16 Classic North Carolina Fast-Food Sandwiches That Disappeared After The ’80s
Growing up in North Carolina during the 1980s meant weekend trips to fast-food joints where the sandwich options were wild, experimental, and sometimes downright bizarre.
Those pre-internet days gave us flavor combinations we can only reminisce about now.
Take a trip down memory lane with these beloved North Carolina fast-food sandwiches that vanished from menus after the neon decade faded.
1. McDLT — McDonald’s
Remember the magical sandwich that kept ‘the hot side hot and the cool side cool’?
The McDLT arrived in a double-chambered styrofoam container that separated the warm beef patty from the cold lettuce and tomato.
North Carolinians went crazy for this innovative packaging until environmental concerns got rid of it.
The sandwich itself wasn’t revolutionary, but that packaging? Pure ’80s technological wonder that had Triangle area teenagers lining up around the block.
2. Cheddar Melt — McDonald’s
Sautéed onions swimming in liquid cheddar cheese atop a quarter-pound beef patty? Yes, please!
The Cheddar Melt briefly graced McDonald’s North Carolina locations, becoming an instant hit with cheese lovers everywhere.
Served on a light rye bun with a tangy sauce, this sandwich mysteriously disappeared despite its popularity.
Charlotte residents still reminisce about that gooey cheese waterfall that would inevitably drip down your arm with each delicious bite.
3. Big Classic — Wendy’s
Wendy’s answer to the Big Mac wasn’t trying to be fancy. The Big Classic kept it straightforward with fresh beef, crisp veggies, and mayo on a kaiser roll that put those sesame seed buns to shame.
Greensboro Wendy’s locations particularly championed this hefty sandwich.
The Big Classic vanished when Wendy’s streamlined their menu in the early ’90s, but not before leaving its mark on NC fast-food history as the sandwich that actually looked like the pictures on the menu.
4. Chicken Salad Sandwich — Chick-fil-A
Long before waffle fries dominated social media, Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad sandwich was the quiet hero of their menu.
Chunks of their famous chicken folded into a perfectly seasoned mayo mixture, served on toasted wheat bread. Raleigh mall-goers particularly mourned when this lunchtime favorite disappeared in 2017.
Though it outlasted the ’80s by several decades, its roots were firmly planted in that era, making its eventual retirement feel like losing a childhood friend.
5. Chicken Littles (original 1980s) — KFC
Tiny sliders before sliders were cool! The original Chicken Littles cost just 39 cents each in 1980s North Carolina and came wrapped in wax paper like precious little gifts.
A small chicken patty nestled in a dinner roll with mayo, these bite-sized beauties were perfect for small hands and small budgets.
KFC brought back the name years later, but Winston-Salem residents insist the modern version doesn’t capture the simple magic of those original mini-sandwiches.
6. Chicken-in-a-Biscuit — KFC
Not to be confused with the crackers, KFC’s Chicken-in-a-Biscuit was breakfast-for-dinner perfection. A tender chicken patty nestled inside one of their famous buttermilk biscuits created a portable delight.
Asheville KFC locations reportedly sold these by the boxful. The beauty was in its simplicity and the way the chicken’s seasoning complemented the buttery biscuit.
No fancy sauces needed, though some North Carolinians would add honey for a sweet-savory combination that was pure Southern comfort.
7. Chicken Filet Burger — KFC
Before chicken sandwiches ruled fast food, KFC boldly challenged burger joints with their Chicken Filet Burger. A seasoned chicken breast filet topped with lettuce, tomato and mayo on a sesame seed bun.
Durham residents particularly embraced this poultry-based burger alternative. The Colonel’s secret blend of herbs and spices gave it an edge over competitors, making it a cult favorite.
When it disappeared, fans were left wondering why KFC would abandon such a logical menu extension.
8. Country Fried Steak Sandwich — KFC
KFC really went all-in on sandwich experimentation in the ’80s! Their Country Fried Steak Sandwich took a breaded beef patty, fried it to golden perfection, then dressed it with lettuce and mayo on a standard bun.
Fayetteville military families particularly appreciated this hearty option. The sandwich delivered that distinctive country-fried flavor in a convenient handheld format.
Despite loyal fans, it disappeared when KFC decided to focus more exclusively on chicken offerings, leaving steak lovers to seek their fix elsewhere.
9. Italian Chicken Sandwich — Burger King
Mama mia! Burger King’s foray into Italian-inspired fare resulted in this saucy creation. A chicken patty smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all on an Italian-style roll.
Wilmington beach-goers would grab these before heading to the shore. The sandwich offered a pizza-like flavor profile that satisfied those craving Italian without the mess of pasta.
When it vanished from menus, North Carolinians lost a unique fusion option that dared to bring Old World flavors to fast food.
10. French Chicken Sandwich — Burger King
Ooh la la! Not to be outdone by its Italian counterpart, the French Chicken Sandwich featured a chicken patty topped with ham and Swiss cheese on a potato roll.
Fancy dijon mustard sauce completed this continental creation. Chapel Hill college students embraced this sophisticated option.
The combination created a fast-food version of chicken cordon bleu that felt distinctly upscale for the era. Its disappearance left a void for those seeking European-inspired flavors in their drive-thru experience.
11. Arby-Q — Arby’s
Barbecue in a fast-food setting? The Arby-Q made it happen! Arby’s signature thin-sliced roast beef was drenched in tangy BBQ sauce and served on their classic onion roll.
Hickory residents claimed it was a respectable substitute when real pit BBQ wasn’t available. The sweet-smoky sauce complemented the roast beef perfectly, creating a messy but memorable eating experience.
Though it makes occasional limited-time appearances, the permanent menu spot this sandwich once enjoyed remains unfilled.
12. Big Deluxe — Hardee’s
North Carolina-based Hardee’s created the Big Deluxe as their answer to the Quarter Pounder.
A quarter-pound beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun.
Rocky Mount locals took special pride in this hometown hero sandwich. What set it apart was the flame-broiled cooking method that gave it a backyard cookout flavor.
The Big Deluxe eventually faded away during one of many menu revamps, but not before cementing its place in NC fast-food lore.
13. Big Twin — Hardee’s
Two thin beef patties? Check. Special sauce? Check. Lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a triple-decker bun? Check! The Big Twin was Hardee’s not-so-subtle answer to the Big Mac.
Gastonia families would debate which was superior during weekend fast-food runs. The key difference was in the sauce, which had a slightly spicier kick than its golden-arched competitor.
When it disappeared, loyal fans insisted nothing else on the Hardee’s menu could fill the void left by this towering twin-patty creation.
14. Monterey Jack Burger — Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box locations were rarer in North Carolina, making their Monterey Jack Burger a coveted treat for lucky residents near their locations.
This specialty featured a beef patty topped with monterey jack cheese, grilled onions, and a unique southwestern sauce.
Jacksonville residents near the military base particularly sought out this zesty creation.
The cheese melted perfectly, creating strings of dairy goodness with each bite. Its disappearance left spice-loving North Carolinians with fewer options for heat in their fast-food experience.
15. Fish Fish Sandwich — Long John Silver’s
So nice they named it twice! The Fish Fish Sandwich from Long John Silver’s featured two crispy fish fillets on a soft bun with tartar sauce and a slice of American cheese.
Outer Banks tourists would compare it to local seafood shacks. The double fish portion made it substantial enough to satisfy serious hunger, while the tangy tartar sauce cut through the richness.
When it sailed away from menus, coastal North Carolina lost a fast-food option that paid proper respect to the state’s maritime heritage.
16. Hot Submarine Sandwich — Pizza Hut
Before focusing exclusively on pizza, Pizza Hut offered hot submarine sandwiches that were a lunchtime revelation. Loaded with Italian meats, melted cheese, and veggies on a toasted sub roll.
Concord mall-goers would choose these over food court options. The same brick ovens that made their pizzas famous gave these subs a distinctive flavor that competitors couldn’t match.
When Pizza Hut streamlined their menu to pizza-only items, North Carolina lost a versatile option for groups with mixed pizza-sandwich preferences.