The Greatest Hits of American Fast Food: Food + Cooking : gourmet.com

Food + Cooking

Published in Gourmet Live 06.20.12

Gourmet Live’s Kelly Senyei counts down the 10 dishes that have fueled America’s love affair with in-an-instant eats

It’s commonly said that the fast-food industry feeds 25% of Americans daily. In 2011, the fast-food sector in America generated more than $190 billion in revenue, and 2012 estimates show no signs of slowing. That’s a whole lot of eating. We’re counting down the top 10 tastiest dishes that keep diners coming back for more.

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8. Pizza Hut Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza On the hunt for a new product that would excite both franchisees and consumers, Pizza Hut introduced a thicker-crust pizza in 1980 designed for cooking in a deep pan (rather than the traditional thin tray). Behold the Pan Pizza! The style was available with a selection of toppings—including the overwhelming favorite, pepperoni—and many carb lovers shifted their pizza allegiance to this sturdier variety. The overwhelming success of the Pan Pizza paved the way for the Personal Pan Pizza, Stuffed Crust Pizza (pictured here), and Cheesy Bites Pizza. Photo: Pizza Hut Inc.

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