18 Fast Food Items We Miss and Want Back
Many of our favorite fast food items have disappeared over the years. From tasty sandwiches to unique desserts, these treats deserve a comeback. Get ready for a trip down memory lane with these 18 fan favorites.
1. McDonald’s Arch Deluxe
Back in the 90s, McDonald’s tried to go fancy with the Arch Deluxe, a burger aimed at the sophisticated palate of adults. It boasted a quarter-pound beef patty, a potato flour bun, peppered bacon, and a zesty mustard-mayo sauce. The only thing it didn’t have? Kids’ approval. The Arch Deluxe was ahead of its time, like a tuxedo at a backyard barbecue. It vanished, but many still pine for its tangy glory.
2. Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer
Taco Bell once dabbled in the burger world with the Bell Beefer, essentially a sloppy joe with a south-of-the-border twist. Imagine seasoned taco meat piled on a bun with all the fixings—lettuce, cheese, onions, and sauce. It was the perfect hybrid for when you couldn’t decide between a burger and a taco. But like many crossbreeds, it couldn’t find its footing and disappeared into the annals of taco history.
3. Burger King’s Cini-Minis
Burger King’s Cini-Minis were the sweet treat we didn’t know we needed. These bite-sized cinnamon rolls came in a box with a generous side of icing for dipping. They were gooey, sticky, and dangerously addictive. The breakfast of champions—or maybe just the breakfast of people who believe that sugar counts as an energy boost. Sadly, they vanished without a trace, leaving us with empty coffee cups and wistful memories.
4. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
Wendy’s decided to go all deli on us with their Frescata Sandwiches, offering a range of fresh, cold cuts piled high on artisan bread. They were the sophisticated cousin to the fast food sub, with ingredients like basil pesto and spring mix. The Frescata was perfect for those moments when you wanted to be healthy, but not too healthy. It had a short-lived run before it was nudged out by more traditional fast food fare.
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5. McDonald’s McSalad Shakers
McDonald’s once made eating salad fun with their McSalad Shakers—salads that came in a tall, clear cup, designed for shaking up your greens with dressing. It was like a protein shake, but with lettuce. The novelty of watching your salad spin around in its container made eating veggies almost enjoyable. Unfortunately, the world wasn’t ready for salad on-the-go, and the Shakers were quietly removed from the menu.
6. Taco Bell’s Volcano Taco
Taco Bell’s Volcano Taco brought the heat with its bright red shell and fiery lava sauce. This taco didn’t just talk the talk; it walked the spicy walk, delivering a satisfying burn with every bite. It was a favorite among those who believe food should be a challenge as well as a meal. Sadly, the Volcano Taco’s flame was extinguished, leaving fans searching for something equally daring on the menu.
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7. KFC’s Double Down
KFC’s Double Down was the ultimate protein lover’s dream—or nightmare, depending on who you ask. It was a “sandwich” with two fried chicken fillets acting as the bun, sandwiching bacon, cheese, and sauce. It was unapologetically decadent, thumbing its nose at carbs and health guidelines. The Double Down was a limited-time offer, which was probably for the best, but it definitely left a lasting impression.
8. McDonald’s Cheddar Melt
The McDonald’s Cheddar Melt was a burger that dared to be different, topped with grilled onions and a gooey cheddar cheese sauce, all nestled in a rye bun. It was a comfort food lover’s dream, combining the best parts of a burger and a grilled cheese sandwich. Despite its cheesy goodness, it never became a permanent menu item. It’s still mourned by those who believe everything is better with melted cheese.
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9. Burger King’s Grilled Dogs
Burger King’s Grilled Dogs were supposed to be the next big thing, bringing backyard barbecue vibes to the fast-food world. They were actual grilled hot dogs, not steamed or boiled, with a choice of toppings. It was a noble effort to diversify the menu, but maybe it was too far outside the bun for some customers. The dogs have since been retired, but they’re fondly remembered by those who prefer their fast food with a charred touch.
10. McDonald’s McPizza
Yes, McDonald’s once served pizza. The McPizza was the chain’s bold attempt to conquer another fast food frontier. It wasn’t just a slice; it was a full personal pizza, made fresh to order. The idea was ambitious, but the execution took too long for fast food standards, and the McPizza eventually became more of a legend than a menu item. Those who had the patience to wait for it still talk about it like it was the Holy Grail of fast food.
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11. Arby’s Potato Cakes
Arby’s Potato Cakes were the unsung heroes of the side dish world. These triangular hash brown patties were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for dipping in ketchup or just devouring on their own. They were the yin to Arby’s beefy yang, but alas, they were taken from us. Arby’s may have the meats, but we’ll always miss their potatoes.
12. Taco Bell’s Enchirito
The Enchirito was a Taco Bell classic, a cross between an enchilada and a burrito. It featured seasoned beef, beans, onions, cheese, and red sauce, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. It was then topped with even more sauce and cheese, making it a messy, delicious experience. The Enchirito was briefly resurrected, only to disappear again, leaving fans in a perpetual state of longing.
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13. McDonald’s Mighty Wings
McDonald’s Mighty Wings were a bold attempt to bring some spice to the golden arches. These bone-in chicken wings were seasoned with a peppery coating that packed a punch. They were perfect for those who wanted to mix things up from the usual nuggets or McChicken sandwich. Unfortunately, their hefty price tag and the fact that they were too spicy for some left the Mighty Wings grounded after a short flight.
14. Wendy’s Superbar
Wendy’s Superbar was the buffet of your fast food dreams, offering a mix of salad, pasta, and Mexican fare. It was a choose-your-own-adventure of fast food, letting you load up your plate with whatever caught your fancy. It was a glorious time for those who couldn’t decide between a taco and a fettuccine Alfredo. Sadly, the logistics of maintaining the Superbar led to its downfall, and now it’s just a fond memory of gluttony past.
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15. Pizza Hut’s Priazzo
Pizza Hut’s Priazzo was the deep-dish pizza lover’s fantasy, a pie so thick it could barely contain its layers of cheese, meat, and sauce. It was like a lasagna in pizza form, dense and incredibly filling. The Priazzo was ahead of its time, offering a different kind of pizza experience in a world of thin crusts. It’s been gone for decades, but it still haunts the dreams of those who crave a truly hearty slice.
16. McDonald’s Hula Burger
The Hula Burger was McDonald’s attempt to cater to vegetarians before that was even a thing. Instead of a beef patty, it featured a slice of grilled pineapple with cheese on a bun. It was a tropical twist that failed to find its audience, especially when the Filet-O-Fish swam into the spotlight. The Hula Burger is a quirky piece of McDonald’s history, but it’s unlikely to make a comeback unless pineapples suddenly become the next superfood.
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17. Sonic’s French Toaster
Sonic’s French Toaster was a breakfast item that combined the best of sweet and savory. It featured sausage, egg, and cheese sandwiched between two slices of golden French toast. It was the breakfast sandwich you didn’t know you needed, perfect for mornings when regular toast just wouldn’t cut it. Unfortunately, the French Toaster has since retired, leaving breakfast enthusiasts longing for its sweet, syrupy goodness.
18. McDonald’s McDLT
The McDLT was a burger with a gimmick: it came in a two-part container to keep the hot side hot and the cool side cool. On one side, you had the beef patty and bottom bun, and on the other, the lettuce, tomato, and top bun. It was a novel idea, but the bulky packaging was more trouble than it was worth. The McDLT faded into obscurity, but not before searing itself into the memories of those who appreciated a good lettuce crunch.
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