Every fast-food fan has one special menu item that sparks a craving like no other. Devotees of discontinued selections, like Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza or McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce, have submitted petitions and ignited social media campaigns demanding their return. Check out the most beloved fast-food items that need a comeback.
McDonald’s Arch Deluxe
The Arch Deluxe was McDonald’s attempt to create a more sophisticated burger for adult tastes, featuring a peppery bacon, cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, and a secret mustard and mayonnaise sauce. Launched in the mid ’90s, it failed to catch on despite a massive marketing campaign.
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza
A cult favorite, the Mexican Pizza combined ground beef and refried beans between two crispy shells, topped with pizza sauce, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses. Discontinued in 2020 to streamline operations, its departure left a void in the hearts of Taco Bell enthusiasts. The outcry was so loud that rumors of its return occasionally surfaced.
Wendy’s SuperBar
The SuperBar allowed customers to create their own salads, fruit, and Mexican food from a buffet setup, a unique offering in the fast-food industry. Introduced in the late ’80s, it was discontinued in the late ’90s as it was too cumbersome to maintain.
Burger King’s Cini-Minis
Cini-Minis were delightful bite-sized cinnamon rolls served with a side of sweet icing for dipping, perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack. Discontinued in the early 2000s, these little treats still have a dedicated following.
KFC’s Double Down
KFC’s Double Down did away with the bun, placing bacon, cheese, and sauce between two fried chicken filets. It was both celebrated and scorned for its bold take on what a sandwich could be. Fans lament its limited time offer status.
McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce
Made famous again by the TV show Rick and Morty, McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce was originally a promotional item for the movie Mulan. The sauce gained a legendary status after being mentioned on the show, leading to its brief return.
Subway’s Seafood Sensation
Subway’s Seafood Sensation was a delightful mix of crab and seafood spread mixed with creamy mayo, serving as a pescetarian-friendly fast-food option. Discontinued due to declining sales, its unique flavor is still missed by those who desire more than just the typical lunch meats.
Jack in the Box’s Frings
Frings were an ingenious mix of fries and onion rings, letting customers enjoy both without having to choose one over the other. Discontinued in the ’80s, the simplicity and satisfaction of Frings continue to be a beloved memory for many.
Pizza Hut’s P’Zone
The P’Zone was Pizza Hut’s take on the calzone, stuffed with delicious toppings and baked to a golden perfection, served with a side of marinara sauce. It was periodically brought back due to popular demand but has since been missing from the menu.
Sonic’s Frito Chili Cheese Wraps
Sonic once offered a Frito Chili Cheese Wrap that combined chili, cheese, and Fritos in a soft tortilla. This snack was beloved for its crunchy, savory qualities and is sorely missed by fans of comfort food.
Starbucks’ Chantico
The Chantico was a decadent drinking chocolate that Starbucks introduced in 2005. Richer than hot chocolate, it was like drinking a melted chocolate bar and was discontinued a year later due to its niche appeal.
Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches
Wendy’s Frescata sandwiches offered freshly baked, deli-style sandwiches, a unique offering in fast food. Discontinued due to the time it took to prepare, these sandwiches are missed for their gourmet, fresh feel.
McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie
The original fried apple pie at McDonald’s was swapped for a baked version in the ’90s, much to the dismay of fans who preferred the crispy texture of the fried version. Fried pie remains a nostalgic memory among McDonald’s goers.
Burger King’s Shake ‘Em Up Fries
Shake ‘Em Up Fries allowed customers to pour cheese seasoning into a bag of fries and shake them up. This interactive snack was fun and flavorful, making its discontinuation a disappointment.
McDonald’s McSalad Shakers
McDonald’s McSalad Shakers were salads in a cup that you could shake with dressing. They were phased out in the early 2000s but are still missed for their portability and novelty.
Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer
The Bell Beefer was essentially a taco burger with taco fillings served on a hamburger bun. Discontinued in the late ’80s, it remains a cult favorite among those who remember it.
KFC’s Chicken Littles
KFC’s original Chicken Littles, a small sandwich with a simple, crispy chicken patty, mayo, and pickles, were a popular item in the ’80s and early ’90s. Though KFC has tried to bring them back in various forms, fans of the original recipe continue to clamor for its return.
Hardee’s Frisco Burger
Hardee’s Frisco Burger served on toasted sourdough bread, was a beloved novelty because of its unique flavor profile. It’s still missed by fans of the chain who seek more than the usual burger offerings.
Popeyes’ Cajun Rice
Popeyes once served Cajun Rice, which was full of flavorful meat and spices and provided a perfect side dish for their spicy chicken. Fans of this side dish miss the extra kick it added to their meal.
McDonald’s McDLT
The McDLT kept the lettuce and tomato cool and the burger hot by separating them into two sides of the styrofoam container. Its discontinuation was primarily due to environmental concerns over the packaging.
Carl’s Jr.’s Pop-Tart Ice Cream Sandwich
Carl’s Jr. introduced a dessert that sandwiched ice cream between two frosted Pop-Tarts. This sweet treat was as whimsical as it was delicious, leaving those with a sweet tooth wishing for its return.
Arby’s Homestyle Fries
Arby’s once offered Homestyle Fries, a softer, less curly alternative to their famed Curly Fries. Fans of these fries miss their unique texture and flavor, which are distinct from other offerings.
Dunkin’ Donuts’ Coffee Coolatta
Dunkin’ Donuts’ Coffee Coolatta was a beloved frozen coffee drink until it was replaced by the Frozen Dunkin’ Coffee. Fans of the original Coolatta miss its sweeter, more indulgent flavor profile that made it a perfect summer treat.
Burger King’s Satisfries
Satisfries were Burger King’s lower-fat, lower-calorie alternative to regular fries. Despite their health appeal, they were discontinued, much to the disappointment of health-conscious fast-food eaters.
McDonald’s Hula Burger
The Hula Burger was McDonald’s attempt to cater to Catholics who were avoiding meat on Fridays by substituting a beef patty with a grilled pineapple slice. While unpopular at the time, it has become a quirky part of McDonald’s lore.
