As the world continues to see more and more franchises emerge in the food industry, it’s important to remember those who started it all. The oldest food franchises in the world have paved the way for the beloved dining staples we enjoy today. From nostalgic hamburger joints to classic donut shops, these brands have stood the test of time and continue to expand globally. Let’s take a closer look at the origins, expansion, and exquisite details of the world’s oldest food franchises.
- Dunkin’ Donuts
In 1950, William Rosenberg founded Dunkin’ Donuts in Massachusetts, United States. The first store was a humble donut and coffee shop named “Open Kettle” that offered customers coffee for 10 cents and a donut for 5 cents. The shop later changed its name to Dunkin’ Donuts as a nod to the most popular product. The franchise has since expanded to include more than 12,000 locations in 42 countries worldwide. In 2018, after over 50 years, the company officially dropped “Donuts” from its name and rebranded solely as Dunkin’.
- McDonald’s
Probably the most recognizable fast-food chain in the world, McDonald’s was founded by Richard and Maurice McDonald in 1940 in California, United States. It initially operated as a BBQ restaurant before switching to the fast-food model we know today. The McDonald brothers franchised their business in 1955, and Ray Kroc later joined the company as a franchise agent and went on to buy the brand in 1961. McDonald’s now has over 38,000 restaurants in over 100 countries, serving fast-food staples such as Big Macs, Chicken McNuggets, and the beloved fries. Mcdonald’s is also known for its successful marketing campaigns, serving as a timeless symbol of the American Dream. Mcdonald’s menu is also different in different countries. Some interesting items include the McAloo Tikki Burger in India and the Shrimp Burger in Japan.
- Subway
The Subway franchise was founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965 in Connecticut, United States. The first store, originally called “Pete’s Super Submarines,” sold submarine sandwiches and grew in popularity. Subsequently, the duo changed the name to Subway and franchised their business in 1974. The brand has since expanded to more than 44,000 locations in 112 countries worldwide, offering a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, and other fast-food fare.
- KFC
KFC, also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1930 in Kentucky, United States. Originally a gas station, Sanders began selling fried chicken out of the back of the station and later opened the first KFC in 1952. The brand became famous worldwide for its crispy and flavorful chicken. KFC has over 24,000 stores in over 145 countries, with an impressive global presence. KFC has also recently gained popularity for being one of the first fried chicken joints to introduce plant-based meat alternatives, making their expansion into the plant-based market.
- White Castle
Remember the Movie Harold and Kumar and their wild adventure to find a White Castle? We don’t blame them! White Castle was founded in 1921 in Kansas, United States, making it the oldest fast-food chain in the world. Co-founders Walter Anderson and Edgar Waldo Ingram aimed to create a place “where the ordinary man could buy a good, clean meal at an affordable price.” The chain is famous for its small square burgers, also known as sliders, which have been a fan-favourite for almost a century. While the chain started in the Midwest, it has expanded to the East Coast and beyond, with over 375 locations today. Their burgers are iconic and are now sold in grocery stores nationwide.
These older franchises have stood the test of time and continue to influence the food industry. As the brands have expanded globally, they have adapted their menus and marketing strategies to appeal to different cultures and tastes.
From long-standing favourites like McDonald’s and KFC to up-and-coming chains, these franchises have provided a blueprint for success in the food industry. Whether you’re a franchise owner or an investor, there’s a lot to learn from these iconic brands.
Looking to invest in an up-and-coming franchise? Toronto Pho is a Vietnamese eatery that is expanding across the GTA. We take pride in knowing that our food is made with the freshest ingredients, and our pho is traditional but modernized for the Toronto palette.
Our goal is to bring authentic Vietnamese cuisine to more people across Canada at an affordable price. We offer both franchise ownership and investor opportunities, so Get ready to embark on an exciting journey and discover why opening a pho franchise in Toronto is a smart and delicious choice.
If you’re interested in learning more please reach out!