Nothing says “American meal” like a hamburger and a coke. The rise of fast food establishments has increased dramatically in three decades. The fast food industry began with a handful of restaurants in Southern California and is now woven into every facet of our society. According to Fast Food Nation, “In 1970, Americans spent $6 billion on fast food. In 2005, they spent more than 120 billion.” (Schlosser page#) The increased popularity of fast food restaurants is influenced by the following factors: fast food is time-efficient, inexpensive, tastes good, promotes socialization, and offers a variety of choices for consumers. [Perhaps rewrite the previous sentence so it is more active and not passive… for example, “Fast food is time-efficient, inexpensive, tastes good, promotes socialization, and offers a variety of choices …show more content…
Chiefs in these businesses produce food that is made of white flour, added sugar, and salt. Our taste buds are designed to enjoy these flavors. [This sentence may require a citation. Are we actually designed to enjoy these flavors? If you can’t find an actual source for this sentence, you can delete it.] Adding salt and sugar to food has created a vicious cycle of the consumer needing more and more of these foods. French fries created in the fast food restaurant are crispier and saltier than the homemade version. These faculties have large fryers that produce a golden fry at the expense of more calories and fat than those made from scratch. Children are big consumers of fast food. Personal observation has revealed that many fast food restaurants directly appeal to children’s interests and tastes. They utilize cartoon and movie characters to promote their foods and restaurants. Most children prefer the hamburgers served in fast food restaurants to homemade burgers; they are salter, sweeter, and they come with a free