Final answer:
The first chain of restaurants was established primarily to cater to railroad travelers, with dining experiences designed to assure food safety and with layouts reminiscent of modern technology such as steamships and streamliner trains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first chain of restaurants was established to meet the needs of railroad travelers. During the early 20th century, restaurateurs created dining experiences that borrowed elements from high-tech machinery of the time, such as steamships and streamliner trains, to convince customers of their food's safety. Dining cars from railroads were repurposed as hamburger restaurants, and these restaurants evolved into what we know today as diners. In addition, the rise of travel for shows and the popularity of saloons that provided free food with drinks contributed to the emergence of early food service establishments catering to city-goers and travelers.