Where Fast-Food Chains Began

'Mental Floss' recounts original locations of McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and more

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 22, 2014 1:19 PM CST

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Where Fast-Food Chains Began — McDonald's reveres Ray Kroc as its founder, but it all began with this spot in San Bernardino, where Maurice and Richard McDonald opened "McDonald's Bar-B-Q" in 1940. Kroc bought it in 1954. (Pete Zarria/Flickr)

Can you imagine a time when Pizza Hut was actually a single hut? Neither could we, but the folks over at Mental Floss compiled a great list of the original locations of a variety of fast-food chains that have since swept across the globe, assimilating all before them in Borg-like fashion. Check out these photos for reminders of a time when McDonald's was a small-time shop, and Wendy's had newspaper-print tables. Then check out Mental Floss' full list. (Read more fast food stories.)