From a study completed by Chicago-based Research International, the United States completed a study called "Fast Food Nation 2008. The panel consisted of 1,000 respondents ages 16 to 65 years old who provided their inputs with an online survey that was conducted between March 13 and 2008. Which was based on the results of fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's which are gaining popularity even through economic difficulties and recession. Marketing strategy has gained more influence on American children and youth. As the population grows and demand increases, fast food restaurants are expanding their stores to capture more consumers to change their menus to continue to acquire and retain repeat customers. With each passing generation, fast food chains bring fast food chains into more homes and continue to impact lives. Based on a study conducted by Chicago-based Research International USA, it was found that more than half of the population eats fast food once a week and with 20% of fast eaters eating at least every other day. Most are males under middle age. Furthermore, more than half of the guests were accompanied by family members, 29% of these guests were accompanied by children under the age of 18. Fast food chains target children and young adults by using cartoon characters and celebrities to influence their products. They also build playgrounds in their restaurant to attract children into the business and also provide toys with cartoon characters that they can identify with. Some chains have kid-friendly websites and allow them to play and interact with their products. These tactics serve to attract children to their restaurants, which is a contributing factor to a higher rate of guests under the age of 18. With...... half of the sheet...... Annotated bibliography"Stress fuels the need for comfort food." WebMD: Better information. Better health. Jennifer Warner, September 3, 2003. Web. February 15, 2010. http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20030909/stress-comfort-food The article discusses how fast foods can react to human hormones and release stress which can provide comfort and satisfaction. You can also continue to eat comfort foods "Study Says Fast Food Remains Popular - Restaurant News - QSR Magazine." Quick Service and Fast Casual Restaurant News and Information - QSR Magazine. QSR Magazine, June 20, 2008. Web. February 17, 2010. http://www.qsrmagazine.com/articles/news/print.phtml?id=6789Half the population will eat fast food once a week. Fast food remains popular among all income groups, even during difficult economic times. Fast food restaurants change their menus to adapt to consumer demand.