Fast food restaurants quickly gained popularity in the 1950s with the rise of suburban expansion in the United States. The convenience of quick service and standardized menus made them an appealing option for busy families and workers on the go. Today, 76% of Americans consume fast food weekly, according to a National Center for Health Statistics study, showing just how popular fast food is in American culture. Fast food restaurants are a quick and easy way to get a cheap meal. They offer a variety of tastes and preferences ranging from smoothie parlors to burger joints.

Fast food chains build their success on affordability and efficiency. They rely on consistency, speed, and flavor to build a sustainable and reliable business. The option to grab a meal within minutes at a low cost makes fast food a go-to choice for students, workers, and families. Sophomore Will Bowerman shares why he likes to go to Zaxby’s.

“I like Zaxby’s because their Zax sauce is really good, and it is relatively cheap,” Bowerman said. “I usually get the Big Zax Snack every time because it has three chicken tenders, crinkle fries, Texas Toast, and a 22-ounce drink, which is really filling.”

Fast food restaurants also offer the opportunity to bond with family and friends over a meal. Sophomore Cooper Laliberte shares how fast food restaurants help him bond with his family.

“I cannot drive yet, so my family and I all go to the same restaurant when we go out to eat,” Laliberte said. “I love to go to Steak ‘n Shake because it has great burgers and fries, and whenever I go there, I can get everything I want because they offer a lot on the menu. My go-to order is a small fry with a double patty cheeseburger and a milkshake.”

With changing dietary habits, some fast food restaurants have opened up to giving healthier options on the menu. Restaurants like Smoothie King and Tropical Smoothie have gained popularity because of the cheap and healthy smoothie options. More people are choosing lighter, nutritious meals while still enjoying the convenience of fast food. Sophomore Emma Selman shares why she chooses to go to Spartan Smoothie as her favorite fast food restaurant.

“I like Spartan Smoothies because they have some good smoothies, and they are healthy but still delicious,” Selman said. “As a dorm student, I enjoy going there because I can go with my friends and get our smoothies as a group and go talk and hang out there. I usually get the Pink Paradise smoothie because I like strawberry-flavored foods.”