Founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, White Castle changed the public’s previous view of burgers which were only sold at fairs, lunch counters and carts, and were perceived as being a low-quality food made from slaughterhouse scraps and spoiled meat. They designed their establishment so that customers could see the food being prepared. Even their name is meant to evoke a notion of cleanliness. I guess McDonald’s, which didn’t open until 1948, can thank White Castle for paving the way for their eventual hamburger success.

I learned about this fact from: http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/fast-food.htm