New No. 3 US Chain: Starbucks

Fast-food places have plenty of little-known options

(NEWSER) - In-N-Out Burger’s “secret menu” (veggie burgers, etc.) has gotten way too famous to really be considered a secret anymore—but Coupon Sherpa rounds up little-known items at other fast-food joints:

• Chili’s: Though it’s not on the menu anymore, you can in fact still order the restaurant’s namesake dish.
• Long John Silvers: Ask for a side of crumbs and you’ll get—for free—a box of fried batter parts that fell off the fish or chicken.

Same products contain less salt in Europe, Australia

(NEWSER) - If you're craving some Chicken McNuggets, you're better off getting them in Europe than on this side of the pond. With 1.6 grams of salt per 100 grams of nugget, the American version is packed with more than twice the salt of British McNuggets, which contain 0.6 grams of salt, a study finds. Australian, Kiwi, and French McNuggets all have far less salt than American and Canadian ones, though the UK has the least—perhaps thanks to voluntary limits in the country, NPR reports. More»

It's the first change in the fast food chain since 1969

(NEWSER) - Goodbye, Burger King. Hello, Burger Queen. Wendy’s is about to overtake Burger King as the No. 2 fast food chain in US sales, according to a new report from market research firm Technomic. If that doesn’t sound momentous to you, consider that it’s the first time the big three burger chains have switched order since Wendy’s was founded in 1969, the Wall Street Journal points out. What’s more impressive: Wendy’s sales—expected to be $8.42 billion this year—will come from around 5,800 restaurants, compared to roughly 7,200 for Burger King. How far behind will Burger King be? About $53 million. More»

Because really 'having it your way' might mean a beer or two

(NEWSER) - Sometimes the soft drink that comes with your burger just doesn’t cut it, or at least that’s what chains such as Sonic and Burger King are hoping. Two Sonic stores in Florida will soon be selling beer and wine, part of what could be the start of a new trend in the fast-food industry, reports USA Today . Three Burger King "Whopper bars" in the US already sell alcohol , as do a handful of Starbucks locations. More»

...not McDonald's, but Subway

(NEWSER) - McDonald’s may be just about as American as apple pie, but when it comes to global dominance, Subway wins. The sandwich chain has passed Mickey D’s to become the world’s largest restaurant chain, the Wall Street Journal reports. At the close of 2010, Subway’s worldwide locations numbered 33,749, compared to 32,737 McDonald’s, a spokesperson says. In response, a McD’s rep says, “We remain focused on listening to and serving our customers, and are committed to being better, not just bigger.” More»