A Brief History of Fast Food Restaurants

The restaurant industry has revolutionized itself many times throughout history. Today, we take a look at one of the most well-known innovations in food service, one that still enjoys tremendous popularity today – the fast food restaurant.

Although historians will argue, common consensus holds that the modern fast food restaurant has its roots in the automat. A cross between a diner and a vending machine, automats served food via coin-operated dispensaries. Most automats also included a cafeteria-style steam table, where hot food was served. The first automat in the US was opened in July of 1902, and the format enjoyed several years of popularity, finally becoming obsolete in the mid ‘50s.

Then, in June of 1919, entrepreneur Roy Allen set up a root beer stand that changed everything.

Allen, joined by partner Frank Wright, soon established a chain of root beer stands, each offering the patented blend that became known as “A&W Root Beer.” By 1933, the franchise consisted of over 170 locations across the western and Midwestern United States. The new chain spread rapidly, but it would not become a full service restaurant until the 1970’s.

A&W did, however, adapt to include another popular trend – the drive-in. A precursor to the modern drive-through, and still found at such restaurants as Sonic Burger, the drive-in format allowed customers to park and receive carside service. First offered by Kirby’s Pig Stand in Dallas, Texas in 1921, this style of fast food dining remained common into the 1960’s.

Today, though the automat has disappeared, A&W restaurants (under parent company Yum! Brands) are loved worldwide. Food offerings are now standard across the franchise, and you won’t find a drive-in location, but the cornerstone of the business – Roy Allen’s trademark frosty Root Beer – remains the same!