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14 Iconic Fast-Food Items That Changed Our Lives Forever

Bertie A. Kinser

As fast food has evolved, we can pinpoint several seminal inventions that changed the industry and our expectations as consumers forever. The archetypal burger, the longest-standing fast food dessert, the first stuffed-crust pizza, the sandwich with an unforgettable value . . . all of these items have earned their rightful place in the fabric of our food culture.

Here’s a look back at some of the most defining moments in modern American fast food, one iconic item at a time.

For more, check out 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

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McDonald’s Big Mac

Big mac meal
Big mac meal

Probably the most iconic burger on the planet, the Big Mac from McDonald’s is the OG fast food burger. It’s the burger that taught us what fast food burgers could look

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Who Could Possibly Want Hot Pot Right Now? Investors

Bertie A. Kinser

(Bloomberg Opinion) — Covid-19 has scarred us in many ways, but has also created an opening for disruptive technologies and concepts. Could dining in restaurants staffed with robot waiters and chefs be one of them? China may have an answer. 

Even before the virus hit, smart restaurants were already springing up in China’s biggest cities. Small talk with waiters was optional, even discouraged, at busy establishments. The Tai Er chain, which specializes in sauerkraut fish, a popular Sichuan-style dish, has diners order directly from the restaurant’s WeChat account. A waiter only comes over to confirm the order and deliver it. The bill is settled with mobile payment apps such as Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s WeChat Pay.

In mid-January, the last time I visited my hometown of Shanghai, delivery robots were not an uncommon sight at trendy hot pot restaurants. Designed like tray carts — some even with comical expressions —  these

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How Food Businesses Nationwide Are Responding

Bertie A. Kinser

These are unprecedented times. It seems like the whole world has been brought to its knees, from the rapid and destructive spread of COVID-19 to the protests in response to police brutality and the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. The food industry isn’t exempt. So as things develop, we’ve asked people working in the food industry coast to coast to share what they’re seeing in their communities, how they’ve been affected, and how they’re responding.

Tuesday, August 25

“Every day we’re trying to figure out what is happening in the world and how we can pivot. I’m so tired of using the word pivot.”

Lindsey Ofcacek, The LEE Initiative, Louisville: We’re a really small nonprofit. Our vision has always been to identify issues in the restaurant industry and find a quick solution. That was very different six months ago. I’m used to working on

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4 Different Chinese Stocks To Consider

Bertie A. Kinser
China
China

When we think of the Chinese companies that have been the winners of lockdown, it’s the large tech behemoths such as Alibaba and Tencent that spring to mind. But China, which competes with the US for the title of world’s biggest powerhouse, is an enormous region packed with opportunities for those willing to hunt.

We asked Asian fund managers about some of their lesser-known, more niche investment ideas:

Hon Hai

Hon Hai (2354), also known as Foxconn, is a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer. “It’s the world’s largest contract manufacturer and a very attractive opportunity in the tech sector,” says Jason Pidcock, manager of the three-star rated Jupiter Asian Income. “In essence, it makes products for other companies. Most of its revenues currently come from Apple (AAPL), but you certainly have different electronics in your house that are assembled by this company.”

Pidcock likes the business

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