7 Iconic Food Brands That Dominate the US Market

Probably like you, I have enjoyed an occasional BigMac, Taco Supreme, and washed down with a Pike Roast. 

In fact, these famous brands and the food products they manufacturer are so iconic, its hard to find anyone who can’t match the food to the brand that produces it.

From McDonald's to Domino's Pizza, this fun and educational article explores the iconic fast-food chains that have become staples in the US food industry. 

7 Iconic Food Brands That Dominate the US Market
McDonald's, Taco Bell, Starbucks, KFC, Wendy's, Burger King, and Domino's Pizza are 7 of the most iconic food brands in the US. 

As we get started into this article, here are three excellent resources that can give you more insight into the source of our food supply who are also suppliers of some of these brands we will talk about today:

What are the biggest food companies in the US? (+Amazing brands)

What is the biggest agricultural company in the US? (Top 5)

Who is bigger, ADM or Cargill? (Compared)

Let’s now find out how these food brands have become major players in the US food market and how their menu items have become household favorites.

7 Food Brands that Dominate the US Food Market

When you think of iconic food brands in the United States, the first few that come to mind are likely McDonald's, Taco Bell, Starbucks, KFC, Wendy's, Burger King, and Domino's Pizza. 

All of these fast-food chains are some of the most recognizable brands in the US, and they have all become major players in the food industry.

Let’s take a brief look at each of these iconic food brands and find the seed of an idea that you can use in your own food business marketing.

McDonalds

McDonalds has been a staple of the US food market since 1955 and has become an iconic presence in the fast-food industry. 

The Golden Arches are one of the most recognizable logos in the world, and McDonald's is known for its wide variety of menu items and its affordability.

McDonalds is an absolute master in staying innovative while staying in front of what the customer wants.

For two excellent articles about how you can be more like McDonalds, go here:

How to make a breakthrough in business (+Checklist)

What is Operational Excellence and Why is it Important?

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is another iconic fast-food chain that has become a household name in the US. 

Taco Bell is known for its Mexican-inspired menu items, such as its tacos and burritos. 

Taco Bell also offers a wide variety of other items, such as its crunchwrap supreme and nachos.

Similar to McDonalds, Taco Bell uses their most valuable real estate, above the fold on their home page, to get closer to their best customers. 

They use a clean, clear call to action and high value offer (save $5 off your order), with a deadline to boost the sense of urgency.

Plus, they are building their database of consumers and can communicate faster with them by integrating the app.

Starbucks

Starbucks is one of the most popular coffee shops in the US, and it has become a multi-billion-dollar company in recent years. 

Starbucks offers a wide variety of specialty coffees and teas, as well as a variety of pastries and snacks.

Starbucks is another master marketer. And everyone knows what they do. Starting from a single coffee store in Pike’s Place, Seattle, today they are absolutely massive. 

Similar to McDonalds and Taco Bell, Starbucks also is not wasting their messaging with their use of the above the fold real estate on their home page.

A clear call to action with a deadline, gives the Starbucks' customer more value. Also notice how clutter-free and simple Starbuck’s navigation is.

You can do this, too.

To discover more about how Starbucks approaches their marketing, go here for a very helpful article on how to create a marketing plan for your food business:

Create a marketing plan for your food business (5 steps)

KFC

KFC is another popular fast-food chain that has become a staple in the US food market. 

KFC is famous for its fried chicken, as well as its various side dishes. 

While chicken is what KFC is known for, KFC has recently expanded its menu to include a wider variety of items, such as sandwiches and salads.

Yet again, KFC is masterful at a clean and simple above the fold use of their website. They even target customers who may not want extra bread with the use of their communication strategy.

One of their most important suppliers is Tyson Foods, who sources the chicken for KFC as well as Taco Bell (who are part of Yum! Brands along with Pizza Hut). For an excellent article about some of the fantastic marketing strategies Tyson Foods uses, go here:

Tyson Foods Marketing Strategies (+awesome examples)

Wendy’s

Wendy's is a fast-food chain that has become increasingly popular in recent years. 

Wendy's is known for its burgers, fries, and Frosties, and it has become a favorite spot for many Americans.

Best known for their beefy hamburgers, similar to McDonalds and Taco Bell, Wendy’s is focusing their above the fold messaging on their app, food delivery and offering more value to the customer for ordering direct.

While there is a lot more activity on their home page, WEndy’s still has a clear focal point and clear call to action for the customer. 

Again, this is a great strategy to get closer to the customer and be able to build their database of users.

Burger King

Burger King is another popular fast-food chain that has become a favorite of many Americans. 

Burger King is known for its burgers, sandwiches, and fries, and it has become a staple in many towns across the US.

Similar to Wendy’s, there is a lot happening above the fold at BurgerKing.com. There are many things for the customer to focus on, and many places to navigate to. Additionally, the Burger King brand is clearly focused on their demographic of ideal customer segments.

They are also focused on delivery options, just like the other fast food major players.

Domino’s Pizza

Finally, Domino's Pizza is probably the most popular pizza chain in the US. 

Domino's Pizza is known for its delivery service, as well as its wide variety of pizza toppings and crusts.

While their above the fold messaging is more cluttered than some of the other brands, their call to action is still very clear 100% focused on a buyer intent.

Two big red buttons clearly tell the customer there are only two options: Delivery or Carryout. And the pricing strategy starts at a very low $6.99 with ample room for a big upsells, rising the ultimate transaction price far higher.

Dominos is doing a fantastic job of online marketing for sales.

For two very helpful resources on how you can improve your sales and marketing of your food business online, go here:

How Do You Market a Food and Beverage Business Online? (+examples)

15 Advertising Tricks to Sell Food Online (+examples)

In conclusion, McDonald's, Taco Bell, Starbucks, KFC, Wendy's, Burger King, and Domino's Pizza are some of the most iconic food brands in the US. 

All of these fast-food chains have become major players in the food industry, and they are all household names in the US.

For more great articles about improving your food marketing, go here:

Food Marketing

Frequently Asked Questions

What year did McDonald's become a staple of the US food market?

McDonald's first began franchising in 1955 and quickly spread across the US, becoming a staple of the US food market. By the end of the decade, McDonald's had over 700 locations and was continuing to expand. By the 1970s, McDonald's was one of the most recognizable and popular fast food chains in the US.

What type of food does Taco Bell specialize in?

Taco Bell specializes in Mexican-inspired fast food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and other items. They also offer a variety of side dishes and desserts.

What types of specialty coffees and teas does Starbucks offer?

Starbucks offers a wide variety of specialty coffees and teas, including lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, macchiatos, and iced drinks. They also offer a variety of cold and hot teas, as well as seasonal and limited edition drinks.

What is KFC famous for?

KFC is famous for their fried chicken, which is cooked in a secret blend of herbs and spices. They also offer a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, and macaroni and cheese.

What is Wendy's known for?

Wendy's is known for their square-shaped hamburgers and their signature "Frosty" dessert. They also offer a variety of other items, including salads, wraps, nuggets, and sandwiches.

Does Domino's Pizza offer delivery services?

Yes, Domino's Pizza offers delivery services, as well as take-out and dine-in options. They offer a variety of pizzas, sides, and desserts, as well as the option to customize your pizza.