11 of 58

Write now Article Tools

Fast food restaurants, like McDonald's and Burger King, are now an American institution, have been since the early 1900s. It all dates back to the time of the early street venders on the streets of New York City and Philadelphia, when people first starting selling hotdogs on the streets. Of course, since that time, the concept caught on. American cities across the country see fast food restaurants on the corner of many streets. Americans love fast food.

And this is where I defend my position, that fast food restaurants are not going anywhere, anytime soon.

It's all based on facts and figures. For one, fast food sales are up 5-10% in all major outlets so far this year. In the time of a small depression and a weakened economy, people just don't have the time or the money to eat at fine dining restaurants every weekend. Because of this, people find the dollar menu an act of god. Why? Because while the food remains decent, the price is unbeatable.

Americans are turning to more and more fast food as the jobless rate increases. Even I have been eating at McDonald's a bit more lately. It isn't the world's best food, but it really is a good deal, and a huge timesaver. The schedules of many Americans are becoming increasingly tightened.

Parents are working more to support their family the best they can, and don't have the time to cook a nice Tuesday-night meal. Instead, picking up a pizza, or calling to see what the kids want from McDonald's is becoming routine.

And because of this, fast food restaurants are taking advantage of the open opportunities. To rake in even more customers, McDonald's has begun to promote the food labels, showing consumers that their food is "healthier" than the food of their competitors.

But still, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that fast food isn't healthy for you. Is it unhealthy? It depends - depends on how much you eat of it. If you're eating fast food every day, for every meal, chances are you'll be dying quite early. Chances are, you're health won't be so good as your age gets up there.

But, none of thise has anything to do with fast food restaurants being on their way out. I'm not even sure if it's possible. With increased sales in an economic downturn, we'll probably be seeing more of the neighborhood-friendly restaurants turn up. It's all about money. Whether or not the food is healthy, as long as McDonald's is making money, isn't that all that matters?

Learn more about this author, Nick Somoski.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Are fast food restaurants like McDonald's and Burger King on the way out??
We want to hear your view. Write now!