Top 10 Famous Fast Food Logos for Design inspiration

Top 10 Famous Fast Food Logos for Design Inspiration

Fast food logos often inspire designers, especially those that come in unexpected forms.

The best logos can have the power to inspire, delight, or provoke. This list of famous fast food logos is designed to inspire you with fresh ideas and provide you with some great examples of how others have used logos to significant effect.

In this list, you'll find some of the most iconic fast food logos worldwide so you can use them as a visual guide for your next design project. We're going to take a look at some great fast food logos, starting with this classic:

Top 10 Famous Fast Food Logos

1 – McDonald's

It's one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, with more than 35,000 restaurants in over 110 countries.

Before they incorporated the golden arches into the logo, the original “McDonald's” logo was a plain hamburger bun. They did not use the golden arches in the logo until 1961, when Ray Kroc bought the franchise. That year, the business was taken over, and in turn, the task of designing a new logo was delegated to the head of construction and engineering, Jim Schindler. The final logo Schindler designed featured the arches and slanted “M”, but he also included a horizontal line beneath the lettering.

The company developed the idea of a “golden arches” logo in the early 1960s and chose a few designs before settling on the one that would become iconic.

The golden arches have been one of the world's most recognised logos since they were introduced. The company's motto is “I'm loving it!” Although the slogan has been around since 1994, it is unknown if the company will continue to use it. One thing is sure: the golden arches will continue to be a fixture on every McDonald's menu.

The McDonald's logo is an iconic representation of the company and has been a part of American culture for nearly fifty years. The golden arches have been used on many items such as toys, clothing, and even in a movie.

2 – KFC

The KFC fast food restaurant chain specialises in fried chicken and has over 20,000 restaurants worldwide. KFC is beaten only by McDonald's in terms of sales.

The KFC logo is not only a logo of the chain of restaurants but also a symbol of the company. The New York design studio Lippincott & Margulies created the logo. The logo was black and white, and they included the restaurant's name, “Kentucky Fried Chicken”, in the emblem.

Colonel Sanders was given a new look in 1978. The work was performed by the same agency, Lippincott & Margulies. They changed Colonel's smile, and he had a neater hairstyle. Next to the face, there was a “Kentucky Fried Chicken” sign in a different font.

At the beginning of 1990, KFC launched its new logo and slogan, which it still uses today. The company's decision to ditch the word “fried” in favour of the abbreviated “KFC” was intended to distance the brand from unhealthy food, but it caused some confusion among customers. 

People began referring to the chain as KFC instead of Kentucky Fried Chicken, even though they didn't officially drop the original branding until 1991.

The company also decided to add red to the logo, which they did to give it a more modern look. The company introduced a new roofing material to accompany the new branding, symbolising the new identity.

The new logo design makes a bold statement about the brand. It represents the change in the direction that the brand is heading. The design of the logo reflects the Colonel's desire to move forward in time and make changes in his life.

The Colonel's face is now in the middle of the logo, making it look like he is flying. The logo is also in a trapeze shape. The wordmark KFC in a black outline is placed underneath the image. The new logo design is more bold and eye-catching.

3 – Burger King

After two decades of success, Burger King has rebranded for the first time in 20 years with a redesigned logo, packaging and uniforms designed by creative agency Jones Knowles Ritchie.

The new brand identity, launched last year, focuses on simplicity and fun while retaining the brand's values of family, friendliness and quality.

It also marks the first time in 20 years that the company has undergone a complete rebranding after a previous redesign in 2000.

“With its simple and friendly design, our new branding reflects our food's fun and approachable nature,” said Burger King chief executive Chris Kempczinski. “Our new branding is about celebrating the great food we serve and making it easier for customers to see us as a real burger joint you can find everywhere.”

The new design is part of an effective campaign for the company, introducing new products, such as the Whopper Jr. burger and the Whopper Jr. Sandwich, and a refreshed menu with more options for kids.

The new logo is based on a red-and-yellow palette, which is reminiscent of the traditional colours of the US flag. The typography features the word Jones Knowles Ritchie in a custom font called Flame Sans.

4 – Arby's

Arby's logo has changed significantly over its history, but all those changes have never really altered its identity. The original logo was created in 1963, and at that time, the logo reflected the 1960s and the iconic shape of the sandwich.

The following design emerged in 1976, and the shape and style evolved. Finally, the most recent version was released in 2015, and this time, the company went for a more modern approach.

Therefore, the latest logo reflects contemporary times and current trends in marketing. It is safe to assume that the newest logo is designed to meet the flow of the modern era.

The Chef's Hat is a well-known logo in the food world; however, Arby's logo is based on a cowboy hat. Cowboy hats represent many things. One is heroism, another is respect, and the third is safety. However, the hat also signifies power, authority, and nobility.

Red has a strong emotional connection with food. This is why so many fast food brands use red to promote their products. The colour also symbolises love, joy, strength, and energy. It's also a symbol of action, confidence, and desire.

Red is a colour of action. It signifies that you should take action now. It may be challenging to take action, but red is your colour if you want to change your life and get something done.

5 – Dominos

Domino's Pizza was founded in 1962 by a man named Tom Monaghan. He was a New York City resident who wanted to open a business that could deliver pizzas directly to customers. He aimed to avoid the long waiting time and delivery costs associated with the pizza industry.

The first Domino's store opened in 1965, and they successfully delivered pizzas to their customers by driving in a vehicle that had attached a trailer. Domino's Pizza was introduced in 1967 and quickly became the most popular pizza in the United States. As the years passed, Domino's Pizza expanded, and it is now known as the largest pizza delivery company in the world.

The dots on the Domino's logo represent the first three Domino's locations. The pizza chain wanted to add dots for every new store but never realised that goal.

In business, the word stability means “continuity or consistency”. This is the kind of quality that a successful business must possess.

In addition, flexibility means “the ability to be modified following changing conditions”. This has made Domino's successful, as its recipe has been constantly adapted to match the market's changing demands.

Domino's logo is one of the few corporate symbols that has remained almost unchanged through the company's evolution.

6 – Subway

The name “Subway” was born out of a marketing ploy by the company to give the nod to the famous 1950s TV show “The Honeymooners.” At the time, subway was a popular slang term for the “lower class”, so “subway” became a way to suggest that the sandwich chain was trying to get in on the act.

In 1965, the first Subway location opened in Connecticut. The chain has been growing ever since. By 2005, there were over 1,200 locations across North America. Today, there are almost 4,000 Subway locations across the globe.

Subway has had a steady logo over the years, but that doesn't mean it's dull. Instead, the simple design is fun to look at. You'll see the same type of font and the same kind of colours. It's also easy to remember the logo.

The Evolution of the Logo

The story of Subway's logo is fascinating, beginning with a straightforward type-based design featuring the company name in yellow. This initial logo included the iconic arrows from the “S” and “Y”, hinting at movement and direction.

In 1968, the logo underwent a significant transformation. The monochrome yellow was replaced with a more colourful palette, and an oval background was introduced. This logo version remained unchanged until the early 2000s, with only minor tweaks.

A significant redesign occurred in 2016 when Subway opted for a fresh look that discarded the previous design. The updated logo featured the company name in green and yellow, which we recognise today.

The Subway logo is a simple and memorable graphic. It reflects the company's mission and values of “Fresh, friendly, fast.”

Subway has done very well in the name-branding arena. The company has developed a logo that has become familiar to many people. They've done so by thinking about their goals and what they want to convey to their customers and then designing a logo that expresses all of that to the fullest extent.

7 – Little Caesars

As reported by the National Restaurant Association in 2019, it was ranked third among the top 20 pizza chains in the US in 2020. With more than 3,500 stores, the company has been experiencing steady growth in the last few years.

Its owners are the Ilitches, who founded the company in 1969. After decades of work, the franchise has become a global concern, with outlets in many countries worldwide.

They created the logo thirty years ago. The brand's name was adopted in 1971 and has been slightly modified. The image shows the famous Caesar, who was renowned for his ability to do everything all at once, a lot and perfectly.

The company is known for its large-sized menu, including sandwiches, hamburgers, fries, soft drinks, etc.

8 – Popeyes

Fried chicken has been a staple food in the southern region of the US for decades. It has been so for a very long time. They prepared the chicken by boiling it or frying it in oil and then seasoning it with spices.

There were a few fried chicken chains that offered fried chicken. However, none of them was as successful as KFC. The company from New Orleans, Louisiana, has struggled to win its dominant way as a fried chicken chain. The result is that it has swept the USA and the world.

Nowadays, the company employs more than 60,000 people in different countries. The company's success was due to many factors, including its symbolism.

The three Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen logos are:

• The primary Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen logo.
• The horizontal Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen logo with the fleur-de-lis.
• The Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen seal.

These are the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen logos and seals used by the chain. The logos and seals represent the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen brand. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen owns the right to use these marks. The fleurs-de-lis symbolise New Orleans, the chain's hometown, and a reminder of its heritage.

Popeyes chose “dancing letters” for the new menu. These letters are famous and popular for their animated appearance. They used them several years ago, and now the company has updated them to express its modern and youthful personality. The fonts are essentially unchanged, but they are straight instead of curved.

9 – Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box is an American fast-food restaurant founded in 1952. It's headquartered in San Diego, California.

They also sell ice cream cones, milkshakes, soft drinks and frozen yoghurt. The company has grown into a massive chain of over two thousand restaurants across the US and is best known for its hamburgers.

The first logo was a simple drawing of a jack-in-the-box holding a tray. Over the years, the logo has become more stylised. By the 1980s, the logo had evolved into a stylised jack-in-the-box holding a tray with a hamburger or hot dog.

In 1996, a new logo was introduced. It was meant to represent the modernity of the chain. It was similar to the original logo except that the tongs were now pink. In 2009, the company again changed its logo to reflect the modern era.

A bolder, brighter red colour replaced the previous green-yellow colour. The word “jack” was also changed to a more modern font.

For the “In the box” part, the brand name is still written in the lowercase of a modern sans-serif typeface. The word is printed on a plain white background in a calm red colour.

10 – Panda Express

Panda Express has been celebrating the opening of its 2000th branch since it first started. Since that time, she has opened two hundred more restaurants. Today, lovers of all things crispy and sweet go to dine there. The menu is primarily Chinese-American. The most famous of these dishes is the chicken pieces in orange sauce. 

It began to be served in 1987, four years after they established the brand. In 2008, chefs began to cook the famous Beijing Beef from beef, onions, and bell peppers. Two years later, a low-calorie diet menu appeared, which was the best way to create a calorie deficit and lose weight. 

Authentic fast food is available in more than ten countries, including the UAE, South Korea, and Canada.

The panda bear is not the only animal of Chinese origin that's become the face of a global brand. Another national symbol of the country is the dragon. The dragon is a powerful, protective creature with a long history. It is the largest and oldest reptile on earth and often symbolises a nation's pride.

Although the Panda is a powerful creature, it is also cute. Therefore, the Panda Express logo perfectly represents the connection between the company and China.

Until recently, they wrote the words on the brand's logo in the Frutiger Cond Bold typeface. However, they changed this in 2014, and the capital letters are now written in a much lighter Frutiger Cond Light typeface, while the small letters are in the Frutiger Cond Semibold. The font's edges have also been rounded, which wasn't previously noticed.

Other Notable Fast Food Logos

Dunkin'

Dunkin' Donuts, recognised for its iconic coffee and delectable breakfast offerings, has undergone several logo transformations since its inception. Each redesign reflects changing brand strategies and aesthetics.

Early Beginnings: A Nod to the Times

The original logo mirrored the era it was created, featuring a playful font with a brown colour evocative of coffee. This design, however, was short-lived as it quickly gave way to a more vibrant iteration.

The Emergence of Dunkie:

In its first significant redesign, the logo embraced a whimsical approach, introducing a mascot, Dunkie. This character sported a hat emblazoned with the brand name and joyfully presented a platter of doughnuts. Dunkie added personality and a sense of fun to the brand identity.

The 1960s: A Professional Shift

The 1960s marked a pivotal moment for the brand as they sought a more polished and streamlined appearance. Opting for a condensed look, the logo retained its coffee-and-donut theme but introduced a cheerful pink hue alongside a coffee mug, which became a visual mainstay for the brand.

2019: A Bold Rebrand

In 2019, Dunkin' unveiled its most significant logo transformation to date. This rebrand simplified the name to “Dunkin',” reflecting a broader focus beyond doughnuts. Initially launched in North America, the new logo encapsulates a modern and minimalistic aesthetic that now graces the coffee cups of countless consumers.

This evolution highlights Dunkin' Donuts' ability to adapt and refine its visual identity to align with contemporary trends and consumer expectations, ensuring its place as a beloved staple in the coffee industry.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell's logo has undergone several transformations, each reflecting a shift in branding and design trends.

1. Original Logo: The journey began with a straightforward black lettering style for its company name, marking its distinct identity in its inaugural location. This initial design laid the foundation for more colourful iterations.
2. 1984-1994: A Riot of Colours: In 1984, Taco Bell embraced a vibrant palette, incorporating green, red, orange, and yellow into its branding. This colourful phase lasted a decade, capturing the bold and dynamic spirit of the era.
3. 1995: Simplification Begins: The next major redesign came in 1995 when the logo took a more minimalist turn. The bell motif was retained but simplified to a red hue, with the overall design becoming cleaner and more streamlined.
4. 2016: Modern Minimalism: The most recent logo update occurred in 2016, introducing the sleekest design. This version features a sophisticated white bell set against a purple background, complemented by simple block lettering. The modern and minimalistic approach has become a hallmark of the brand's current identity.

Through each redesign phase, Taco Bell has maintained its core identity while adapting to contemporary aesthetic preferences, resulting in a recognisable and relevant logo.

The Evolution of Fast Food Logos: A Reflection of Branding Strategies

Fast food logos have undergone significant transformations over the decades, adapting to shifting consumer preferences and evolving branding strategies. This evolution is not just about aesthetics—it's a testament to the strategic decisions to maintain relevance and reinforce brand identity.

The Shift from Complexity to Simplicity

In the early days, fast food logos were often intricate and colourful, reflecting the bold and bustling nature of the eateries behind them. Over time, many brands opted for more streamlined and minimalist designs. This simplification process mirrors a broader trend in marketing that highlights clarity and ease of recognition. For instance, some well-known logos have transitioned from complex designs to simple yet distinctive elements, like the emblematic arches or bells, which now serve as timeless icons.

Emphasising Brand Identity

As fast food chains expanded globally, there was a pronounced need to project a consistent brand image that transcended cultural boundaries. Logos became a key tool in communicating brand values and promises at a glance. This is evident in the progression of certain logos, which have evolved from basic typefaces to iconic symbols that embody the brand's ethos. These changes often accompany a shift in branding strategies, such as focusing on speed, quality, or modernity.

The Role of Technological Advancement

Digital technology has profoundly influenced logo redesigns. The need for logos that perform well in digital and print media has led to scalable and adaptable designs. Fast food chains have adopted versatile logos that maintain their essence across various platforms—from mobile apps to billboards.

Modernisation and Rebranding

Rebranding initiatives often lead to significant logo overhauls. For some fast food giants, rebranding has meant revisiting logos that have stood for decades and modernising them to appeal to a younger audience. These changes often align with shifts in business focus, such as emphasising healthier options or sustainability, reflecting the brand's commitment to evolving consumer values.

Conclusion

Logos aim to create the perfect balance between form and function and provide your brand's overall look and feel. The best logos are ones that are memorable and easy to recognise while being easy on the eye and eye-catching. We have compiled this list of the Top 10 Famous Fast food logos.

Want to be famous? You can start by making the best logo for your favourite fast-food chain.