National Onion Rings Day and How They Became a Fast Food Favorite

Yesterday was National Onion Rings Day.

Onion rings had been around for many years before fast food restaurants embraced them, but A&W is generally credited with making them a fast food favorite during the 1960s. Before long, they began appearing on menus across America as an alternative to French fries.

For my fast food project, I chose Sonic’s onion rings.

That wasn’t by accident.

Unlike many fast food onion rings that arrive frozen and ready to fry, Sonic became known for making its onion rings from whole sweet onions. Their slightly sweet batter has become one of the chain’s signature recipes and has earned a loyal following over the years.

They made a good addition to my From Bag to Background project.

There is much more to see on my website, including my photography galleries, my blog, and my growing Motion page. Visit https://secondfocus.com

June 23, 2026 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: A&W, American fast food, black background, commercial food photography, crispy onion rings, fast food, fast food history, fast food photography, Food History, Food Photography, fried onions, from bag to background, Ian L Sitren, national onion rings day, onion rings, secondfocus, side dish, sonic, Sonic Drive-In | Leave a comment