Hamburgers and hot dogs are as much a part of the USA as the Statue of Liberty or the Hollywood Sign. Every day, approximately 37% of Americans eat at fast food restaurants. The selection of fast food chains in America is enormous. You can find tips for the best meals, including prices, menu links, and fun facts about 20 fast food restaurants in this article.
Table of Contents
- Dining in the USA: What You Need to Know Before You Bite into a French Fry
- 20 Fast-Food Chains in America to Visit for a Meal
- Chipotle Mexican Grill – Burritos, Quesadillas, and Tacos
- In-N-Out Burger – Burgers
- Shake Shack – Milkshakes and Burgers
- Five Guys – Burgers and Hot Dogs
- Chick-fil-A – Chicken
- Dairy Queen (DQ) – Dairy Products and Burgers
- Wendy’s – Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches
- Arby’s – Sandwiches
- Jack in the Box – Burgers
- Carl’s / Hardee’s – Burgers
- Subway – Fresh Sandwiches
- Burger King – Hamburgers
- McDonald’s – Hamburgers, Fries, and Cola
- Starbucks – Coffee Shops
- Dunkin’ – Donuts and Coffee
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts – Donuts
- KFC/Taco Bell – Chicken and Mexican Cuisine
- Pizza Hut – Pizza
- Domino’s – Pizza
- Little Caesars – Pizza and Breadsticks
Dining in the USA: What You Need to Know Before You Bite into a French Fry
💵 Food Prices at American Fast-Food Restaurants
When visiting a fast food restaurant, expect an average meal price of $10.00 to $12.00, including small fries and a small drink. The upgrade for the largest size typically costs $2.00 to $2.75. Prices vary significantly between restaurants and across states.
🧾 Tax and Tip Are Not Included in the Price
The price is also influenced by varying sales tax rates in different U.S. states. The menu prices and advertised prices are typically listed before tax. Unlike traditional sit-down restaurants, fast-food restaurants usually do not expect a tip.
💲 How to Save Money at American Fast-Food Restaurants
Never throw away your receipts, as they often contain discount coupons for your next visit. In some places, you can get discounts by spending a few minutes filling out feedback surveys. It is also worth downloading the chain’s mobile app, where discounts are often offered. In some cases, you may need to download the app once you’re in the U.S.
🕒 Fast-Food Opening Hours in the USA
Many restaurants open early in the morning and offer breakfast menus. They stay open until late at night, making them a great place for a late dinner after a busy day. Some chains operate 24/7, and this information is typically displayed in large letters outside the restaurant.
🥤 Portion Sizes at American Fast-Food Restaurants
One thing that might surprise you at fast-food restaurants in the USA is the large portion sizes and gigantic soda cups. A large menu is often enough to feed two people. For example, McDonald’s large drink has a volume of 0.89 liters, but that’s not the biggest one available. The largest drink is offered by the convenience store chain 7-Eleven, with a Team Gulp cup holding 3.79 liters.
⭐ How to Choose a Good Restaurant
The standards set by the chain are one thing, but the reality inside the restaurants can often be different. When selecting a fast food restaurant, I recommend checking ratings and reading a few reviews on Google Maps. If the rating is lower than 4.0, expect some issues.
🍔 How to Navigate the Menu at Restaurants
Drinks sweetened with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar are labeled as “Diet,” while sweetened sodas are just called “soda.” French fries are referred to as “French fries.” Meals that include both a drink and fries are listed as “Meal.”
20 Fast-Food Chains in America to Visit for a Meal
You’ll most often encounter the following twenty fast food restaurants and cafes in the USA. Please treat the listed prices as rough estimates, as they vary significantly depending on the type of establishment and its location. The prices were last updated on March 11, 2025, and if you spot any inaccuracies, feel free to comment below.
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Chipotle Mexican Grill – Burritos, Quesadillas, and Tacos
Chipotle Mexican Grill is my favorite American fast-food chain. It focuses on Mexican cuisine, and my personal favorite is the Crispy Corn Chicken Tacos with guacamole. You can customize your order to suit your taste. Chipotle feels healthier than competing fast-food chains that specialize in hamburgers. It uses high-quality ingredients, many of which are organic. For this reason, the prices are a bit higher.
Chipotle Mexican Grill was founded in 1993, and initially, all of its locations were in Colorado. An interesting fact is that the founder Steve Ells originally wanted to open a fine dining restaurant but lacked sufficient startup capital. Instead, he opened a “cheap fast food” restaurant that was supposed to generate enough money for his dream restaurant. Between 1998 and 2006, McDonald’s owned a smaller stake in Chipotle’s parent company.
Interestingly, Chipotle strictly avoids franchises. All of its locations are company-owned, and as of January 2025, it operated around 3,636 locations in the United States.
💵 Menu Price
The typical price for a menu at Chipotle ranges from $14.00 to $16.00. This applies to Burritos, Bowls, Tacos, and Salads. Guacamole is typically an additional $2.50, and a drink costs $2.50 extra.
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In-N-Out Burger – Burgers
In-N-Out Burger is an interesting fast-food chain that deserves your visit. Compared to Burger King, I enjoyed my meal much more at In-N-Out Burger in Los Angeles, and the prices here are generally lower.
The signature item is the Double-Double Burger with two patties, two slices of cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato slices, and mayonnaise, the recipe for which has remained unchanged since 1948. An interesting fact is that In-N-Out Burger restaurants do not use frozen ingredients. All the meat and other food items are freshly prepared. A little Easter egg is the Bible quotes printed on the bottom of the cups.
You can find restaurants almost exclusively on the West Coast of the USA, mostly in California. Although the first restaurant opened in 1948, it is still owned and operated by the Snyder family. In-N-Out Burger does not have any franchises, and no large corporations are behind the company. As of December 2024, there were only 415 locations in operation, all within the USA.
💵 Menu Price
The price for the Double-Double Burger menu is $13.50, the Cheeseburger menu costs $11.50, and the Hamburger menu is $10.50. The price includes fries and a medium-sized drink.
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Shake Shack – Milkshakes and Burgers
Shake Shack started in 2001 as a hot dog stand in New York’s Madison Square Park. In 2004, it received permission to set up a permanent stand, and in June 2010, it began building its first restaurants. By September 2024, Shake Shack had 358 locations in the USA and others in various countries worldwide.
Like In-N-Out, Shake Shack never uses freezers, and all burgers are made from fresh beef.
Shake Shack earned its name from its unique milkshakes, which it continuously updates. I’m not much of a milkshake person, so testing their quality will be up to you. For their burgers, Shake Shack uses 100% beef sourced from the USA. Compared to competitors, they also use potato buns and crinkle-cut fries.
💵 Menu Price
Prices at Shake Shack are higher than at its competitors, reflecting its premium segment, but I still recommend visiting the restaurant. The ShackBurger with one patty costs around $10.50, with two patties around $12.50. The SmokeShack burger is priced at $13.50, and the SmokeShack with double meat is $15.50. A milkshake costs around $6.89.
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Five Guys – Burgers and Hot Dogs
The fast-food chain Five Guys focuses on high-quality burgers and hot dogs. Founders Jerry and Janie Murrell took their father’s advice to heart when starting the business, who told them, “With quality ingredients, you can’t go wrong.” If you come across a Five Guys restaurant, I recommend stopping by to try their burgers. While the higher quality comes at a higher price, it’s definitely worth it.
The Five Guys menu may not stand out for its creative dish names, but nearly every item can be customized to your liking. There are around 250,000 possible burger combinations. Five Guys uses a smart marketing strategy, always adding a few extra fries to the bottom of the bag to exceed customer expectations, as reported.
Five Guys pays attention to the details, using American cheddar and smoking bacon over applewood. Burgers are sold in two sizes: Regular with two patties and Little with one patty. A somewhat quirky menu item is the bacon milkshake.
The first Five Guys restaurant opened in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia. The first franchises in the USA and internationally began opening in 2003, and their number has steadily increased since then.
💵 Menu Price
Smaller burgers with one patty cost between $9.50 and $10.50, with the larger version having two patties for an additional $2.50. The price includes fries and a drink. Fries are also available separately, with small typically costing $3.09, medium for $4.19, and large for $5.79.
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Chick-fil-A – Chicken
Chick-fil-A is a fast food chain focused on chicken dishes – nuggets, strips, salads, and sandwiches. The chain uses high-quality ingredients, which makes the prices in its restaurants somewhat higher. One interesting item at Chick-fil-A is the grilled chicken nuggets, which are not breaded but simply marinated.
All Chick-fil-A restaurants in the U.S. strictly follow a unique policy where they remain closed every Sunday. This policy was introduced by the company’s founder, Truett Cathy, who wanted to give employees a day off to rest and attend church.
The first Chick-fil-A location opened on May 23, 1946, in Hapeville, Georgia, under the name Dwarf Grill. By December 2024, Chick-fil-A had approximately 3,164 restaurants in the U.S.
💵 Menu Prices
The cheapest sandwiches at Chick-fil-A are sold for $8.50, with more expensive options costing around $10.50. For eight pieces of chicken nuggets, the price usually ranges from $9.00 to $11.00. The meal price includes small fries and a small drink.
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Dairy Queen (DQ) – Dairy Products and Burgers
The Dairy Queen chain offers a bit of everything. In 1940, in Joliet, Illinois, it started as a small ice cream stand where its founder, Sherb Noble, offered nothing but ice cream. Hot dogs and burgers were added to Dairy Queen’s menu later on.
In the 1950s, Dairy Queen’s Royal Treat ice cream became one of the first in the U.S. to feature chocolate sprinkles mixed directly into the ice cream itself, as opposed to sprinkling them on top.
Signature items on Dairy Queen’s burger menu are Stackburgers in several variations, with two to three patties as their hallmark. Personally, I wasn’t too impressed by Dairy Queen, but perhaps their colorful sprinkles and ice cream toppings will win you over.
By February 2025, Dairy Queen had around 4,168 locations across the U.S.
💵 Menu Prices
The smallest Blizzard Treat ice cream in all flavors is sold for $2.89, the small size for $3.69, the medium for $4.09, and the large for $4.69. Burgers at DQ cost $8.50–$10.50, and the price includes a drink and fries.
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Wendy’s – Burgers and Chicken Sandwiches
Wendy’s is one of the five largest fast food chains in the U.S., known for its square-shaped burger patties. The main competitors for Wendy’s are McDonald’s and Burger King.
The first Wendy’s restaurant opened on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio. By February 2025, Wendy’s had 5,945 restaurants across the United States. An interesting fact is that Wendy’s does not have a signature burger like McDonald’s Big Mac or Burger King’s Whopper.
The founder, Dave Thomas, named the chain after his daughter Melinda “Wendy” Thomas. The world-famous Wendy’s logo with the red-haired girl is a direct representation of his daughter. Wendy’s was one of the first chains in the 1960s to introduce the rule of using fresh beef that had never been frozen.
💵 Menu Prices
The quarter-pound Dave’s Hot ‘n Juicy usually sells for $9.50, the half-pound version for $10.50, and the three-quarter-pound version for $11.00. The price includes cheese, fries, and a drink. For $0.60, you can upgrade the meal to a Medium Combo, and for $1.10, to a Large Combo.
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Arby’s – Sandwiches
Arby’s is a fast-food chain focused on fresh sandwiches, where instead of a fried patty, you’ll find roast beef. Its signature products include roast beef and curly fries. Arby’s was the first fast-food chain to introduce curly fries in 1988.
Arby’s offers a fairly wide selection of meats for its sandwiches, including chicken, gyros, fish fillets, and brisket. Arby’s occasionally experiments with innovative menu items.
The first restaurant opened on July 23, 1964, in Boardman, Ohio. As of November 2024, Arby’s had 3,398 restaurants in the USA. The name Arby’s comes from the initials of the founding brothers (Raffael Brothers).
💵 Price per Menu
Most sandwiches are priced between $8.50 and $10.50, with small fries and a small drink included. For an additional $2.00, you can upgrade to the Make It Medium Meal, or for $2.50, you can opt for the Make It Large Meal.
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Jack in the Box – Burgers
Jack in the Box is a burger fast-food chain, primarily located on the West Coast of the USA. In terms of both price and quality, it is considered average. In addition to burgers, Jack in the Box also offers tacos.
The first Jack in the Box restaurant opened on February 21, 1951, in California. As of December 2024, there were 2,186 Jack in the Box locations in the United States.
The Jack in the Box chain is known for being an innovator in several ways. For example, the restaurant in San Diego was equipped with a drive-thru window with an intercom as early as 1951. In contrast, competing McDonald’s didn’t introduce the first drive-thru window until January 1975. Jack in the Box was also one of the first chains to offer a breakfast menu available 24 hours a day.
💵 Price per Menu
The price of burgers at Jack in the Box ranges from $9.99 to $12.99. Small fries and a small drink are included. For an additional $2.00, you can upgrade to Medium, or for $2.50, you can upgrade to Large.
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Carl’s / Hardee’s – Burgers
The fast-food chain started in 1941 as Carl’s Drive-In Barbecue, adding burgers to the menu five years later. Carl’s Jr. grills all of its burgers over an open flame, and the recognizable symbol of its restaurants is the smiling yellow star in the logo. Personally, I enjoyed the Guacamole Bacon Angus Burger from their menu.
Carl’s Jr. was the first fast-food chain in the USA to begin grilling burgers over charcoal, which gives them their distinctive flavor. Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurants are also known for their wide selection of spicy burgers.
Carl’s Jr. locations are almost exclusively found in the western and southern parts of the USA. In 2018, the company split, and restaurants in the eastern and northern parts of the USA now operate under a different management, carrying the name Hardee’s, but still featuring the same smiling star in the logo.
💵 Price per Menu
Menu prices at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s range from $8.50 to $10.50. The price includes fries and a drink. For an additional $2.00, you can upgrade to Medium, or for $2.50, you can upgrade to Large.
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Subway – Fresh Sandwiches
Subway specializes in freshly made sandwiches, where customers can choose either from a set menu or create their own. The chain was founded in 1965 in Bridgeport, Connecticut under the name Pete’s Super Submarines. By February 2025, Subway had approximately 20,482 locations across the United States.
The chain gained media attention through Jared Fogle, who between 1998 and 1999 lost 245 lb by eating at Subway restaurants. As a result, he became a brand ambassador. However, in 2015, he was convicted for possession of child pornography and was removed from all Subway marketing materials.
Personally, I like Subway and occasionally visit it in the USA. Subway offers me the choice between healthy and unhealthy options, with unsweetened tea available alongside sweetened sodas, and sometimes limited-edition sandwiches are featured on the menu.
💵 Menu Price
There are significant price differences between sandwiches. The cheaper Footlong sandwiches (about 30 cm long) cost around $7.49, while more substantial meat sandwiches cost around $10.00.
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Burger King – Hamburgers
Burger King’s menu consists almost entirely of hamburgers, with the Whopper taking center stage. The Whopper includes beef, a sesame bun, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, ketchup, and onions. The menu also includes the Double Whopper and Triple Whopper, which offer larger portions of meat.
Most items at Burger King are prepared in advance and wait for their customers. However, you can ensure your meal is freshly prepared with a simple trick: just add any extra ingredient to your burger. Even a single slice of tomato will guarantee that your burger is made fresh for you.
Burger King was founded in 1953 in Jacksonville, Florida under the name Insta-Burger King. The name was shortened the following year. By January 2025, Burger King operated 6,638 restaurants across the United States. Its main competitor is McDonald’s.
💵 Menu Price
The famous Whopper usually sells for $12.00, the Double Whopper for $13.50, and a 16-piece order of chicken nuggets costs around $11.50. The price includes a small drink and small fries. You can upgrade to a medium size for $2.00 or a large for $2.50.
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McDonald’s – Hamburgers, Fries, and Cola
McDonald’s is probably the most famous fast food chain in the world, operating around 40,000 restaurants in 120 countries. The core of McDonald’s menu consists of hamburgers, fries, and cola.
The first restaurant opened on May 15, 1940, in San Bernardino, California. Today, the McDonald’s Museum stands at that location. The chain experienced significant growth and transformation after 1948, when the founder brothers, Richard and Maurice McDonald, introduced a revolutionary fast-service system.
In the U.S., McDonald’s faces an interesting challenge as it is often seen as less attractive to younger generations, who associate it with “burgers that their great-grandparents used to eat.”
💵 Menu Price
The Big Mac Meal costs around $10.00, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal is typically priced at $9.00, and 10-piece chicken nuggets usually cost around $12.99. While prices may vary across states, meals typically range from $10.00 to $12.00.
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Starbucks – Coffee Shops
Starbucks coffee shops are, without exaggeration, on every major street in the USA. Often, there isn’t just one coffee shop, but two. As strange as it may sound, both branches profit from it. Starbucks often makes smart decisions, and its loyalty program helps finance store renovations.
The first Starbucks café opened on March 30, 1971, in Seattle, and by 2025, it had grown to 16,969 locations across the United States. Starbucks offers customers free internet, making it a popular spot to work or hold meetings.
The name “Starbucks” is derived from the novel Moby Dick by Herman Melville. The founders were inspired by the maritime theme of the novel and wanted to name the café after something evocative of the sea. Starbuck was the name of the first mate in the story.
💵 Coffee Prices
Starbucks prices are relatively high. A Tall Caffe Latte costs around $6.00, a Grande is about $6.50, and the largest Venti is sold for $7.50. More complex coffee drinks are about $1.00 more expensive.
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Dunkin’ – Donuts and Coffee
Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts until 2022) is not a typical lunch fast food chain. The stores resemble more of a bakery, with donuts and coffee being the centerpiece of the menu. The prices of donuts often encourage customers to buy either six or twelve at a time.
Dunkin’ donuts come in a wide range of flavors and styles. Some interesting varieties include cinnamon, guava, peanut butter, and coconut. All of them are incredibly sweet. Dunkin’ had approximately 9,775 locations in the United States in February 2025.
The first Dunkin’ Donuts shop opened in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts. At the time, Dunkin’ Donuts was one of the first fast-food chains to offer a drive-thru window for coffee.
💵 Donut Prices
A single Dunkin’ donut costs $1.86, six donuts are $9.98, and twelve donuts cost $17.48. A small coffee typically costs $2.79, a medium $3.19, and a large $3.59.
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Krispy Kreme Doughnuts – Donuts
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is a competitor to Dunkin’, and its menu also focuses mainly on coffee and a variety of colorful donuts. The menu is divided into glazed donuts, donuts with sprinkles, filled donuts, and chocolate-covered ones. The daily selection in stores varies, and in my opinion, the donuts are once again overly sweet.
The first Krispy Kreme Doughnuts store opened on July 13, 1937, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 2023, Krispy Kreme had around 1,400 locations worldwide.
A hallmark of Krispy Kreme stores is the red “Hot Now” sign, which lights up whenever fresh donuts are being baked.
💵 Donut Prices
A regular glazed donut typically costs $0.99, a box of 12 donuts is $7.99. More expensive colorful donuts are priced at $1.09 each, or a box of 12 for $8.99. Special edition Krispy Kreme donuts are even pricier, at $1.29 each, or a box of 12 for $11.39.
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KFC/Taco Bell – Chicken and Mexican Cuisine
To my surprise, KFC restaurants in the U.S. are not as widespread as I would have expected. Additionally, most of the restaurants are linked to the sister business Taco Bell, which focuses on Mexican cuisine. Taco Bell’s menu mainly consists of tacos in various modifications.
Personally, I preferred Chipotle Mexican Grill. Kentucky Fried Chicken offers classic chicken wings and nuggets, which are nothing particularly special.
The first Taco Bell restaurant opened on March 21, 1962, in Downey, California, while the first KFC, originally named Sanders Court & Café, opened on March 20, 1930, in North Corbin, Kentucky. The two businesses merged in 1986 when they were acquired by PepsiCo.
An interesting fact is that the founder of KFC, Harland Sanders, was arrested in the 1930s for assault. Colonel Sanders was running a gas station and a small restaurant at the time, where he had a conflict with a man who criticized his food. Sanders attacked the man, which led to a brief stint in jail. Details of Sanders’ arrest are available in the FBI archives.
💵 Price of the Menu
A Crunchy Taco from Taco Bell costs $2.21, a larger Chicken Quesadilla is $5.96, and a Chicken Burrito is $2.91.
Six pieces of chicken wings at KFC typically sell for $9.59, and a larger pack of 12 pieces costs $16.43. The price includes a side and a medium drink.
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Pizza Hut – Pizza
The Pizza Hut chain has over 6,000 locations in the U.S., and approximately 18,800 locations worldwide. The first pizzeria opened in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas. Pizza Hut was the first pizza chain to expand across the United States.
In 1995, Pizza Hut expanded its menu to include pizza with a stuffed crust. Cheese in the crust became quite popular, and the concept was a success. Pizza Hut was also one of the first chains in the U.S. to begin delivering pizzas to customers’ homes.
The Pizza Hut menu is quite similar to that of Domino’s and Papa John’s. Pizzas are sold in two different sizes and four variations of crusts. Pizza Hut operates globally, so personally, I don’t see much reason to visit their restaurants in the U.S.
💵 Pizza Prices
Prices vary depending on the number of ingredients and the selected crust. A medium pizza typically costs $15.95, a large pizza is $18.35, and one slice of pre-baked pizza costs between $4.79 and $5.29, depending on the chosen variation.
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Domino’s – Pizza
Domino’s is a pizza chain that was founded in 1960 in Michigan. By January 2025, it will have grown to 7,053 restaurants in the U.S. The distinctive feature of this pizzeria is its domino-shaped logo. In my opinion, this chain is not particularly remarkable, and it doesn’t motivate me to specifically go to Domino’s for a meal.
In addition to pizza, Domino’s also offers sandwiches, pasta, and various chicken dishes.
In 1973, Domino’s launched the “30-Minute Guarantee” marketing campaign, promising home delivery of pizza within 30 minutes of ordering. If they failed to deliver on time, the customer either received the pizza for free or at a reduced price. The campaign was extremely popular and significantly contributed to the brand’s growth. Domino’s discontinued this program in 1993 due to several lawsuits and growing issues.
💵 Pizza Prices
Most pizzas are sold in three different sizes. A small regular pizza with a 10-inch diameter typically costs $13.99, a medium 12-inch pizza is $16.99, and a large 14-inch pizza costs $19.99.
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Little Caesars – Pizza and Breadsticks
Little Caesars is the third-largest pizza chain in the U.S. by sales. A unique feature of the chain is that all pizzas are already baked, and customers simply pick them up in the restaurant. The chain’s signature pizza is the Hot-N-Ready Pizza, topped with spicy pepperoni slices and crust made from pretzel dough. Another must-try item is the Crazy Bread sticks, filled with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese.
In 2004, Little Caesars introduced Hot-N-Ready pizzas, which are always available for sale. This concept drew in more customers who wanted a quick meal without waiting.
The first Little Caesars location opened on May 8, 1959, in Garden City, Michigan, and by 2025, around 4,203 restaurants will be operating in the U.S.
💵 Pizza Prices
The average price of a pizza at Little Caesars is between $9.00 and $12.00, and 8 sticks of Crazy Bread are usually sold for $5.00.
💬 Which American fast food chain caught your attention, and where did you enjoy your meal the most? Share your thoughts in the comments, and thank you in advance for all your tips.
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