When Fast Food Chains Tried Weird Menu Items – and Why They Failed

Fast food chains are known for their delicious offerings and signature meals that resonate with customers worldwide. However, some chains have attempted to expand their menus with bizarre and unconventional items that often lead to unexpected results – both good and bad. In this article, we will explore some of the most unusual menu items introduced by various fast food giants, the inspiration behind these strange offerings, and the reasons they eventually flopped.

1. McDonald’s McPizza

When you think of McDonald’s, you envision burgers, fries, and milkshakes, but in the early ’90s, the golden arches attempted to diversify its menu by introducing McPizza. The idea was simple: Pizzas could appeal to families and children, creating a shared dining experience. However, McPizza faced several challenges right out of the gate.

First, the cooking time for a pizza was significantly longer than the typical fast food service. Customers expecting the typical speedy service of a burger joint were left waiting. Also, their attempts to compete with established pizza brands like Domino’s and Pizza Hut fell flat, as consumers preferred dedicated pizza restaurants that specialized in the dish. Ultimately, McDonald’s quietly phased McPizza out of its locations by the late ’90s.

2. Burger King’s Taco

In 1982, Burger King decided to try its hand at Mexican cuisine by launching “The Taco”. The fast food chain served a taco that was made with a crunchy shell, ground beef, cheese, and lettuce. While the idea seemed innovative, it did not align with Burger King’s brand identity, which was solidly anchored in hamburgers and fries.

The unfortunate result was a menu item that did not resonate with the clientele that frequented Burger King. After lackluster sales, the taco was removed from the menu. This venture highlights an essential lesson: introducing items from entirely different cuisines can confuse loyal customers.

3. KFC’s Double Down

KFC is known for its iconic fried chicken, but they pushed the envelope with the introduction of the Double Down sandwich. Instead of a bun, this sandwich featured two pieces of fried chicken fillets with bacon, cheese, and sauce in the center. Initially marketed as a high-protein alternative, the creation raised eyebrows and triggered health concerns.

Although it gained some popularity for its outrageous concept, many health-conscious consumers rejected the high-calorie item. The Double Down was brought back in limited runs but never achieved permanent menu status.

4. Taco Bell’s Gourdita

Taco Bell is recognized for experimenting with bold flavors and unique ingredients, but in 1993, it attempted the Gourdita – a taco-like item wrapped in a thick doughy shell. While it tried to leverage the growing trend of blending different cultures’ foods, the Gourdita didn’t fit with the fast-paced culture of Taco Bell.

Customers found the item heavy and less appetizing compared to Taco Bell’s other lighter offerings. Despite the initial excitement, the Gourdita failed to gain traction, and Taco Bell discontinued it shortly after its launch.

5. Wendy’s Boneless Wings

When Wendy’s debuted the Boneless Wings in 2015, they aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of snackable items. However, the assumption that they were a healthier alternative backfired. Many consumers found Boneless Wings were simply rebranded chicken nuggets, which confused customers about the brand’s messaging.

Sales were disappointing, and soon it was evident that Wendy’s misjudged consumer preference for traditional wings. The chains quickly removed the item from their menu, demonstrating that even well-known names can misinterpret market demands.

6. Subway’s Seafood Sensation

Subway’s Seafood Sensation sandwich was introduced with the intent of capturing seafood lovers. However, the bizarre mix of imitation crab meat and mayonnaise on a hoagie roll failed to bring in customers. Many viewed it as a questionable menu choice in a land of turkey, ham, and roast beef sandwiches.

The idea fell flat due to inconsistent quality and freshness perceptions associated with seafood, and it was discontinued not long after its debut. Customers prefer reliable meats over the uncertainty of seafood served by a sandwich chain.

7. McDonald’s McLobster Sandwich

The McLobster, introduced by McDonald’s, aimed to create a premium product that appealed to seafood lovers. Launched in certain regions like New England, the lobster-based sandwich became infamous for its high price and limited availability. Customers were ultimately disappointed by the inconsistent quality and price point compared to other more affordable seafood options.

Despite a few fervent fans, the logistical challenges of sourcing fresh lobster led to its quick disappearance from the menu.

Conclusion

Exploring beyond typical menu offerings can be a double-edged sword for fast food chains. While they aim to introduce innovative items to entice adventurous eaters, the results can be underwhelming. Poor market research, misalignment with brand identity, and customer expectations often contribute to the downfall of these weird menu items.

As chains continue to experiment, it’s intriguing to imagine what peculiar concoctions will drive fast food innovation moving forward. Whether they succeed or fail, one thing is certain: fast food restaurants will continue to push the limits in the culinary world, but perhaps they should remain grounded in their core offerings while doing so.