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The Fast Food Industry In The 1920's

Decent Essays

Fast Food has been a prominent global industry since the beginning of the 20th century. The term ‘fast food’ is defined as “food that can be prepared and served quickly” (Miriam-Webster Dictionary). Although any meal with low preparation time is technically fast food, usually the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a packaged form for takeout. During the past century, Western culture has had a shift in the values of everyday life. “The 1920s is often called the “roaring” twenties, a time when America underwent dramatic changes in its lifestyle, values, and technology” (Hogan, pg. 24). The cause of popularity of fast food is the affordability and immediate service.
After World War I, automobiles were becoming quite popular and affordable. The drive-in restaurants were thus introduced to accommodate the vehicles. In 1912, the first fast food joint called the Automat opened in New York. “The Automat was a cafeteria with food behind glass windows and coin operated slots” (HyunJeong para. 4). The company is famous for making the idea of ‘dining out’ popular throughout the East Coast. In 1921, another American company called White Castle, opened …show more content…

In 1940, McDonald’s opened as a simple walk up barbecue and progressed into a hamburger joint. By 1955, McDonald’s opened several restaurants under the new leadership of Ray Kroc. The well- known assembly line first designed for the production of the Ford Model-T, came to the ‘Golden Arches’. Over the next few decades, small chains and franchises grew into giant corporations. “Fast food franchises had become popular dining stops from coast to coast, thanks to their standardized menus, easily recognized signage, and unified advertising strategies” (Accupos para. 5). Dinner frequently was now eaten outside the home and not around the

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