Behind the Scenes of AI: Creating Fast Food Chains As People And More

By: Shelly Grinfeld | Last updated: Jun 08, 2024

Fast food has always been an American staple, when you think of the U.S.A. oftentimes it comes paired up with a side of fries, and now with AI tech on the rise, there are no limits to what you can create both inside and outside the kitchen.

Here are some tips, tricks, and funny fails on the journey to creating some of your favorite fast food chains as people via AI and more so you can start “cooking” too. You may want to order some food though before we get started, this is sure to be the coolest thing since sliced bread…. or rather a burger bun.

How to Create an Icy Queen - Dairy Queen Inspired

The popular American chain of soft-serve ice cream, Dairy Queen will make you never look at ice cream the same way again but looking at it through an AI lens is entirely different.  Did you know the DQ curl on the cone is actually trademarked? Besides the secret to their soft serve, when creating this in AI the secret is in the details.

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Source: illustration / Trendy Matter

Highlight the prompt elements that are a must and break them down, as we did here. It is important to ask yourself if the image is filled with colder tones or warmer tones. In this case the colder the better, she is an icy queen after all. What elements are synonymous with what you are trying to create? Such as the DQ ice cream swirl, the milkmaid braids, and the crown. Try it out and see what you get!

A Sunkissed Del Taco Beauty

Del Taco “personified” using AI is quite different than our Dairy Queen girl. Just reviewing the logo alone you can see that this brand is all about the warm tones reminiscent of the desert sun to match its hot off-the-grill Mexican-centered cuisine. Del Taco originally debuted in 1964 as “Casa Del Taco” and the California sun has stayed loyal to her ever since.

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Source: Illustration / Trendy Matter

In this prompt, you need to bring warm tones forward so the sun is crucial for its design. The Mexican and taco-inspired attire making up the Sombraro creates some uniqueness while still staying true to the brand. These details must be clearly stated in your prompt because you don’t want to end up with a taco for a head. Questions to ask yourself as you create, is what feeling do you want to evoke?

Checkers / Rally's Fries & All

Being a D.C. favorite among many are Checkers / Rally’s locations. As a brand that centers itself on red, white, and checkered it makes sense that this would be featured heavily in such a design. One of the things that AI design has yet to impress with is writing text inside images. Often, words end up being a jumble of letters, but don’t worry you can easily blur this out either after your initial creation or via the prompt.

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Source: Illustration / Trendy Matter

You can direct your AI midjourney bot not to focus on certain parts of the design, blur others or even provide a close-up on elements you wish to emphasize. For example “Have the focus be on the fries the woman is holding” can easily skew the image to favor such an element.

Sonic Drive-In Serenade

Founded in 1953, Sonic Drive-In, more commonly known as Sonic, is the parent company of Arby’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Buffalo Wild Wings. It’s safe to say they know food but how would you get to know them via AI?

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Source: Illustration / Trendy Matter

When creating prompts it’s important to be as descriptive as you can and use references when applicable. For example, when creating this image, giving real-life references to a “James Dean” type figure will help the AI bot visualize the photo you’re trying to convey.

A Royalty Prompted Burger King

This franchise is a little more straightforward. Nothing screams “Burger King” more than a literal king holding a burger. In this case, you can take your AI prompt literally or you can choose to make it whimsical.

Source: Illustration / Trendy Matter

For example, instructing your prompt to make the King’s crown made of fries, just be aware the more whimsical you get the higher the chance will be to have some funny creations along the way to reaching the desired result.

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Culver's

Custard dessert and cheese curds at a Culver’s classic so what better way to navigate your AI prompt than making sure these elements take the forefront?

Source: illustration / Trendy Matter

You can do this with relatively any image you hope to create. Her access to home grown dairy products makes her food a hit not only among the locals but also from those out of town.

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Church's Chicken

Church’s Chicken is all things finger-licking-good like fried chicken.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He is known to the people as managing the largest quick service chicken chain in the world. But when it comes to AI he may just be like everyone else. Cowboy hats galore and western movie references is sure to help AI on this one. It’s important to look up the history of what your trying to create.

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White Castle

White Castle, gives Snow White a run for her money. She favors 13 states in the US and primarily spends her time there. Maybe you can convince her otherwise.

Source: Illustration / Trendy Matter

We imagine she spends most of her time up in her castle. She has been around since 1921 and is the classic Virgo.

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Mcalister's Deli

Mcalister knows a thing or two about good food. Born and raised in Mississippi, she can spot comfort food from a mile away.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She is super generous when it comes to serving her guests with portion sizes as comforting as her food. Her sandwiches are as high as her spirit and her tea, salads, and soups are as fresh and famous as she is.

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Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins has a giant sweet tooth. She specializes in sweets of a variety of flavors 31 flavors to be exact.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

As a California native she knows the necessity of having to cool down after a hot sunny day. Her desserts are customizable for any occasion so it makes sense she is the life of the party.

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Taco Bell

Taco Bell has been alive and well since 1962. He has always stayed true to his Mexican roots.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He makes the best and most authentic tacos, you almost want to ring a bell every time you eat it.

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Papa Johns

Papa Johns is the father of pizza. His pizza is so popular that people line up to grab a bite.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

His pizzas are known as the fourth largest chain in America. He loves sharing his pizza but he won’t spill all his pizza secrets.

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McDonald's

McDonald over here is a smooth operator. She loves clowning around in her spare time but always has time to take a break over some fries.

Source: Illustration / Trendymatter

Her friend’s like to call her Micky D and she is always ready for a road trip. You can find her exploring from coast to coast.

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Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons, commonly nicknamed Timmie and hails from Canada. He specializes in coffee and food on the go.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

If you’re in a hurry, Timmie has your back with some great food on the go and a coffee pick-me-up. People would say he is a super reliable friend.

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Auntie Anne's

She will even offer you ready made mix so you can make her famous pretzels at home. She is the supportive aunt that we all wish we had.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Auntie Anne is everyone’s favorite Aunt. She makes the best soft pretzels, that is sure to melt your heart.

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Arby's

Arby’s sandwiches are so popular that you can find them in over 3,300 locations.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He prides himself on being original and one-of-a-kind. You will definitely have a unique experience if he is at your table.

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Boston Market

Boston is known for her famous chicken. Born and raised in Colorado, she isn’t afraid of a little cold but stay out of her kitchen. It’s hot in there.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She always has fresh rotisserie chicken ans prime rib on hand plus the fluffiest cornbread you’ve ever tasted.

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Zaxby's

At Zaxby’s he loves to keep things casual. He thinks eating with his hands is the way to go, that’s why finger food is front and center at his table. From chicken wings to chicken fingers he’s got it all.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He specializes in everything chicken and he isn’t sorry for it. He is dressed to impress, bowtie and chicken dressings galore.

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Firehouse Subs

Firehouse is someone you don’t want to mess with. She is as fierce as she is a powerhouse. An unapologetic Florida native, her subs is a good as her attitude.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She is spicy, fabulous and is always up for sharing a good old fashion sub sandwich.

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Dunkin'

Ms. Dunkin also known as DD loves her breakfast. Donuts and coffee are her favorite.

Source: Illustration / Trendymatter / Idan Berdichev

Born and raised in Massachusetts she is an east coast girl. She has been in 42 different states nationwide and loves hosting.

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Marco's Pizza

Marco’s pizza is all about its authenticity. He makes his dough fresh everyday and uses a special Italian sauce recipe.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He is sure to make you feel like you have an Italian grandma right in your kitchen with the level of freshness his ingredients have.

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Kentucky Fried Chicken - KFC

We imagine that Mr. KFC always has chicken on hand, the crispier the better. Born and raised in no other than Kentucky State.

Source: Illustration / Trendy Matter

He is known for his fried chicken buckets and his special blend of herbs and southern flavors.

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Subway

Our girl Subway loves her submarine sandwiches. She can whip up a sub for you in record time and in a variety of ways.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Born and raised in Connecticut, her favorite form of transportation is nonother than the underground metro, it’s no wonder people call her Subway.

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Jack In the Box

Jack in the Box was born and raised in San Diego, California. He loves surprises and can always be seen carrying a box with something yummy. He primarily favors the west coast, since he isn’t a fan of harsh weather.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Sourdough Jack or Jumbo Jack is some of his nicknames since it references some of his favorite meals. He can serve you breakfast 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Starbucks

Starbucks is a real star, she was born and raised in Seattle Washington. You can find her always with a coffee or an ice tea in hand. She has lots of energy and doesn’t sleep much.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Starbucks loves to sit in the corner and curl up with a good book and a hot coffee on a rainy night. If its your birthday she is quick to whip you up a hot or cold beverage on the house since it’s her specialty.

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Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A is one sweet chick. Her favorite food is the chicken sandwich. It’s no wonder she can eat them as well as she can make them.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Born and raised in Georgia, she’s a real ‘Georgia Peach.’ Her family owns their own business and they pride themselves on Grade A filet sandwiches. It’s no wonder Fil-A is a play on word originating from that.

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Hardee's

Hardee’s home is a lovely one. It is one of the reasons that he spends his time primarily in the Southern and Midwestern States of the U.S.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

We hear that him and Carl’s Jr. may be cousins. Hardee loves his breakfast, lunch and dinner and never skips a meal. Born and raised in North Carolina, he knows that every meal of the day is just as important as the one before.

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Domino's Pizza

Domino’s loves her games. She is always ready for a game of trivia or whatever else you can throw her way. She was born and raised in Michigan and his favorite food is Pizza, of course.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

One of her favorite pizza’s is pepperoni and cheese, so it makes sense that it’s the most popular pizza that people eat when they dine with her.

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Whataburger

Whatabuger was born and raised in Texas. He is so famous that after you’ve had his hamburger you won’t want to leave Texas but don’t worry he makes it out to most of Southern United States. Be sure to catch him when you’re around.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

His favorite color is orange. We heard that sometimes he is a bit impatient so he like to say “What?” and cut to the chase already. We recommend being direct and getting to the point when you’re there.

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In 'N' Out Burger

In ‘N’ Out likes it when things are quick and to the point. She enjoys simple, fresh and home grown foods. That’s why she won’t travel more than a 500-mile radius of a patty-making facility and distribution center to get her favorite burger and fries.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She also loves her shakes, she can’t decide between strawberry, chocolate and vanilla so when you’re with her feel free to get all three. You can also mix.

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Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut comes from a small town in Kansas but they definitely aren’t in Kansas anymore. He has gone on to conquer 17,639 locations and counting. He may be a bit messy with all the cheese crust he eats on those late nights but we love him all the same.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He has lots of friends in college that he likes to help during those late night study sessions as well as throw their infamous parties. He loves making an appearance at all those social gatherings.

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Jason's Deli

Jason’s Deli is a family owned business. You could even call him a bit of a meat head. He doesn’t believe in short cuts and thinks that if you want to do something right you need to put in the work.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He has 250 locations and counting. He loves serving his home style sandwiches with some juicey pickles and chips.

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Moe's

Moe’s likes to stay in house, that’s why she favors the U.S. and doesn’t venture out much. Her favorite food is Tex-Mex style dishes. She isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and dive right into that perfect bite, lathered in sauce.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She believes in letting people customize their food and that is one of the reasons eating with her is such a treat, the options are endless.

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Papa Murphy's

Papa Murphy’s kitchen is kid friendly and there is something that the whole family will surely love. Papa Aldo and Papa Murphy joined forces to make this legendary Italian kitchen.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He loves preparing his pizza right in front of you and then has you participate in the process, allowing you to take the pizza home and bake it yourself.

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Carl's Jr.

Carl’s Jr. originally loved hotdogs before he switched to burgers. Originally from Los Angeles he had a hotdog cart that he would push around.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

His favorite combination of foods are now burgers and wines, so much though that he began to specialize in burgers. I think the rumors may be true, his burgers do pair well with wine. Have you tried it?

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El Pollo Loco

El Pollo Loco might be a little crazy but all the best people are. Originally from Mexico he immigrated to the United States in 1975.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Denny’s used to be his partner but since then they’ve parted ways. El Pollo still goes between Mexico and the U.S. to this day.

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Wendy's

Wendy’s red hair is iconic. The other girls may have been a bit jealous of her growing up and tried to copy her signature red. Originally from Ohio she is well known all over the U.S.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Although Burger King and McDonalds have a bit of a rivalry she comes in third when it comes to their ‘beef.’ She has an interesting taste in desserts and always puts vanilla in her chocolate Frosty.

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Little Caesars

Little Caesars may be nicknamed “little” but he is mighty. He used to play baseball before he switched to that royal life. One of his catchphrases is “Pizza! Pizza!”

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He isn’t afraid of a little sauce and a good time. The more food the merrier.

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Panda Express

Panda Express loves pandas, it makes sense that she has it branded all over her clothes. Her favorite food is Chinese food and she is still together with her high school sweetheart.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She loves her orange chicken, some would even say she invented it. Don’t forget that fried rice! She is always sharing her food on those late night work days and is skilled when it comes to the art of chopsticks.

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Chipotle

Chipotle is one spicy and feisty woman. She loves eating and building her own giant burritos and when we say giant, we mean giant.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She goes through about 97,000 pounds of avocados every day and she will charge you extra for it to make sure you know it.

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Steak 'N' Shake

Steak ‘N’ Shake loves the finer things in life, a good steak and a cold beer. She is concerned for food safety and was the first to make that scene known.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She loves following the rules and makes a point to ask exactly how her friends and family want their steaks to be cooked.

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Bojangles'

Bojangles’ loves his fried chicken just like many of his fellow friends. Also residing in North Carolina he has also made it to China, Ireland and Mexico.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

A fun fact about Bojangles’ is that he was named after a song, Mr. Bojangles’. This song used to be played on the radio quite a bit back in the day.

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Raising Crane's

Crane loves his dog, it’s his best friend. He loves chicken, it’s his go-to meal and his specialty to make at home. He always places them between two soft buns.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He never skimps on the sauce too, he is as generous as they come. It warms his heart to have people sitting and enjoying their time with each other over his finger-licking-good chicken.

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Wingstop

Wingstop, sounds like a superhero because she sure acts like it. She is righteous and brave.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

She has been around since 1994 and was born and raised in Texas where all the good chicken is located. She loves a strong 1930s and 1940s pre-jet aviation theme all around.

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Panera Bread

Panera loves flavor, some would even say she is in her bread era. She sets out a generous bread basket with every meal, it makes sense that they call her Panera. I guess your name really does impact your personality.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

The word Panera comes from the Latin word for “breadbasket.” She was born and raised in St. Louis in 1987. Her favorite bread is still sourdough from the moment that she started making it.

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Jimmy John's

Jimmy John’s loves his croutons and his sandwiches are always freaky fresh. He believes in making food ready to eat on the spot. He was born in 1983 and has been eating and making sandwiches ever since.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

Many would say he is a sandwich pro. If it has meat in it and is wrapped or between two slices of bread you better believe it has his name all over it.

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Popeyes

Popeyes was born and raised in New Orleans more than 40 years ago. She has the wisdom of the ages on her side. She has traveled to Korea, Turkey and Canada.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

We hear that Beyonce and Popeyes have a strong relationship. Beyonce has been seen praising Popeye for her cooking so much so that she is the only one that has been offered free cooking for life.

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Five Guys

These five guys are best friends. They can be seen together at least once a week at their usual table chowing down on some food.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

From hotdogs to fries and burgers these Virginia natives have been dining together since 1986. Some would say they are brothers at this point.

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Jersey Mike's

Who ever said meats and cheeses don’t mix hadn’t stopped by to visit Mike. Mike prides himself on his classic subs made of top-quality premium brands.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

He loves serving food with his special combinations of red wine vinegar and spices. He believes in living life above the average, his motto “Be A Sub Above.”

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Qdoba

Qdoba loves to grill, some would even refer to him as the “Mexican Grill.” He has been grilling up Mexican deliciousness since 1995 in Denver, Colorado.

Source: Portrated / Youtube

We hear that him and Chipotle have some rivalry going on about who serves up a spread better but we’ll let you be the judge. Just be prepared to get between them and the oven, it may get spicy.

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