Uniforms

During the 1970s, Billy Ingram, owner of White Castle, the first nation’s fast food chain, faced many problems, one of which was the reputation of hamburger stands as being greasy, unclean, and unhealthy. To overcome these widespread perceptions, he required all employees to maintain strict standards of cleanliness. At first he did not require employees to wear uniforms, but he did require them to wear white shirts. Eventually uniforms were required for all employees. The company supplied white wool caps, which changed size when they were washed. Then Ingram hit upon the idea of using white paper caps, which did not have to be washed and could be easily replaced. Over time, White Castle altered its uniforms to conform with changing fashions.
The pattern started by White Castle has been followed by other fast food chains. McDonald’s, for instance, initially required all employees to be dressed in white. Its uniforms have remained standard but they have shifted to specific uniforms for each different outlet, thus reinforcing an image that the chain wished to convey. In addition to a clean appearance, uniforms give the outlet a semimilitary appearance reflecting good management and excellent organization, and create an egalitarian working atmosphere untroubled by the latest fashions.
Many drive-ins also required uniforms, but they were just the opposite of those developed by White Castle and other fast food chains. Rather than being plain and white, drive-in uniforms were often gaudy and flamboyant. Carhops, for instance, were often required to wear bright uniforms, military-style caps, and pants with stripes down the side. Others were required to wear costumes similar to those worn by movie ushers. Still others dressed women in sexually suggestive majorette costumes with white boots and abbreviated skirts.