Remember when fast food was just… fast food? Well, in today’s competitive market, a simple new taco release won’t do. Fast food chains are pulling out all the stops to grab your attention, even if it involves collaborating with another brand or celebrity. Today, we’re diving into 11 of the most iconic and surprising food collaborations of all time.
11. KFC’s KFConsole
Back in 2020, KFC unveiled the KFConsole in partnership with hardware manufacturer Cooler Master. It’s a fully functional gaming PC with KFC’s branding. It featured a “Chicken Chamber,” which is a natural heat source to keep your fried chicken warm. Everyone thought it was a prank, but it actually turned out to be real. Sadly, they were never mass-produced.
10. Wendy’s and SpongeBob SquarePants
Back in October 2024, Wendy’s gave you a chance to taste the Krabby Patty. To celebrate SpongeBob SquarePants’ 25th anniversary, fast food chain Wendy’s released their very own version of Krabby Patty. The collaboration included a Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty and Wendy’s popular fries to complete the meal.
9. McDonald’s and BTS
In 2021, McDonald’s tapped into K-pop boy group BTS for their very own meal. Called the “BTS Meal,” it features 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, a Coke, and two new sauces, which are Sweet Chili and Cajun. It became a massive success worldwide. However, some fans from the US were disappointed as it didn’t come with the actual BTS packaging, just like in Asia.
8. Taco Bell Hotel
Taco Bell fans got a chance of a lifetime in 2019 when Taco Bell opened its own pop-up hotel. Located in Palm Springs, California, the fast food chain opened “The Bell: A Taco Bell Hotel and Resort” in collaboration with V Hotel. The hotel features themed rooms, pool floats, and a hot sauce salon. There’s even a gift shop that sells Taco Bell merchandise.
7. Ben & Jerry’s and Nike
Ben & Jerry’s fans who happened to be sneakerheads got the shoes of their dreams in 2020. They teamed up with Nike to release the “Chunk Dunky” SB Dunk Low. The shoe design features Ben & Jerry’s iconic packaging with a melting yellow swoosh and a cow-print overlay. The collaboration was a hit that sold out almost immediately.
6. Pringles and The Caviar Co.
Would you ever imagine Pringles with caviar on top? In case you didn’t know, Pringles partnered with The Caviar Co. in 2023. The collaboration features kits which include a tin of caviar, a can of Pringles, and a gold-plated serving spoon. It sold out quickly as fans got to try their favorite potato chips with caviar. The kits alone ranged from $49 to $140, which is far from your regular can of Pringles.
5. Arby’s and Old Spice
No one wants to smell like roast beef, which is why many scratched their heads upon learning of Arby’s and Old Spice’s collaboration in 2022. But don’t worry, the product that they released functions to combat meat sweats from eating an Arby’s meal. The collection included a deodorant, an antiperspirant, and a body wash to keep fans feeling fresh.
4. Snoop Dogg and Jack in the Box
When it comes to brand-celebrity partnerships, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Snoop Dogg and Jack in the Box. Back in 2023, the fast food chain gave their all on a collaboration with the legendary rapper by transforming their Inglewood, California location into a “Dogg in tha Box” pop-up. The collaboration included Snoop Dogg’s own Munchie Meal, complete with a spicy chicken sandwich, brownie, and a side of Sprite.
3. Doritos and Taco Bell
Back in 2012, Taco Bell collaborated with Doritos through a pretty cool concept. It involves their classic taco being replaced with a corn shell with the Doritos shell. To say the least, it was successful as the Doritos Locos Taco sold over a billion units in its first year, becoming one of the most successful product launches in fast-food history.
2. Megan Thee Stallion and Popeyes
Popeyes teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion in 2021 to launch the “Hottie Sauce.”. The sauce, a mix of honey, cider vinegar, and Aleppo. Megan, a known Popeyes fan and franchise owner herself, also released a line of co-branded merchandise, including clothing and hats. The partnership was so successful that it not only boosted Popeyes’ sales but also led to Megan opening her own Popeyes locations.
1. Travis Scott and McDonald’s
In September 2020, McDonald’s launched its first celebrity-endorsed meal in nearly 30 years. It’s none other than the “Travis Scott Meal,” a simple Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, and lettuce, medium fries with BBQ sauce, and a Sprite. It was an instant hit. The partnership included co-branded merchandise that sold out almost immediately, and it generated massive social media buzz, with fans flocking to McDonald’s to order the meal.