the masses, but did you know that one of the most well-known coffee brands in the world was named after a ship’s mate? Starbuck is a…
Though prominently portrayed by Michael Keaton in “The Founder,” Ray Kroc is not actually the founder of McDonald’s. In fact, he began as a franchisee. Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald began what would become the McDonald’s we know today in 1948, in sunny California. The two men wanted their restaurant to stand out from the…
When it comes to a hot, plain, glazed donut, Krispy Kreme’s are hard to beat. Their donuts are popular, delicious, and addictive enough that comedian Chris Rock insists crack must be an ingredient. Krispy Kreme donuts have been made using the same recipe since the very beginning, over 80 years ago. Today, they have over…