12 Vintage Virginia Fast-Food Sandwiches From The ’80s That Are Gone For Good
Virginia’s fast-food scene in the ’80s was full of bold flavors, quirky creations, and sandwiches that left a mark on anyone lucky enough to try them.
Over time, many of these nostalgic bites vanished from menus, leaving only memories of perfectly stacked layers and secret sauces.
Locals still reminisce about the unique tastes that defined their lunch breaks. Discover the vintage sandwiches that once ruled Virginia and why they’re still missed today.
1. McDLT — McDonald’s
Hot met cold in this revolutionary sandwich marvel. The McDLT came in a special styrofoam container with two compartments – one side kept the burger patty hot, while the other kept lettuce and tomato cool and crisp.
TV commercials featuring a young Jason Alexander (pre-Seinfeld fame) showed customers assembling the sandwich themselves.
Environmental concerns about the packaging ultimately led to its demise around 1990, but Virginians still reminisce about that perfect first bite.
2. Cheddar Melt — McDonald’s
Cheese lovers across Virginia mourned when this beauty vanished from McDonald’s lineup.
The Cheddar Melt featured a quarter-pound beef patty smothered in gooey cheddar cheese sauce and grilled onions, all nestled on a light rye bun.
First appearing in 1988, this sandwich made several brief comebacks throughout the 90s before disappearing entirely.
Richmond McDonald’s locations reportedly sold out of the sandwich within hours during its initial launch, creating lines that wrapped around buildings.
3. Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich — McDonald’s
Long before Angus burgers became trendy, McDonald’s wooed Virginia diners with this fancy option.
Marketed as a premium sandwich, the Chopped Beefsteak featured a thicker, oval-shaped patty topped with grilled onions and a special steak sauce.
Virginia Beach locations were test markets for this sandwich before its national rollout.
The hefty price tag (nearly double a Big Mac!) shocked 80s customers, but didn’t stop the curious from trying this upscale offering. Despite its loyal following, declining sales sent it to fast-food heaven by decade’s end.
4. Burger Bundles — Burger King
Before sliders became a restaurant staple, Burger King created these adorable mini-burgers that captivated Virginia kids.
Sold in sets of three or six, these tiny treasures came on miniature versions of BK’s sesame seed buns with all the classic fixings.
Arlington Burger Kings reportedly couldn’t keep up with demand when they launched in 1987. The mini burgers created production headaches – they’d fall through grill grates and slow down kitchen operations.
Though they disappeared after a brief run, they returned briefly as “Burger Buddies” in the 90s before vanishing permanently.
5. Chicken Littles — KFC
Not to be confused with their modern namesake, the original 80s Chicken Littles created block-long lines at Virginia KFC locations.
These slider-sized sandwiches featured a small piece of fried chicken on a dinner roll with mayonnaise, priced at an incredible 39 cents each.
Charlottesville college students survived on these budget-friendly treats. The tiny sandwiches were perfect for small hands, making them a kids’ meal favorite.
When they disappeared in the early 90s, a petition circulated throughout Virginia Beach demanding their return, collecting thousands of signatures to no avail.
6. Bell Beefer — Taco Bell
Taco Bell selling a burger? This culinary oddity confused and delighted Virginians in equal measure.
The Bell Beefer was essentially a taco in sandwich form – seasoned taco meat, lettuce, diced onions, and mild sauce on a burger bun.
Lynchburg Taco Bell locations promoted it as “the sloppy joe with south-of-the-border flair.” The unusual hybrid helped ease taco-hesitant customers into trying Mexican fast food during the chain’s expansion years.
Despite a cult following that still maintains “Bring Back the Bell Beefer” social media groups, Taco Bell retired it to focus on more authentic Mexican offerings.
7. Big Twin — Hardee’s
Before becoming Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s dominated Virginia’s small towns with this Big Mac challenger.
The Big Twin featured two thin beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles on a three-part seeded bun – sound familiar?
Virginia-based Hardee’s heavily advertised this sandwich with memorable radio jingles that local DJs would parody.
The sandwich disappeared during the Carl’s Jr. merger but maintained such a following that it briefly returned as the “Big Hardee” in the 90s.
Old Dominion residents still debate whether it was a shameless copy or actually superior to McDonald’s famous sandwich.
8. Fish Fish Sandwich — Long John Silver’s
This redundantly named creation made waves at Virginia beach town locations of Long John Silver’s.
The Fish Fish wasn’t just a typo – it boasted two crispy battered fish fillets stacked with tartar sauce and lettuce on a steamed bun.
Williamsburg tourists would detour specifically for this hearty seafood sandwich. The massive portion size made it a favorite for hungry fishermen coming off the Chesapeake Bay.
When Long John Silver’s shifted focus to combo platters in the early 90s, this beloved sandwich walked the plank, leaving behind only greasy memories and a curious name that still makes former fans chuckle.
9. Whaler — Burger King
Long before the BK Big Fish took its place, the Whaler reigned supreme as Burger King’s answer to the Filet-O-Fish. This square-shaped seafood delight featured a breaded fish patty topped with tartar sauce and crisp lettuce on a sesame seed bun.
Virginia Beach locals especially embraced this coastal-inspired sandwich during the ’80s. The Whaler’s distinctive name reflected the maritime heritage of the Atlantic coast.
What made this sandwich special was its generous portion size compared to competitors.
10. Yumbo — Burger King
Hot ham and cheese never tasted as good as it did in the Yumbo. First appearing in the 1970s and surviving well into the ’80s, this simple yet satisfying sandwich featured warm ham slices and melted American cheese on a heated submarine-style bun.
Richmond’s Burger King locations saw lines form specifically for this menu item. The Yumbo’s straightforward approach was part of its charm – no fancy sauces or complicated toppings to distract from the perfectly melted cheese and savory ham.
11. Monterey Ranch Chicken Sandwich — Wendy’s
Wendy’s struck gold with this flavor-packed creation. The Monterey Ranch Chicken Sandwich combined a juicy chicken breast with Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and a ranch sauce that had a cult following throughout Northern Virginia suburbs.
Unlike today’s overly complicated menu items, this sandwich achieved the perfect balance of flavors without trying too hard. The combination of tangy ranch with smoky bacon and mild cheese complemented the chicken perfectly.
Fans in Fairfax and Arlington would often request the sauce on other items after the sandwich disappeared.
12. Big Montana — Arby’s
“Mountain-sized hunger needs a mountain-sized sandwich!” That was the slogan for Arby’s legendary Big Montana.
This massive creation packed nearly half a pound of Arby’s signature roast beef between a sesame seed bun, making it the heavyweight champion of the menu.
Roanoke Valley Arby’s locations couldn’t make these fast enough during the sandwich’s heyday.
The Big Montana was served with Arby’s Horsey sauce and Arby’s sauce on the side, allowing customers to customize their experience. When it vanished in the late ’90s, nothing could fill the void it left behind.