The concept of fast food has been around for centuries, but the modern fast food industry as we know it today can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first fast-food restaurant chain was White Castle, which opened its doors in Wichita, Kansas in 1921.

White Castle offered small, square-shaped burgers that were cheap and quick to prepare. The chain’s founder, Billy Ingram, used innovative marketing techniques to attract customers, such as offering coupons and sponsoring radio programs.

The success of White Castle inspired other fast-food chains to follow suit, and the industry grew rapidly in the decades that followed. Today, fast food is a ubiquitous part of American culture and can be found in virtually every corner of the country.