Bite into a delicious slice of nostalgia with these 30 fast food slogans that will transport you back in time. Ready for a tasty trip down memory lane?
Burger King: “Have It Your Way”
Long before custom orders became the norm, Burger King pioneered the way with its “Have It Your Way” ethos. This fast food slogan dates back to the 1970s.
It specifically refers to the Whopper, which customers could mix and match to their heart’s delight. While they acknowledge the slogan’s impact, they’ve started to roll it back.
In 2014, Burger King changed their slogan to “Be Your Way,” a decided downgrade (per The Florida Times Union). Clearly, “Have It Your Way” is much more successful.
McDonald’s: “You Deserve a Break Today”
“I’m Lovin’ It” isn’t the only catchphrase McDonald’s has used. In the 1970s and 80s, “You Deserve a Break Today” was their chosen slogan.
This fast food slogan emphasized relaxation in people’s fast-paced lives. The aim was to remind people of the quick, cheap comfort that fast food could bring.
Reflecting on these iconic fast food slogans, it’s clear they do more than advertise products. They sell an experience, a promise of momentary retreat from life’s rigors.
Wendy’s: “Where’s the Beef?”
Wendy’s iconic “Where’s the Beef?” campaign really hit the mark. It was a cultural moment, making people rethink their expectations of fast food.
This slogan was a clever dig at competitors, highlighting Wendy’s focus on quality and substance. It became a staple of American advertising, embedding itself in the public’s consciousness.
First used in the 1980s, Wendy’s still fully embraces the slogan. According to The New York Times, Wendy’s even ran a 2011 ad campaign to answer the question.
Taco Bell: “Think Outside the Bun”
Taco Bell’s iconic “Think Outside the Bun” was about embracing the unconventional. With this fast food slogan, Taco Bell urged us to explore beyond the mundane options.
It was an invitation to explore flavors rarely explored by fast food. Taco Bell’s menu, filled with Mexican-inspired food, stood out in the fast food market.
Unfortunately, the slogan was retired in 2012 (per Business Insider). It was replaced by the now iconic “Live Mas,” which we hope never changes.
KFC: “Finger Lickin’ Good”
KFC’s “Finger Lickin’ Good” slogan promised a mouthwatering experience with every meal. It’s since become one of the most memorable fast food slogans, encapsulating KFC’s appeal.
The impact of “Finger Lickin’ Good” goes beyond advertising. It set a high standard for KFC, compelling them to deliver on that promise with their menu.
They attempted to change their slogan in 2011 to “So Good,” according to Creative Review. It didn’t last too long (for obvious reasons).
Subway: “Eat Fresh”
Remember the first time you heard Subway’s “Eat Fresh” slogan? This mantra revolutionized the fast food slogans. Unlike its counterparts, it emphasized quality and health.
What makes Subway’s approach stand out? It’s their commitment to serve sandwiches crafted with freshly baked bread and crisp veggies, with an array of choice meats and condiments.
Subway isn’t that fresh, despite their claims. In 2018, they started the process to change their slogan to “Make It What You Want,” according to a press release.
Dairy Queen: “We Treat You Right”
Remember when “We Treat You Right” echoed beyond the counters of Dairy Queen? Used throughout the 1980s, it emphasized their sweet treats and even sweeter customer service.
In the world of fast food slogans, this one stands out for its sincerity. Dairy Queen’s mission to make every visit brighter makes kindness a cornerstone of business.
They’ve changed it a bunch since then, though. Their most well-known is probably “This is Fan Food, Not Fast Food,” which came out in 2019.
Pizza Hut: “Gather ‘Round the Good Stuff”
Remember when Pizza Hut invited us to “Gather ‘Round the Good Stuff”? This fast food slogan resonated deeply, reminding us that pizza time is also family time.
This made Pizza Hut’s approach to sales much different. By encouraging us to gather around, they emphasized the communal joy of sharing meals.
Still, we prefer their current slogan: “No One Outpizzas the Hut.” It’s catchy, iconic, and way more memorable than the other one, which barely lasted a year.
Arby’s: “Slicing Up Freshness”
Arby’s current slogan — “We Have the Meats” — is a carnivore’s promise. This assurance has made Arby’s a go-to spot for meat lovers craving brisket sandwiches.
However, this fast food slogan wasn’t always synonymous with Arby’s. Prior to 2014, their slogan was actually “Slicing Up Freshness,” according to Ad Age.
“Slicing Up Freshness” didn’t perform well. It was unveiled in 2012 and retired two years later. Thankfully, “We Have the Meats” has been more successful (per PR Newswire).
Domino’s: “30 Minutes or Less”
Domino’s “30 Minutes or Less” slogan showed its commitment to speed. Starting in 1979, this fast food slogan became a cultural icon, symbolizing pizza deliveries’ race against time.
While that sounds great for customers, it’s had some negative consequences. According to Ranker, it encouraged delivery drivers to drive recklessly, resulting in injuries.
Nowadays, they’ve shifted their branding. They changed it to “You Got 30 Minutes” in 2007, and then to “OH YES WE DID” in the 2010s.
Chipotle: “Food With Integrity”
Few fast food slogans resonate like Chipotle’s “Food with Integrity.” It’s a promise that shouldn’t be taken lightly — every burrito should be packed with responsibly-sourced ingredients.
They adopted this slogan back in 2001. It was intended to emphasize their commitment to using humanely-raised meat, though their 2016 E. coli scare had people doubting.
While it’s been difficult for Chipotle to gain the public’s trust, they remain committed. They launched a “For Real” ad campaign in 2018, giving a similar message.
Papa John’s: “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.”
Ever wonder why Papa John’s pizza tastes so good? It’s all in their guarantee: ‘Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.’ This is a commitment to quality that you can taste.
This remains their slogan to this day. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Apparently, though, some people were angered by the tagline.
In the 90s, Pizza Hut got fed up with Papa John’s trying to steal their thunder and filed a lawsuit. They claimed that their slogan was misleading. Ouch.
Sonic: “Service With the Speed of Sound”
This is an oldie but a goodie. Sonic’s first ever slogan after they opened in the 1950s was “Service With the Speed of Sound.”
When you’ve got servers on roller skates, a slogan like that definitely makes sense. However, it’s far from the only slogan they’ve used.
As of 2022, their latest slogan is “Mmm. Sonic.” This is one of the few cases where the old one is better than the current.
Jack in the Box: “It’s Too Big To Eat!”
This fast food slogan emerged in a series of 1970s Jack-in-the-Box commercials. They featured a kid trying (and failing) to eat a Jumbo Jack Burger.
We don’t blame the kid for thinking it’s too big to eat. The burger is practically the size of his head. Hopefully he ate it as an adult.
That ad campaign didn’t make it out of the 70s, unfortunately. The fast food chain wanted to keep things fresh. Nowadays, it’s “Eat It. Any Time.”
Hardee’s: “Where the Food’s the Star”
When Hardee’s touted “Where the Food’s the Star” was a bold statement in the competitive fast-food arena. It challenged rivals to match their commitment to high-quality grub.
This slogan underscored their dedication to culinary excellence. By prioritizing quality ingredients and mouth-watering recipes, Hardee’s set a higher standard, inviting customers to expect more from fast food.
They don’t use this anymore, though. They changed it a few years ago, back in 2020, to something snappier: “Feed Your Happy.” We’re on board!
Little Caesars’: “Pizza! Pizza!”
Who could forget the iconic “Pizza! Pizza!” chant? Little Caesars hit the nail on the head with this one, mastering one of the catchiest fast food slogans.
This slogan promised value that few could resist. Offering two pizzas for the price of one tapped into the ultimate consumer desire: getting more for less.
It’s an iconic slogan at this point. They picked it up in 1979 and haven’t dropped it since. It’s concise, catchy, and recognizable. Why would they?
Carl’s Jr.: “If It Doesn’t Get All Over the Place, It Doesn’t Belong in Your Face”
Carl’s Jr. unveiled this slogan back in the 90s, and thankfully hasn’t really used it since. We do agree that delicious burgers are worth getting sloppy for, though.
Still, it’s probably a good thing that this slogan was retired. They don’t exactly have the best reputation to begin with (though maybe this slogan is a factor).
Around the early 2000s, they switched to “Don’t Bother Me, I’m Eating,” but that didn’t stick, either. They don’t seem to have a memorable catchphrase at the moment.
In-N-Out: “Quality You Can Taste”
In-N-Out Burger’s mantra, “Quality You Can Taste,” is a commitment to freshness and simplicity. Unlike other fast-food chains that boast extensive menus, In-N-Out keeps it straightforward.
What sets In-N-Out apart in the bustling world of fast food slogans and promises? Similarly to Chipotle, it’s their unwavering dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients.
While other fast food joints may overwhelm with choices, In-N-Out sticks to what they know best: burgers, fries, and shakes. It’s no wonder their slogan hasn’t changed.
Five Guys: “Always Fresh, Never Frozen”
In the world of fast food slogans, “Always Fresh, Never Frozen” doesn’t just belong to Five Guys. Wendy’s and In-N-Out have also used it before.
Still, that doesn’t mean that Five Guys can’t use it. Fast food restaurants that don’t freeze their beef and prep food daily often use this catchphrase.
By prepping food daily, they make sure that “fast food” can also mean “quality food.” It’s a refreshing approach in a market crowded with frozen patties.
Whataburger: “Just Like You Like It”
Whataburger’s slogan, “Just Like You Like It,” is a promise that your meal will be tailored to your preferences. This dedication to personalization sets them apart.
They adopted this slogan over a decade ago, around 2001, and they haven’t changed it since. Honestly, we get why. It’s pretty catchy.
However, it wasn’t always like that. The fast food chain tweeted out in 2012 that their slogan in 1990 was “Good Things Never Change.” Not bad, either.
White Castle: “What You Crave”
When you hear “What You Crave,” it’s hard not to think of White Castle’s iconic sliders. This fast food slogan was popular in the 1990s.
White Castle has been serving up crave-worthy sliders for decades, establishing a cult following. Their focus on small burgers has set them apart in the fast food landscape.
This isn’t the only slogan they’ve ever used, though. When they started out in 1927, they used “Buy ‘Em By the Sack” (per PR Newswire).
Popeyes’: “Love That Chicken From Popeyes”
When it comes to fast food slogans, “Love That Chicken From Popeyes” is such a catchy jingle. It encapsulates the essence of their irresistible Louisiana-inspired chicken.
The secret behind Popeyes’ mouthwatering chicken lies in its unique blend of Louisiana spices and cooking techniques. This combination makes it a standout choice among fast food enthusiasts.
The slogan has been in use since 1980. Seeing as the restaurant first opened in 1976, it looks like they’ve been using it since the start.
Quiznos’: “Mmmmm… Toasty!”
Quiznos’ “Mmmmm… Toasty!” slogan is a nod to their toasted subs. It promises warmth and flavor in every bite. It’s not the only slogan they’ve used, though.
While it’s the current slogan and has been used since 2003, Quiznos’ has adopted multiple others simultaneously. In 2006, they used the slogan “Eat Up!”
It’s clear that they favor the short and sweet. In 2009, they went with “Love What You Eat.” A little longer, but still pretty simple.
Panera: “Food As It Should Be”
Panera Bread takes the cake (or should we say the bread?) when it comes to fast food slogans. “Food As It Should Be” promises wholesome, clean food.
Panera has freshly-baked bread and a nutritious menu. That’s Panera’s commitment in action. They’re all about offering meals that make you feel good about eating them.
Too bad they got sued over it. According to Restaurant Business, Great Harvest Bread Co. sued Panera for copyright infringement, since they had a similar slogan.
Chick-fil-A: “Eat Mor Chikin”
The “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign is a clever nudge from popular fast food chain Chick-fil-A. They’re imploring consumers to pick their chicken sandwiches over beef.
Chick-fil-A wants you to rethink your fast food choices. Behind the playful misspelling and cow mascots lies Chick-fil-A’s promise: offering quality chicken meals.
This slogan has become iconic, transcending beyond mere advertising to become a cultural reference point. It’s no wonder Chick-fil-A is still using it.
Dunkin’ Donuts: “You ‘Kin Do It!”
When you think of Dunkin’ Donuts, we can almost guarantee that this isn’t the slogan that comes to mind. But “America Runs On Dunkin'” actually isn’t that old.
In fact, “You ‘Kin Do It!” was used in 2009. The ad campaign was meant to show how coffee and donuts can help you get through your day.
It just wasn’t as popular as “America Runs on Dunkin’,” which debuted in 2006. The overlap probably helped them compare the slogans’ performances.
Long John Silver’s: “We Speak Fish”
Long John Silver’s, popular seafood chain, launched this slogan in 2011. It was meant to show how well-versed they were in their craft. Spoiler: it didn’t last long.
They changed this slogan after only one year. The next one, “That’s What I Like,” just didn’t have the same level of charm, however.
In 2017, they swapped out that slogan for another new one: “Fish Yeah!” The emphasis on fish makes sense, but they’ll probably change it again.
Boston Market: “Home Style Meals”
Since its inception, Boston Market has had a different approach to fast food. They’ve branded themselves as restaurant that offers “Home Style Meals,” unlike competitors.
In the 90s, you’d see that phrase as the center of their red and black logo. It emphasized their authenticity and filling meals.
To be honest, we prefer this slogan to the current one, which is “Rotisserie Kitchen.” The current one makes sense, but it’s not as comforting.
Baskin-Robbins: “31 Flavors”
Okay, so you definitely didn’t forget about this slogan. It’s what Baskin-Robbins is most known for. What you might not know is that it’s no longer true.
According to their website, they’ve expanded by a lot since then. And we don’t mean that they’ve added five flavors. At this point, they’ve got over 1,000.
Since “31 Flavors” is no longer accurate, they had to change their slogan. In 2022, they changed it to “Seize the Yay,” which is…fine.
Del Taco: “Go Bold or Go Home”
It seems like Del Taco’s used lots of slogans over the years, but none of them really stuck. “Go Bold or Go Home” was first used in 2008.
Before that, though, they used “Feed the Beast.” It worked in tandem with a “beast” mascot, putting their consumers in the position of the hungry beast.
Starting in 2018 and extending to the present, they’ve started using another phrase: “That’s Unfreshing Believable.” We get what they’re going for, but we prefer the former.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it! A mouth-watering journey through the fast food slogans of yesteryear. These fast food slogans shaped our quick-service dining experiences and, in many cases, still linger in the back of our minds, ready to be recalled with a hint of nostalgia. Whether they made you chuckle, groan, or head out for a quick bite, each slogan has its place in the fast food hall of fame. So next time you pass by these eateries, remember the slogans that once made them stand out in a crowded marketplace.