I drove across America via Route 66 to see classic diners, motels, and kitschy stores.

While I got my fill of those, it also was impossible to ignore the never-ending views of McDonalds, Subways, Best Buys and other chain stores.

 

The first McDonalds was located in San Bernadino, California
The first McDonalds was located in San Bernadino, California

Counting Chain Stores Across America

Very early into my drive from New York City to Portland, Oregon, I decided to count all of the chain stores I encountered.

The Buffalo Inn is just one of the signs that pepper the streets of Route 66 in Canyon, Texas
The Buffalo Inn is just one of the signs that pepper the streets of Route 66 in Canyon, Texas

Sure, I probably missed a lot and there were just too many McDonalds to tally, but I did a pretty good job of noting the rest.

Over the course of nearly 4,100 miles I counted:

  • WalMart: 37
  • Home Depot: 19
  • Target: 18
  • Best Buy: 11
  • K-Mart: 9
  • Lowes: 9
  • Hitchhikers: 9
  • Costco: 2

Check out more Route 66 photography