Fast food
From ArticleWorld
Fast food gains popularity among people in the U.S. at an exponentially growing rate each year. These growing rates are indicative of the decrease in the average number of meals prepared in the home. Fast food refers to a product that can be quickly and cheaply produced by employees of fast food restaurants.
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What Defines Fast Food?
Fast food generally consists of items like French fries and hamburgers that can be eaten quickly without silverware. Some fast food establishments, like Wendy’s make available a large variety of salads, soups and even chili.
Fast is the key word in fast food, in fact most stores that are known as fast food providers have some sort of express system including drive-thru and even call ahead ordering during peak-periods.
Making Fast Food Fast
As noted above, fast is the key word in fast food. The words fast food indicate to consumers that from the time that they place their order, their food will be presented to them in minutes and most often neatly wrapped in thin paper sheets and placed in paper bags.
Historical Development of the Industry
Researchers discovered that Americans spent nearly $US 110 million in 2000 compared with numbers gathered in 1970 which indicated a growing trend, but still amounted to only around $US 6 million.
McDonald's is perhaps the most internationally well-known fast food provider in 2005. It is not evident whether the first franchise owner Ray Kroc expected his small hamburger stand to evolve into a multinational corporation. McDonalds set the standard for fast food establishment operations through its policies, standard menu and marketing efforts. It should also be noted that McDonalds participates in many philanthropy efforts throughout the world.
Effect on Health
In 2004 a film documentary entitles Super Size Me placed the filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock in a 30 day cycle of eating nothing but fast food. The intention of the filmmaker was to show the public the negative health effects suffered as a result to continued exposure to fast food.
Specifically, most fast food meals contain deep fried foods like fries and register and extremely high glycemic index.
Healthy Choices
In the beginning of 2005 fast food marketing efforts centered specifically around the newer health options provided by the companies for it’s health conscious customers. Offerings include more types of salads, alternatives to soft drinks and fruit in place of fries.