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Fast Food Restaurants

Fast Food Restaurants

The term "fast food" hit the dining scene in the 1950's when inexpensive restaurants opened that only sold a few limited specialty items, typically that were pre-cooked or pre-packaged. Hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizzas and shakes were the front-runners in this new dining concept. Most of the original "fast food outlets" were drive-ins, where you parked your car at a stall and ordered without ever having to leave your vehicle.



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the evolution of fast food restaurants

Initially they had waitresses that came and took your order but technology quickly evolved to where you ordered from a speaker on a box that displayed the menu. Eventually, for many restaurants this evolved into the "drive through", where instead of sitting and eating in your car where you ordered, you would drive up to a window to order your food and then left once you got it. Some restaurants, like Sonic, still have the drive up stalls for you to order and eat at.

eat-in fast food restaurants

Most fast food restaurants now also have indoor service where you order at a counter and then sit at tables to eat your food (or, you can get the food to go). The most common items at these restaurants are still burgers (Burger King), fries (McDonald's), and pizza (Pizza Hut, Dominos, Godfathers), but more items have become popular as well. Both fried chicken (KFC) and Mexican-style foods (Taco Bell, Chipotle) are wildly popular.

mall food courts

Fast food has also become a popular fixture at shopping malls. The food courts are typically lined with nothing but fast food counters including such popular places as Auntie Anne's (famous for pretzels), Cinnabon with their amazing cinnamon rolls, and Panda Express with quick Asian-style food.



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Recipes  /   fast food restaurants
recipe for pizza hut original pan pizza

Pizza Hut Original Pan Pizza

Make your own Pizza Hut pan pizza at home. This copycat recipe for the crust and sauce tastes just like the pizzas you get at Pizza Hut.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for auntie anne's soft pretzels

Auntie Anne's Soft Pretzels

Just like the pretzels you get at the mall. This copy cat version of Auntie Anne's is easy and delicious.

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for dunkin' donuts' vanilla filled doughnuts

Dunkin' Donuts' Vanilla Filled Doughnuts

A homemade version of Dunkin' Donuts' popular yeast-raised, vanilla cream filled, deep-fried doughnuts.

Method:   deep fryer, stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for panera bread broccoli cheese soup

Panera Bread Broccoli Cheese Soup

Panera is known for their delicious soups and this recipe is no exception. It's made with fresh broccoli and lots of cheddar cheese.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for state fair corn dogs

State Fair Corn Dogs

Hard to pick a more classic fair food than a good old corndog on a stick. A cornmeal batter with honey, flour, and egg turns some ordinary hot dogs into nostalgia-inducing treats.

Method:   deep fryer
Time:   under 30 minutes

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recipe for church's fried chicken coating

Church's Fried Chicken Coating

If you love the fried chicken from Church's then try this recipe for their coating mix.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for sbarro baked ziti

Sbarro Baked Ziti

Sbarro may be known for pizza, but this copycat ziti bake recipe is no slouch. Al dente pasta covered in ricotta, Romano, and mozzarella cheese with black pepper tomato sauce proves...

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for dog 'n suds coney sauce

Dog 'N Suds Coney Sauce

Slow-simmered ground beef Coney sauce makes a tantalizing topping for hot dogs. It's a little sweet, a little spicy and a lot delicious.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for godfather's chicago-style deep-dish pizza

Godfather's Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza

Bring the city's famous deep dish pie right to your table. A crispy crust, melted mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce is guaranteed to knock this one out of the...

Method:   oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for boston market cucumber salad

Boston Market Cucumber Salad

Enjoy a refreshing clones of Boston Market's cucumber salad, blending crisp cucumbers, zesty red onions, and juicy tomatoes in a tangy olive oil and vinegar dressing.


Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for boston market squash casserole

Boston Market Squash Casserole

This copycat Boston Market squash casserole is a family favorite with cornbread crumbles, melty cheddar cheese, and a zucchini-yellow squash duo. So tasty and easy.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for cinnabon frosting

Cinnabon Frosting

If you love the frosting on the cinnamon rolls at Cinnabon, then you'll love this copycat recipe. It uses margarine, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for boston market creamed spinach

Boston Market Creamed Spinach

One bite of this rich and creamy copycat spinach dish and you'll know why it's so popular at Boston Market!

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for popeye's fried chicken

Popeye's Fried Chicken

Love Popeye's fried chicken? Making Popeye's fried chicken at home is a great way to get the same delicious taste without having to leave the comfort of your own kitchen.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for a&w burgers

A&W Burgers

Copycat versions of the entire family of A&W burgers like the Papa Burger, Mama Burger, and Teen Burger (plus onion rings and chili dogs!)

Method:   microwave, indoor grill, oven, outdoor grill
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for dairy queen-style hard chocolate sauce

Dairy Queen-Style Hard Chocolate Sauce

Love the chocolate dipped cones at Dairy Queen? Make your own chocolate sauce that hardens on the ice cream with just three simple ingredients.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for dairy queen ice cream

Dairy Queen Ice Cream

Dairy Queen is a popular ice cream chain, known for its Blizzard treats. What you may not know is that you can make your own Dairy Queen ice cream at home!

Method:   stovetop
Time:   over 5 hours


recipe for white castle slider bun

White Castle Slider Bun

Do you love the little buns they use at White Castle restaurants? This DIY version can be used for mini hamburgers or other slider-style recipes.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for cinnabon rolls made with vanilla pudding mix

Cinnabon Rolls Made With Vanilla Pudding Mix

Cinnabon is famous for their perfect cinnamon rolls with creamy icing. Now you can be famous too with your friends and family for copying their recipe at...

Method:   oven
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for taco bell chili cheese burrito

Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito

Copy the famous burrito from Taco Bell. Check out the reviews from others on how to dress it up even more!

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for cinnabon cinnamon rolls

Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls

Make the famous Cinnabon rolls using a bread machine and this recipe.

Method:   oven, bread machine
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for taco bell bell burgers

Taco Bell Bell Burgers

Taco Bell created the "Bell Burger" in the mid-1960s to compete with the popular hamburger fast food chains.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for kfc potato salad

KFC Potato Salad

KFC's potato salad is a delicious, creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. The salad is made with diced potatoes, mayonnaise, pickle relish, and a variety of spices.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for a&w coney island sauce

A&W Coney Island Sauce

Nothing more tragic than a naked hot dog. To really do it right, a healthy ladle of sweet, savory Coney sauce with beef and tomatoes is what you need.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for caribou coffee's hot apple blast

Caribou Coffee's Hot Apple Blast

Thought hot apple cider was good already? It may be, but throwing in caramel and cinnamon syrups a la Caribou makes it simply fabulous.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes




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