#15: Jack in the Box
In 1951, Robert O. Peterson brought a fresh twist to fast food, launching the first Jack in the Box in San Diego. With a groundbreaking two-way intercom and drive-thru service, it redefined convenience, serving up 18-cent burgers under the watchful eye of a rooftop clown.
This quirky, innovative approach set Jack in the Box apart, and by the ‘70s and ‘80s, the brand was booming. From its playful mascot to its bold menu, it carved out a unique place in America’s fast-food scene.