Are Thermopolia the First Fast Food Restaurant?

Thermopolia, a fast food restaurant in the ancient Roman

In modern era, many people believe (arguably) that White Castle is the first fast food restaurant in the world.

It was founded in Wichita, KS in 1921, then developed the chains across America. White Castle has 599 locations in 33 states until recently.

Some menus that the White Castle sells are:

- Slider with egg and cheese

- Hash Brown Nibblers

- Waffle Slider with Sausage

- Chicken rings

- Coffee

- Smoothie

- Many other soft drinks and beverages

One of menus in the White Castle fast food restaurant

Then, several decades after White Castle, two American fast food restaurants, KFC and McDonald open restaurant chains world wide.

These restaurants together with other American restaurants to be multinational corporations and present in almost any countries in the world.

Americans not only export high technologies, but also their tastes across the borders.

KFC menus for illustration only

We may wonder, did fast food and its restaurants invented or created in the modern era? The answer is no.

Ancient Roman is known as the first who invented fast foods and fast food restaurants in the world.

Thermopolia were restaurants to sell hot things that ready to eat. In fact, they sold hamburgers, fish sauces, baked cheeses, hot drinks and many others.

Who are the consumers? Common people, include poor people who have no time to prepare their own food.

Not like modern fast food restaurants, the Thermopolia had small rooms to provide services of take out food only.

It is interesting for me, how about you?