The restaurant business has one of the largest shares of the consumer market in the world. It is most fully represented in the countries of Western Europe, the USA, and Southeast Asia.
The global turnover of the restaurant business worldwide is 1.5-2 trillion dollars a year, and about 566 billion of this amount is accounted for by the United States.
A fast food restaurant is a special type of restaurant characterized by fast food cuisine and minimal table service. The food served in these types of establishments is usually of the “sweet meat diet” type and is offered from a limited menu list. Fast food restaurants are a typical part of a restaurant chain or franchise.
The first fast-food restaurants emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. The term “fast food” was recorded in the Merriam-Webster dictionary in 1951.
To this day, it is the States that have the largest fast food industry in the world, with American restaurants located in over 100 countries.
The United States is famous for its fast food culture and variety of fast food restaurants, and giants like McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, and Burger King are known worldwide.
Chick-fil-A
An incredibly popular fast food chain among religious Americans and chicken lovers, Chik-fil-A, has been steadily moving into the top 3 fastest growing chains for the past few years. The brand’s logo is a soft and friendly cursive lettering in solid red, written against a transparent background and having its capital “C” stylized as a chicken.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
The visual identity of the Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant chain is full of Aztec spirit, represented in modern style. The contoured image of the Chipotle pepper makes up the central part of the circular medallion, while the name of the fast food chain is written in white sans-serif capitals around the perimeter of the roundel.
Dunkin’
The Dunkin’ logo uses two very intense and bright shades — orange and fuchsia, which together create somewhat edgy and trendy. The colors play the main role here, hence there is no need for complicated design and graphics. The badge is composed of just an enlarged lettering in an extra-bold rounded sans-serif typeface, which reminds of sweet fluffy donuts.
Five Guys
In 2011, Five Guys became the fastest-growing fast-food restaurant in the States according to the Los Angeles Times. And in 2022, it opened nearly 20 new locations in America, now more than 1,400. The Five Guys logo is simple, distinctive, and stable. It is composed of two-leveled lettering in intense red; with a massive geometric sans-serif for the top line and a playful rounded serif for the bottom.
In-N-Out Burger
The In-N-Out Burger has been called the most popular burger chain in California. The network has not changed its menus for more than 75 years. The same stability can be observed in visual identity issues. Its logo in red and yellow, with simple geometric lettering and a yellow emblem depicting an arrow bent to the right, has been with the company for decades.
Panera Bread
The main philosophy of the fast food chain Panera Bread is an environmentally friendly and innovative approach to doing business. In our opinion, it is the eco-friendliness that is perfectly reflected in the company’s logo, which consists of a banner with a calm shade of green, a smooth white lettering in a handwritten typeface, and a delicate emblem representing warmth and caress.
Shake Shack
A schematic green burger with elements executed in medium-thick contours appeared on the logo of the famous fast-food chain Shake Shack back in 2008. By today the emblem has been slightly refined, and balanced by the new lettering, which suits it much more than the previous one: the clean uppercase inscription in a modern and stylish sans-serif typeface.
Subway
Subway is the largest chain of food outlets in the world, with just under 45,000 in 113 countries, and its logo is one of the shining examples of simple design with hidden meaning. The arrows on the first and last letters of Subway’s logo are there for a reason: they mark the entrance to and exit from the subway. Thus the company decided to show that with Subway you can eat on the go.
Taco Bell
The large white bell on a purple background is the famous emblem of the Taco Bell restaurant chain, which not only depicts the name of the brand, but also represents a “reminder” to visit the restaurant, and even works as an eye-catcher. The emblem is accompanied by the two-leveled lettering in the uppercase of a modern geometric sans-serif typeface.
Wendy’s
The visual identity of the Wendy’s restaurant chain is all about enjoying the moment in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The red-hair smiling girl, drawn on the white medallion and accompanied by the bold red handwritten wordmark, represents all the strongest points of the brand. And if you look closely at Wendy’s collar, you can see the letters “MOM”, which is kind of a reference to the fact that it tastes like at mom’s place here.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is an American casual dining restaurant and sports bar. The logo features a bold buffalo with wings, set against a vibrant yellow circle, symbolizing energy and excitement. The sturdy, sans-serif font of “Buffalo Wild Wings” reinforces the brand’s adventurous spirit and promises a fun-filled experience with great food and a lively atmosphere.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In, also known as Sonic, is an American drive-in fast-food restaurant chain. Its logo displays the word “SONIC” in bold, red letters inside a blue, stylized shape reminiscent of a car hop tray. The vibrant colors and retro design reflect Sonic’s classic drive-in service and fun, fast-food experience.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is a well-known American restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine. The logo features a green olive branch intertwined with the elegant script of “Olive Garden.” This design represents freshness and Italian hospitality, with a warm, inviting font and a touch of homeliness, emphasizing the restaurant’s welcoming dining experience.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is an American casual dining restaurant chain focused on seafood. The logo features a red lobster against a black background, symbolizing premium quality and freshness. The bold, white serif letters of “Red Lobster” and the tagline “FRESH FISH • LIVE LOBSTER” highlight the restaurant’s dedication to high-quality seafood and a superior dining experience.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a famous American restaurant chain known for its extensive menu and cheesecakes. Its logo features the name in a distinctive serif font with a warm, golden hue, evoking luxury and indulgence. The elegant typography reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship in both dining and dessert offerings.
Denny’s
Denny’s is an iconic American diner-style restaurant chain. The logo showcases the name “Denny’s” in bold, red letters within a hexagonal shape, evoking a classic roadside diner feel. The vibrant red color symbolizes warmth and energy, while the clean, modern font ensures the logo is instantly recognizable and inviting.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is a popular American restaurant chain known for its lively atmosphere. The logo features “FRIDAYS” in bold, black letters against a white background with red diagonal stripes, adding a sense of fun and festivity. The dynamic design reflects the brand’s commitment to a vibrant, social dining experience.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is an American restaurant chain with an Australian theme. The logo prominently displays “OUTBACK” in a bold, red font, with a stylized silhouette of the Australian landscape above it. The rugged typography and landscape imagery convey a sense of adventure and authenticity, promising a hearty, flavorful dining experience inspired by the Australian outback.
Starbucks
The Starbucks logo features a twin-tailed mermaid, or siren, inside a green circle. The siren’s hair and the intricate design symbolize the allure of the coffee. The green color represents growth, freshness, and prosperity, aligning with Starbucks’ commitment to sustainable practices and quality coffee.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel’s logo features an old man relaxing on a chair next to a wooden barrel, set against a brown and orange backdrop. The image reflects a nostalgic, country store ambiance, emphasizing traditional values and comfort food. The logo captures the brand’s heritage and welcoming atmosphere.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s logo is a simple and vibrant representation of a chili pepper, with a red pepper and a green apostrophe-shaped stem. The design emphasizes freshness and spice, key elements of the restaurant’s offerings. The playful design reflects Chili’s casual dining atmosphere and bold flavors.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse’s logo features a yellow-outlined black sign with “TEXAS” in bold red letters and “ROADHOUSE” in smaller yellow letters. The design includes a green Texas state silhouette with a cowboy hat, representing the brand’s Texan heritage and rustic, hearty meals.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s iconic logo features the golden arches, which form the letter “M”. The yellow color signifies joy and optimism, while the simple design ensures instant recognition. The golden arches symbolize a place where families can enjoy a happy meal together, embodying the brand’s core values.
IHOP
IHOP’s logo features the name in blue, rounded letters with a red curved line underneath, resembling a smile. The design reflects the friendly and welcoming nature of the restaurant. The blue color symbolizes trust and reliability, while the smiley face emphasizes happiness and satisfaction.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s logo features a red apple with a green leaf, positioned above the brand name in a sleek, black font. The apple symbolizes freshness and health, aligning with the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients. The design is clean and modern, reflecting Applebee’s welcoming and casual dining experience.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s The Steakhouse logo features the brand name in an elegant, black serif font, with “THE STEAKHOUSE” in a smaller, uppercase sans-serif font beneath it. The design is simple and sophisticated, emphasizing the restaurant’s focus on high-quality, premium steak dining experiences.
