As a kid, going to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal or Pizza Hut for a family outing was exciting. I’d be waiting days for it. But lately, some of these places aren’t so good. I’ve had burgers that don’t taste right, fries that aren’t as crisp, and restaurants that are more run-down than cozy.
Maybe you’ve seen it too; it’s like a bunch of these old-school chains are trying to get away with things or just reinvent the wheel, and they just can’t.
Let me share with you 10 such fast food chains that, alas, aren’t really that good anymore.
Burger King
Burger King used to be all about those flame-grilled Whoppers and the “Have It Your Way” promise. But these days it is really a matter of where you go.
Some offer cold, watery burgers, that are nothing like the Whoppers we know. Burger King, in the eyes of many, no longer has that charm.
Pizza Hut
Do you remember the Pizza Hut family night? The red cups, salad bar, and maybe a game or two on the arcade machine? Those days are mostly gone.
Pizza Hut is delivery/takeout, and let’s be honest, pizza doesn’t taste as good anymore. It’s gritty, and the crust is kind of chewy instead of crunchy. It is not Pizza Hut without the dine-in.
Subway
Subway was the choice for a quick, fresh sandwich and their “Eat Fresh” slogan had it labeled as the healthy alternative. But, now, people wonder how fresh it really is.
Ingredients are a little controversial (fake chicken being a recent accusation), and veggies aren’t as crispy as they once were. Even the bread tastes different. Overall, the sandwiches are kind of dry and don’t feel as fresh.
Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen was always the summer destination to go for those old-school Blizzards. But now, something’s off. I
t’s less creamy ice cream, and they’ve also thrown in some kind of fast food items that just aren’t cutting it. Burgers and fries are not DQs, and it’s a bummer for people looking for the original dessert experience.
Taco Bell
Late-night snack gods such as the Doritos Locos Tacos made Taco Bell a beacon of cool. But now they’re taking popular foods off the menu and increasing prices, so the customers are not happy.
Due to all this disruption, Taco Bell is slipping away from the cheap, unique options people liked about it.
KFC
KFC’s fried chicken used to be a sure bet. But now, it’s hit-or-miss. The chicken’s a little dry sometimes, and the sides aren’t as good as they used to be.
Some locations even get scoffed at for being dirty, which isn’t great if you’re looking for comfort food. Those “finger-lickin’ good” days seem to be disappearing.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s still is the biggest brand in fast food, but the snacks are not as good as they once were. Menu-changes and an automated attitude make McDonald’s all too impersonal.
I mean they’re fumbling the trend and not figuring out how to get the classics right.
Jack in the Box
The biggest selling point at Jack in the Box was that hulking, zany menu with the Sourdough Jack and the Tacos.
However, now there is a quality loss and in some of the places you even hear about how dirty they are. And Jack in the Box lacks the same freshness and quality that made it a standout fast-food joint.
A&W
There used to be a root beer float and drive-in at A&W that you could bring the whole family. But a lot of their places are so-so now, and even the root beer and burgers don’t seem to have improved.
And far from nostalgia, a visit to A&W can feel a bit disappointing to anyone who remembers the good old days.
Quiznos
Quiznos used to be where you could get a nice toasted sub. But with all these outlets vanishing and the competition heating up, Quiznos is just not that hot.
Subs aren’t as filled and good, and the brand is not keeping up. That’s a bummer because Quiznos was once a staple for a great sandwich.
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