Destination America Digs Into Nostalgia and Pop Culture Cuisine With FAST FOOD MANIA

SILVER SPRING, Md., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- We've grown up with America's favorite treat – fast food.  From beloved childhood memories to classic Americana, the art of quick and delicious fare represents some of life's greatest pleasures and often marks milestone moments.  Destination America invites fans to celebrate gastronomy-to-go as FAST FOOD MANIA (#FastFoodMania) makes its world premiere on Sunday, June 3 at 10 and 10:30PM E/P, diving into the pop culture world of fast food, digging into its cuisine, featuring its fanatics and exploring all the one-of-a-kind wonders it has to offer.  The immersive tour de food will be led by the intrepid fast food aficionado, Jon Hein ("The Howard Stern Show" and "The Fast Food Show" on Sirius/XM) as he dines and decodes the world's most popular dishes. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120404/PH82268LOGO )

The travel-packed and finger-licking series will not only look at awesome eats, but also offer up essential tips for navigating the ever-winding drive thrus and ordering secret menu items, as well as delve into never-before-seen test kitchens of some of America's favorite chains.  You think you know all there is to know about the subject, but FAST FOOD MANIA also reveals behind-the-scenes stories and little known facts, including answers to trivia questions such as "Who designed the signature red and white KFC bucket?"  Bet you didn't know it was the owner of another popular fast food restaurant – Dave Thomas of Wendy's -- who once operated one of the largest KFC franchises! 

"Some of our country's most fascinating stories are born from the hard work and determination of what were once mom and pop businesses that evolved into great American successes – stories of the underdog selling the hot dog, if you will," said Marc Etkind, senior vice president of content strategy for Destination America. "FAST FOOD MANIA celebrates those accomplishments and takes viewers on a nostalgic ride revisiting memorable campaigns, iconic outposts and, of course, tasty menu items – sometimes with a side of fries."

This season, FAST FOOD MANIA makes stops at beloved eateries such as Sonic, Dunkin Donuts, Dominos, Taco Bell, and the original hot dog stand by the sea, Nathan's Famous in Coney Island, NY.  But it's not just about the legendary brands.  We also uncover the up-and-coming chains making their mark, as well as hidden gems like Jet BBQ, a historic firehouse turned true drive-thru restaurant in Wichita, KS.

FAST FOOD MANIA is produced by Sharp Entertainment with Matt Sharp serving as executive producer.  Bob Larson is executive vice president and Dan Adler is vice president of production at Sharp Entertainment.  Alison Mouledoux serves as co-executive producer. For Destination America, Fay Yu is executive producer, Sara Kozak is senior vice president of production, Marc Etkind is senior vice president, content strategy and Henry Schleiff is president and general manager.

About Jon Hein
Hein is a popular radio personality and world-renowned pop culture expert who coined the phrase "jump the shark" and created the website jumptheshark.com. Appearing on numerous television and radio programs, Hein has authored two best-selling books, and currently hosts the "The Fast Food Show" on Howard Stern's Sirius/XM station. 

About Sharp Entertainment
Sharp Entertainment is a leading voice in unscripted reality television.  Since being founded by Matt Sharp in 2003, Sharp Entertainment continues to be one of the industry's most sought-after production companies, employing New York's most imaginative producers, writers, and editors. Together they have created hits like Travel Channel's "Man v Food", TLC's "Extreme Couponing", and National Geographic Channel's "Doomsday Preppers."

About Destination America 
Destination America is the first network to celebrate the people, places, and stories of the United States. The inclusive network targeting Adults 25-54 will be available in 59.5 million homes, emblazoning television screens with the grit and tenacity, honesty and work ethic, humor and adventurousness that characterize our nation. Destination America will feature travel, food, adventure, home, and natural history, with original series covering such diverse subjects as American food favorites, mysteries like Jesse James' lost fortune and Area 51, American heroes and innovators, as well as iconic landmarks and wonders like Yellowstone National Park and the Everglades. For more information, please visit DestinationAmerica.com, facebook.com/DestinationAmerica, or twitter.com/DestAmerica. Destination America is part of Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 200 countries and territories.

Please visit the Press Website at press.discovery.com/us/da for additional press materials
Follow us on Twitter at @DestAmerica
Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DestinationAmerica
Visit us online at DestinationAmerica.com

SOURCE Destination America