Fast food in American culture - Essay Example

n American eats at a fast food restaurant is probably four to five times a week indicating towards the trends that people do basically not prefer to cook at their own homes. (Counihan) The history of fast food in America is almost 70 years old when during the first half of the 20th century; an individual with the name of Carl Karcher started to sell the hot dogs and other fast food products. This was basically to provide the speedy service to the customers and it gradually became the main characteristics of the American life also which value speed and efficiency much.

It is therefore important to note that fast food has some deep impacts on the way American life actually work and how the common Americans act and respond in certain situations. Fast food as the name suggests is the food which can be prepared and served very quickly however, it is also important to note that any meal which is prepared within shortest possible time can be considered as fast food. Fast food is served over small kiosks or through restaurants and some of the best restaurants offer fast food through their chains.

McDonalds, KFC, Burger King are some of the fast food chains offering different kind of burgers and sandwiches as well as other fast food stuff including coffee also. Coupled with the business of fast food chains is the concept of franchising wherein the fast food restaurants basically sell their ideas and operational secrets to whoever purchase the franchise and sell under the same name. The rapid spread of fast food culture and restaurants is mostly a result of the process of franchising wherein the original owners of the restaurants provided the support; brand name and recipes to franchisees in order sell the similar product.

The culture of fast food eating also flourished as the US economy started to grow and the average hourly rates of common Americans increased. This increase in the income of the persons actually allowed them to afford the luxury of eating out and thus