12 Forgotten Fast-Food Sandwiches from the ’70s That Quietly Disappeared

The 1970s were a golden age for fast food innovation, with chains experimenting wildly with their menus. While some of these experimental sandwiches went on to become iconic staples, many others quietly faded into obscurity. These forgotten gems tell a story of a time when fast food was a playground for culinary creativity. Here are 12 fast-food sandwiches from the ’70s that vanished without a trace.

1. McDonald’s Hula Burger

McDonald’s tried to attract vegetarian customers with the Hula Burger, a meatless option featuring a grilled pineapple slice with cheese on a bun. Despite its unique approach, the Hula Burger couldn’t compete with the Filet-O-Fish, introduced around the same time. The sandwich was ultimately pulled from the menu due to its lack of popularity. Today, it remains a curious footnote in McDonald’s history, a testament to the fast-food giant’s willingness to experiment.

2. Burger King’s Yumbo

The Yumbo, introduced by Burger King, was a hot ham and cheese sandwich that briefly captured the public’s attention. Despite its initial success, it was discontinued in the late ’70s as Burger King shifted focus back to its core burger offerings. The Yumbo made a brief comeback in 2014, only to disappear again, confirming that some nostalgia-driven revivals just don’t stick. This sandwich is a prime example of how tastes evolve over time.

3. Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches

Although not exactly from the ’70s, Wendy’s Frescata Sandwiches were inspired by the deli-style offerings that became popular in that decade. These sandwiches featured various deli meats and fresh vegetables on artisan bread. Despite a loyal following, the Frescata line was discontinued in the early 2000s due to operational complexities and slower sales. Wendy’s fans still reminisce about the Frescata, proving that even well-loved items aren’t immune to market forces.

4. Arby’s Super Roast Beef Sandwich

Arby’s Super Roast Beef Sandwich was a deluxe version of their classic roast beef sandwich, topped with lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce. Introduced to offer a more “premium” option, it was eventually phased out as customer preferences shifted towards more straightforward offerings. The Super Roast Beef holds a special place in the hearts of long-time Arby’s fans, who remember it as a hearty, satisfying option that provided a bit more than the standard fare.

5. Taco Bell’s Bell Beefer

In the ’70s, Taco Bell attempted to tap into the burger market with the Bell Beefer, a sandwich featuring seasoned taco meat, shredded lettuce, and diced onions on a bun. Despite its intriguing concept, it failed to catch on and was discontinued. The Bell Beefer’s brief existence highlights Taco Bell’s adventurous spirit and willingness to step outside traditional Mexican fare, even if it wasn’t a lasting success.

6. KFC’s BBQ Chicken Sandwich

KFC introduced the BBQ Chicken Sandwich in the ’70s, aiming to offer something different from their famous fried chicken. The sandwich featured grilled chicken slathered in barbecue sauce, served on a toasted bun. However, it couldn’t compete with KFC’s fried offerings and was eventually dropped. This sandwich serves as a reminder of KFC’s occasional forays into grilled items, a trend they continue to explore today with mixed results.

7. Hardee’s Swiss Miss

The Swiss Miss, introduced by Hardee’s, was a roast beef sandwich with Swiss cheese and a special tangy sauce. Despite its unique flavor profile, it didn’t achieve lasting popularity and was quietly removed from the menu. The Swiss Miss is a nostalgic item for many who fondly recall its distinct taste, a rarity in the typically straightforward fast-food landscape.

8. Jack in the Box’s Frings

Jack in the Box combined onion rings and French fries into one sandwich called Frings, aimed at those who couldn’t decide between the two sides. While innovative, the concept didn’t resonate enough to sustain its presence on the menu. Frings is a quirky example of how fast food chains have tried to cater to indecisive customers with novel, albeit short-lived, products.

9. Subway’s Pizza Sub

In the late ’70s, Subway experimented with the Pizza Sub, featuring pepperoni, marinara sauce, and cheese. Despite its promising concept, it struggled to compete with more traditional pizza offerings and was eventually discontinued. The Pizza Sub’s brief tenure is a testament to Subway’s willingness to diversify its menu, even if not every experiment pans out.

10. Dairy Queen’s DQ Buster Bar Burger

Dairy Queen tried to expand beyond desserts with the DQ Buster Bar Burger, a hearty sandwich that combined a beef patty with the elements of their Buster Bar sundae. Despite its unique blend of flavors, it failed to gain a permanent foothold in the fast-food world. The DQ Buster Bar Burger remains a quirky chapter in Dairy Queen’s history, highlighting the chain’s occasional forays into more adventurous territory.

11. A&W’s Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

A&W offered a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich that catered to Midwestern tastes, featuring a breaded and fried pork tenderloin cutlet. While beloved in certain regions, it didn’t achieve widespread popularity and was eventually discontinued. The Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a nostalgic favorite for those who enjoyed its regional flair, a reminder of A&W’s once-diverse menu offerings.

12. Long John Silver’s Fish Taco

In the late ’70s, Long John Silver’s introduced a Fish Taco, aiming to capitalize on the growing popularity of Mexican-inspired dishes. The taco featured fried fish, shredded lettuce, and a zesty sauce. Despite its potential, it was removed from the menu due to lackluster sales. The Fish Taco’s brief stint is an early example of the chain’s attempts to innovate beyond its core seafood items.

Rediscovering Forgotten Flavors

These forgotten fast-food sandwiches from the ’70s offer a fascinating glimpse into a time of culinary experimentation and changing tastes. While they may have disappeared from menus, they live on in the memories of those who enjoyed them. As fast food continues to evolve, it’s worth revisiting these bygone creations to appreciate the industry’s dynamic history. If you’re feeling nostalgic or adventurous, why not try recreating one of these classic sandwiches at home? Share your creations and memories with friends and family, and celebrate the innovative spirit of fast food’s past.

Ashleigh Clyde

Ashleigh Clyde is a dedicated youth advocate, journalist, and researcher. Passionate about shedding light on important issues, such as financial literacy and marketing tactics. She has extensive experience in entertainment journalism.