The typical American spends $1200 annually on fast food. Approximately 85 million people consume fast food daily. With fast-food meals being so cheap, a person can stretch their dollar compared to buying, preparing and cooking all the food. 

Chick-fil-A makes about $4.4 million in sales per year at each location. Chick-fil-A produces more per restaurant than McDonald’s, Subway and Starbucks combined even while being closed every Sunday. Solon High School (SHS) junior Jammie Simmerson goes to Chick-fil-A at least once a week and has said she likes to eat the original chicken sandwich.

“I love going through the drive- thru and getting my food so quickly,” Simmerson said. “My sandwich is always good and they never fail to disappoint me. The food is pretty healthy and is the best quality of fast food in Solon.”

Along with Chick-fil-A comes Taco Bell. Taco Bell makes around $1.6 million in sales per store each year. Their menu ranges from tacos, enchiladas, nachos and burritos. Senior Lauren Tomasetti loves to order their three crunchy taco combo with a Dragon Fruit Freeze.

“Taco Bell is the only Mexican fast-food chain around,” Tomasetti said. “I live really close and can always count on them to satisfy my hunger. The tacos are so crunchy and the meat is very juicy.”

Taco Bell and Burger King are within a two mile radius of one another. Burger King makes around $1.2 million at every one of their locations. Burger King’s menu ranges from burgers and fries to milkshakes and chicken sandwiches. Senior Noah Obert has said he enjoys ordering a Whopper Junior with a medium fry and a medium Coke. 

“I love going to Burger King after basketball practice,” Obert said. “Their burgers are always very tasty and have a lot of good flavors. I spend around $10 and feel like I get a lot for my money. The drive-thru is especially convenient and quick.”

Burger King and Arby’s are next door neighbors less than a mile away from one another. Arby’s averages a revenue of $1.1 million annually. Arby’s menu ranges from an assortment of meat-filled sandwiches to chicken tenders and fries. Junior Sam Waldbaum orders a roast beef sandwich with curly fries and a vanilla milkshake.

“I love to get their roast beef sandwich,” Waldbaum said. “The sandwiches always fill me up and the curly fries are always very crispy. Their milkshakes are insane and I love how quickly I get my food through the drive thru. The food is cheap and always satisfies me.” 

The average Panera Bread restaurant makes around $2.1 million per year. Panera’s menu ranges from homemade soups and salads to sandwiches and baked goods. Senior Angelene Kontul orders the bacon turkey bravo and chicken noodle soup combo.

“I love to get the pick two option,” Kontul said. “I get the best of both worlds and feel like I get a very healthy meal. The food is a little pricey, but it’s worth it because everything is fresh. The servings are big, and I always have food left-over for later.”

Fast food is quick, convenient, and cheap. Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Burger King, Arby’s and Panera Bread are all popular fast-food chains in Solon. Each location has different items on their menus that keep people coming back for more.