Fast food favorites from years ago are back on the menus, and no, you’re not hallucinating. Because vintage style is popular right now, fast food chains are bringing back old favorites, and they’re coming with more than just good taste. These 10 retro items are back like a warm hug from your childhood!
10. Arby’s Potato Cakes
Arby’s is reminding us that simpler times are back by reintroducing their Potato Cakes! People loved (and still love) these potato cakes for their simple, comforting flavor. They’re the perfect companion to Arby’s savory sandwiches, and honestly, these cakes will reminde you of classic diner vibes or even homemade hash browns!
9. McDonald’s McRib
The McRib was a fast food hit from the ’80s and has been on and off the McDonald’s menu after being discontinued in 2005. The sandwich, bursting with meaty, tangy flavors, made a limited-time comeback in 2024. You may not find the sandwich now, but according to McDonald’s, the McRib season will come again.
8. Five Guys’ Coffee Milkshake
The growing love for coffee and retro diner vibe brought back the classic Coffee Milkshake from Five Guys. Like all Five Guys shakes, you can customize this with other mix-ins, including salted caramel, chocolate, and more. Or, you can keep it simple and let the mellow roasted finish and nostalgic note hit you.
7. Little Caesars’ Stuffed Crazy Bread
The Stuffed Crazy Bread doesn’t just give us the perfect cheese-pull moment, it also takes us back to the ’90s pizza nights. The Crazy Bread was introduced in the ’80s and became iconic throughout the ’90s. Its upgraded version, Stuffed Crazy Bread, came to the menus in 2020 as a limited-time offering. Today, it’s a permanent staple at stores in areas like California, Ohio, and Virginia.
6. Whataburger’s Chicken Fajita Taco
Back from the Whatavault is Whataburger’s Chicken Fajita Taco, which is inspired by the classic Tex-Mex flavors in the ’90s and early 2000s. Unlike fried options, this taco features warm flour tortilla, grilled chicken, and sautéed onions and peppers. It’s comfort food without the grease!
5. KFC’s Chicken & Waffles
KFC’s Chicken & Waffles are back after a five-year hiatus, and you’re in for a treat! It’s hearty, filling, and makes you feel like you’re eating a weekend brunch classic. The Chicken & Waffles’ history started in the 1930s and it was also popular in mid-20th century Southern diners. Today, it’s a limited-time offer at KFC, so you better act fast to try this classic soul food.
4. Burger King’s Cini Minis
Burger King’s Cini Minis remind us of the homestyle comfort and cinnamon warmth from old-fashioned bakeries. Built around convenience and flavor, they also evoke the ’90s breakfast era. These minis are everything you love about cinnamon rolls, but bite-sized. Cini Minis are reportedly available in Florida, with the potential to rollout nationwide if successful in the regional test.
3. Dairy Queen’s S’mores Blizzard
We can’t talk about classic foods without s’mores! And if you’re looking for a frozen, more indulgent take on this campfire treat, Dairy Queen’s S’mores Blizzard is your best bet. Yup, it’s back as part of the brand’s summer Blizzard treat menu for 2025. It’s chunky, playful, and packed with a lot of stuff, just like the ’90s ice cream you know and love!
2. Taco Bell’s Caramel Apple Empanada
The Caramel Apple Empanada taps into the Y2K era nostalgia and was part of Taco Bell’s “Decades Menu” in 2024. Following its successful comeback, the Caramel Apple Empanada will be gracing the menus again in 2025. This popular dessert combines crisp apple pieces with sweet, gooey caramel in a flaky shell. Need we say more?
1. McDonald’s Snack Wraps
This is the comeback that everyone has been talking about. The Snack Wraps are here again to bring us budget-friendly and on-the-go snacks! They’re the perfect choice if you want something satisfying without committing to a combo meal. The comeback of Snack Wraps (last seen in 2016) also triggered the wrap wars. Now, you can also try chicken wraps from Popeyes and Taco Bell!