Annual observance

National Fast Food Day

November 16 Food / Dessert Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Fast Food Day, observed annually on November 16th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the convenience, widespread availability, and cultural phenomenon of fast food. It encourages people to indulge in their favorite quick-service meals, from burgers and fries to tacos and pizza, acknowledging the industry's significant impact on dining habits worldwide.

Observed each year on November 16, National Fast Food Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Fast Food Day on November 16 celebrates the convenience and cultural significance of quick-service meals that have shaped modern dining habits. This day highlights the impact of fast food on our culinary landscape, inviting food enthusiasts to reflect on their favorite indulgences.

Origin and story

White Castle, founded in 1921, is widely recognized as America's first fast-food chain.

McDonald's serves approximately 69 million people daily across more than 100 countries worldwide.

Quick facts

  • DateNovember 16
  • TypeFood / Dessert
  • Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Bring National Fast Food Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.
  • Share one fast fact about National Fast Food Day: White Castle, founded in 1921, is widely recognized as America's first fast-food chain.
  • Host a tasting plate with sweet and savory pairings.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the food / dessert vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

  • White Castle, founded in 1921, is widely recognized as America's first fast-food chain.
  • McDonald's serves approximately 69 million people daily across more than 100 countries worldwide.
  • The first modern drive-thru restaurant was Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, which opened in 1947.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


Continue to

FAQ

When is National Fast Food Day?
It is observed on November 16 each year.
What is National Fast Food Day?
National Fast Food Day, observed annually on November 16th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the convenience, widespread availability, and cultural phenomenon of fast food. It encourages people to indulge in their favorite quick-service meals, from burgers and fries to tacos and pizza, acknowledging the industry's significant impact on dining habits worldwide.
How do people celebrate National Fast Food Day?
Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.

Recently viewed holidays