Top 15+ Forgotten Fast Food Mascots Everyone Loved

Remember when grabbing a burger meant being greeted by colorful characters who were as much a part of the experience as the food itself? Before the streamlined marketing of today, fast food joints were filled with quirky mascots that made every visit an adventure. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to meet some forgotten friends who once made our quick meals more memorable.

1. The Noid (Domino's Pizza, 1986-1995)

This red-suited troublemaker in a rabbit-eared costume was designed to represent all the delivery problems Domino’s promised to “avoid.” The claymation character became so popular that he starred in his own video games. Despite his initial success, The Noid disappeared after a 1989 incident where a mentally ill man named Kenneth Lamar Noid held hostages at a Domino’s, believing the ads targeted him personally.

2. The McDonaldland Gang (McDonald's, 1971-2003)

While Ronald McDonald survives, his friends like Mayor McCheese, Officer Big Mac, and the Hamburglar were slowly phased out. These characters once populated the magical McDonaldland, appearing in commercials and playgrounds nationwide. The Professor, Captain Crook, and the Big Mac Twins are now just fond memories of a more whimsical era in fast food marketing.

3. The California Raisins (California Raisin Advisory Board, 1986-1994)

Though not strictly fast food mascots, these Motown-singing clay figures appeared in numerous fast food promotions and even had their own merchandise line. The sunglasses-wearing raisins became cultural icons, releasing four studio albums and starring in an Emmy-nominated TV special. Their “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” commercials were some of the most memorable of the 1980s.

4. The Burger King Kids Club Gang (1990-1999)

Kid Vid, Wheels, IQ, and the rest of the gang were Burger King’s answer to the McDonaldland characters. This diverse group of animated kids promoted BK’s children’s meals and appeared in numerous commercials and promotional materials. They represented different interests and personalities, making them relatable to a wide range of young customers.

5. Herb the Nerd (Burger King, 1985-1986)

Herb was marketed as “the one American who had never eaten a Whopper.” This nationwide campaign offered a reward to anyone who spotted Herb in a Burger King restaurant. Despite the $40 million marketing campaign, the promotion flopped spectacularly, making Herb one of the most expensive failed mascots in fast food history.

6. The Taco Bell Chihuahua (1997-2000)

This little dog with his catchphrase “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!” became a cultural phenomenon in the late ’90s. Voiced by Carlos Alazraqui, the Chihuahua appeared in numerous commercials and even had his own merchandise line. Despite his popularity, the campaign ended amid controversy over ethnic stereotyping.

7. Pizza Hut Comic Book Promotions (1977-1979)

In the late 1970s, Pizza Hut partnered with DC Comics to release special edition comic books featuring characters like Superman and Wonder Woman. These comics were promotional items to draw families into their restaurants and were part of a broader strategy to engage children with the brand.

8. Arby's Junior (1960s-1970s)

This cowboy hat-wearing youngster was Arby’s original mascot, appearing on signs and in early promotional materials. He represented the Western theme of the restaurant’s early years and its focus on roast beef sandwiches. Junior’s simple design reflected the straightforward advertising approach of the 1960s.

9. The A&W Root Beer Family (1960s-1990s)

Papa Burger, Mama Burger, Teen Burger, and Baby Burger represented different sandwich sizes at A&W restaurants. These anthropomorphic burger mascots appeared on menus and signage nationwide. The family concept helped establish A&W as a family-friendly destination during the drive-in restaurant era.

10. Jack Box (Jack in the Box, Original Version 1951-1980)

Before becoming the suit-wearing CEO we know today, Jack was a clown head perched atop restaurant drive-thrus. Children would speak their orders into his mouth, and he was featured prominently in early advertising. This version was retired in 1980 during a campaign to make the chain appear more upscale.

11. The Roy Rogers Restaurants' Roy and Dale (1968-1990)

The King of the Cowboys and Queen of the West lent their star power to this fast-food chain that specialized in roast beef sandwiches and fried chicken. Their cartoon likenesses appeared on kids’ meal boxes and restaurant signage, while cardboard standees of the real Roy and Dale often greeted customers. The chain’s Western theme extended to menu items like the Double R Bar Burger.

12. Wendy's Western Sideburns Guy (1978-1980)

Before “Where’s the Beef?” there was this forgotten mascot who appeared in early Wendy’s commercials. With his massive sideburns and disco-era style, he would dramatically declare his love for Wendy’s hamburgers. The character embodied the quirky advertising style of the late 1970s before being retired as the chain moved toward more straightforward marketing.

13. Howard Johnson's Simple Simon and the Pieman (1936-1985)

These characters from the nursery rhyme adorned the orange roofs of Howard Johnson’s restaurants for decades. Simple Simon and the Pieman were featured on menus, matchbooks, and even the restaurant’s weather vanes. They represented HoJo’s famous ice cream and pies, becoming symbols of roadside Americana before the chain’s decline.

14. Kenny Rogers Roasters' Kenny (1991-1998)

The country music legend himself served as the chain’s mascot, appearing in commercials and on restaurant signage. His bearded face and warm smile became synonymous with wood-fired rotisserie chicken. While the chain has disappeared from American shores, Kenny’s likeness still appears on restaurants in Asia where the brand remains popular.

15. Red Barn's Hamburger Hungry, Chicken Hungry, and Big Fish Hungry (1961-1988)

This trio of cartoon characters represented different menu items at the barn-shaped fast food restaurant. Each “Hungry” character had a distinct personality and appeared in commercials and on kids’ meal boxes. The chain’s signature red barn architecture and these memorable mascots made it a beloved regional favorite before its eventual closure.