Here are 15 discontinued fast-food items that Mytour readers believe should make a triumphant return.

From Mytour’s Slack channels to your comments here, it’s clear that society’s yearning for the Meximelt is undeniable. When Taco Bell revamped its menu in 2019, this long-time favorite was inexplicably cut. While you can find plenty of copycat recipes online—essentially a flour tortilla filled with beef, pico de gallo, and the same three-cheese blend as a quesadilla—the true fans know there's a big difference between a copy and the real deal. "They still have plenty of guilty pleasures on the menu (like the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, which became a permanent fixture after years of promotional limbo), but the Meximelt was Taco Bell at its finest." –ItsDeke

"Meximelt was the only item I truly liked there." –plan9

Year discontinued: 2019

Looking for fine dining at a fast food joint? The Arch Deluxe from the '90s is remembered as McDonald’s most costly flop. The reasons behind its failure have been discussed extensively, yet some loyal fans still hold a special place for it. One of those fans is Mytour Deputy Editor Joel Cunningham: “McDonald's crafted an entire marketing campaign based on the idea that kids would find the Arch Deluxe—which featured 'fancy' ingredients like peppered bacon and recognizable tomatoes—disgusting. At 14 years old with a very refined palate, thank you, I loved it and ordered one every week until they discontinued it because no one else liked it.”

A commenter from an anonymous account (creepy) makes a solid point about the type of burger that would warrant such a grand marketing push: “I wouldn’t mind trying the Arch Deluxe. I wasn’t the target audience when it originally launched, and while I know it flopped, I’m curious what type of burger they thought was worth all that advertising effort.”

Year discontinued: 2000

One of the most recent heartbreaks for diehard Popeyes fans was the quiet removal of both Cajun rice and green beans, sparking an uproar on social media. While Popeyes is known for its fried chicken, don’t underestimate how much customers cherish their sides. (If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own version with gizzards and see if you can recreate it.)

“Popeyes’ Cajun (aka Dirty) rice. It was less mushy and packed more flavor than the red beans and rice. It was my go-to (with an extra side of onion rings) for a weekly lunch when I worked in the city. Oh, and there’s even a song about it.” –joelfinkle

Bonus: Although Popeyes' onion rings aren't well-documented, here's what Mytour readers have said about them:

“They were thinly sliced and unbelievably good.” –Chip Skylark of Space

“Often not listed on the menu, they were perfect: crisp, tempura-like batter with a touch of spice, and tall slices of onion that somehow stayed in the breading when you took a bite.” –joelfinkle

“The batter was light and tempura-like... you could easily eat a whole batch.” –GoonieGooGoo6

Year discontinued: 2021

Taco Bell has made a name for itself by leading its fans through a roller coaster ride of emotions with their menu changes. True to form, Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza rightfully earns a spot on this list—and in all our hearts. As Rima Parikh writes in this insightful piece, "Taco Bell has danced its way into the hearts of many South Asian Americans." Parikh emphasizes that we must remember this creation, made with two tortillas, beef, cheese, and beans, isn’t an attempt to mimic Mexican or Italian cuisine; it’s something entirely unique. Read her full article to understand why this item deserves a place on the list, and why fast food holds such an emotional sway in our lives.

To put it simply: “​​God I loved that thing.” –devilsadvocate

Year discontinued: 2020

I can’t personally endorse this entry, and I barely made it through the video above. Still, I see it as emblematic of the very spirit of this post: my ongoing hunger for Arby’s potato cakes content in all its forms.

While Arby’s curly fries may be more iconic, the beloved salty potato cakes will be missed by many—another recent blow to fast food fans everywhere. In fact, a Change.org petition is nearing 2,500 signatures, with the creator writing a heartfelt plea: “The recent removal of potato cakes from the menu is an unfair loss that we demand be corrected. Bring back the cakes!”

“Having those go away was deeply hurtful for me.” –sgtyukon

“Sure, they’re basically McD’s hash browns, but they don’t come coated in greasy dust like curly fries or have mealy potato wedges.” –joelfinkle

“Totally agree. Arby’s menu is meh, but I’d go there for the potato cakes and something with protein. Haven’t been back since they removed them.” –Bill

“The best reason to visit Arby’s disappeared a few months ago.” –defenderguy

Year discontinued: 2021

If you're only going to watch one throwback video in this post, make it the one with Jason Alexander serenading you. McDonald’s McDLT was allegedly their answer to the Whopper. With the burger’s two parts packaged separately, the McDLT’s marketing slogan was: “Keep the hot side hot, and the cool side cool.”

That innovative packaging, however, ended up being part of its undoing. The company eventually discontinued it as they transitioned away from polystyrene containers, which many people considered essential to the McDLT experience. Mytour reader CoolHandTim points this out: “It was the climate-killing double styrofoam container that did it in, too. The McDLT was a great burger that was ruined by bad packaging.”

“I loved the McDLT... the hot-side-hot, cold-side-cold masterpiece. Just as long as the staff didn’t mess up which side was which.” –Nick

“Like many Americans, my first job was flipping burgers at the local McDonald's. This was back in 1987, so the McDLT was the rebellious new choice. And it. Was. AWESOME. Especially when you added a second quarter-pounder patty and extra cheese for a break-time treat (only did it once, I swear). The idea of keeping the meat separate from the lettuce and tomato to keep things fresh was pretty brilliant for its time.” –Bacon Tentacles

“I totally miss the McDLT too—I’m sure they could have worked out the packaging issues. Loved the flavor and the whole concept of it.” –andrewb812

Year(s) discontinued: 1990-1991

While Burger King still offers chicken items, many Mytour readers agree that these offerings fall short of the original chicken tenders. The current nuggets resemble McDonald’s more than what BK once had, and despite no official comment from the franchise, fans on the internet still long for the chicken tenders of the past.

“Burger King Chicken Tenders were the best in the game and they were foolish to get rid of them.” –Dean Sailey

“The crown shape was perfect for dipping, and the pepper in the breading set them apart from other fast food nuggets. They also had the chicken tender sandwich option. Sure, they still have the Chicken Jr, but the thicker tenders made it feel more like a real meal compared to the thin patties they serve today.” –spybloom

Fact check: “Nah, the OG nuggets were oblong, a lot denser, and packed with black pepper in the breading. The crowns came later, but it might’ve been the same recipe.” –Alcoholic Synonymous

Year discontinued: Unknown. Seriously. This article even mentions that BK denied ever serving tenders before 2018.

This topic hits me personally. One time I accidentally dropped my friend’s McDonald’s apple pie, and things have never been the same between us. I bring it up as a testament to how fiercely people feel about this classic fast-food dessert. Sure, apple is still on the menu at McDonald's, but after the 2018 recipe change, it just isn’t the same. Hannah, I’m sorry for dropping your pre-2018 deep-fried apple pie. Please forgive me—it’s been seven years.

“Those used to be the best fast food dessert, and I think they changed from fresh-baked to frozen and just reheated? Whatever the change was, they’re terrible now.” –steve_zissou

“No matter how long they sat in the warmer, the inside was always lava-hot.” –jstimson

Year discontinued: 2018

This is a more obscure pick, as Jack in the Box mainly operates on the West Coast, and the Ham and Turkey Melt has been off the menu for over 20 years. Back in 2010, this sandwich gained a wave of nostalgic love on this forum. One user writes, “I email Jack in the Box every few months asking them to bring this sandwich back”; while another pleads, “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE bring the hot ham and cheese back. It’s healthy, low-fat, and delicious. It would fit right in today!”

One Mytour reader made a bold statement about the melt's lasting power: “Discontinued in the mid-’90s and almost certainly never to return, but the Ham & Turkey Melt from Jack in the Box remains my all-time favorite fast food sandwich. WHY did they discontinue it when I, alone, could have kept that income rolling in?” –Noisy Pip

Year deceased: mid-’90s

First of all, I think Taco Bell might need a separate article dedicated to all of its gone-too-soon menu items. Second, consider this your official warning about the audio quality of the commercial above.

Our friends at The Takeout give this item the respect it deserves: “While every Chalupa is unique in its own way, the true Queen of Chalupas holds a place in the beginning of Taco Bell’s history: the Baja Chalupa. The Baja Chalupa (along with its sister, the Baja Gordita) was the greatest creation ever to grace the Taco Bell menu, and yet, it was discontinued without a moment’s notice.”

The real tragedy of the Baja Chalupa is the loss of its beloved baja sauce. But is it truly gone? This Reddit user, claiming to be a Taco Bell employee, argues that the legendary Baja sauce is still available, but now under the name “spicy ranch” (the rebranding is supposed to make the flavors clearer for newcomers). Consequently, any Baja-inspired dish has become a popular “secret-menu” item. But many Taco Bell die-hards claim the spicy ranch just can’t match the magic of the original Baja sauce.

“I know there’s a way to sort of replicate one with a custom order, but I’d rather just order one without having to explain myself. It’s so much better than the supreme. That said, I haven’t had Taco Bell in a year due to lifestyle changes.” –panthercougar

“The Baja Chalupa (and the one with corn salsa, maybe Santa Fe?) was incredible. It was the first time I can remember eating cilantro. You can technically still make it on the app (sub avocado ranch for sour cream, but it’s not the same as baja sauce!)” –trapperjakk

“Keep cilantro away from me, but you’re right about the baja sauce. Nothing compares.” –Donut Resuscitate

Year deceased: c. 2014

This vegetarian fan-favorite had a brief return in 2018. Wait, did I say vegetarian? My bad, because this mushroom melt actually came with bacon. And a burger patty. Which means some of you aren’t vegetarians, but would still prefer a mushroom patty over beef. [Edited: I got this wrong before; upon reflection, of course Wendy’s never sold a mushroom “burger.”] I guess I have nothing more to say to you right now.

Many of you mentioned this item in my original post, but here’s the only comment that truly captures the love for it: “The biggest thing I miss is the Bacon Mushroom Melt at Wendy’s.” –skurtis.1

Year deceased: 2018

If you recall McDonald’s fries tasting better before the '90s, you’re not alone. Amid growing health concerns, McDonald’s replaced beef tallow with 100% vegetable oil in 1990. While many of us have never known any different, those who remember the original beef tallow fries insist they just don’t hit the same anymore.

“McDonald’s fries using beef tallow. I’m 100% sure if they offered this ‘classic’ version alongside the current ‘vegetarian’ option, they’d make a fortune. I get the PR issue back in the day, but the nostalgia alone would make these sell like hotcakes.” –Nitpicking

“The OLD McDonald’s fries. I understand why they changed them, but they used to be amazing, and now they’re kind of bland.” –@MidPointMaven

Solid point: “The thing is, the current version isn’t even vegetarian! It’s got beef extract in it to try to replicate the old fries, but it fails. They could totally bring back the beef tallow version and then create a real vegetarian version without strange animal extracts, making everyone happy!” –fancypantsftw

Year deceased: 1990

If you search for this elusive menu item, most results are recipes for making it yourself. However, any additional details about this dessert are nearly impossible to find online, leading me to believe it holds a mysterious history that Roy Rogers himself erased from the internet. (And by the way, despite what some people claim, there are still 44 locations open.)

“Back in the mid-'70s, Roy Rogers was a roast beef chain big in the Northeast (the current franchise is mostly unrelated) that offered an incredible dessert called Apple Cheese Crisp. I would never have thought to put cheddar on apple pie or crisp, but apparently, it’s a thing. Recipes for the Apple Cheese Crisp exist online, but it’ll never match what I remember from when I was 10.” –Spaceman3k

“You’re not from Vermont, I see (or likely from any other part of New England).” –Dead Elvis, Inc.

Year deceased: I can’t even prove this item ever existed, folks.

The Cheddar Melt was a Quarter Pounder with grilled onions, teriyaki sauce, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce, all nestled in a rye bun. It was typically sold as part of a Supersize meal, according to the McDonald’s Wiki.

“It returned in some areas around 2015, and I missed out on it when I was a kid because I was all about the Happy Meal. So when it came back, it was my first chance to try it. I definitely think it should make a comeback, that stuff was gooooood [sic].” –Executor32

“Wasn’t that the one with sautéed onions and cheese sauce on a rye bun? I remember it coming back in the late 90s when I was working at McDonald’s. It was delicious, even though I had to keep frying the onions.” –cycoivan

According to my findings, the Cheddar Melt was first introduced in 1988, only to be pulled that same year. It made a brief return in 2002, then disappeared once more, and hasn’t been seen since.

Years deceased: 1988 and 2002

I know this might not fully fit the parameters of the post, but I wanted to highlight the journey and the camaraderie involved here. Local flavor.

Commenter Mr. Feeney’s Blazer shared that they “miss a whole franchise” called Corn Dog Heaven. A quick search reveals that it was likely a now-closed restaurant in Texas. Alternatively, it could reference a more philosophical concept defined on Urban Dictionary as “a place where the skies are blue and the grass is green...corn dogs are as abundant as the infinite rays of the generous sun that shine down on this glorious heavenly land.”

Here’s what else Mr. Feeney’s Blazer had to add: “There used to be these corn dog stands that served Cheese on a Stick. That was probably the only thing I’d eat as a kid, besides PB&J.”

Then, another commenter offered the happy news we all needed: According to The Red Queen, these corn dogs and cheese items live on through Hot Dog on a Stick. Commenter Sam423 perfectly sums up the magic of the corn dog: “Holy hell that looks amazing. I’m clearly missing out on something great here.” Aren’t we all, Sam423. Aren’t we all.