14 Fast-Food Sandwiches Ohio Grew Up With That You Can’t Find Anymore
Ohio has a fast-food history full of sandwiches that shaped lunchtime for generations. Some were cheesy, some messy, all unforgettable, and sadly, most have disappeared from menus.
Each bite carries memories of after-school runs, weekend treats, and quick meals on the go.
Revisiting these lost favorites is a nostalgic journey through flavors that once dominated the state’s fast-food scene.
They remind us that even fast food can leave a lasting mark on taste buds and hearts.
1. McDLT — McDonald’s
Hot side hot, cold side cold! The McDLT’s innovative packaging kept the burger patty warm while the lettuce and tomato stayed crisp and cool.
Launched in the mid-80s, this genius creation came in a dual-compartment styrofoam container that Ohioans assembled themselves.
Environmental concerns about the packaging eventually led to its demise around 1991.
The commercial featuring Jason Alexander singing and dancing about this burger remains legendary in fast-food advertising history.
2. Arch Deluxe — McDonald’s
Marketed as the “burger with the grown-up taste,” the Arch Deluxe flopped spectacularly despite McDonald’s spending an estimated $300 million on its promotion.
Ohio residents briefly enjoyed this sophisticated burger featuring a mustard-mayo sauce on a bakery-style bun. Launched in 1996, the sandwich targeted adults who wanted more refined flavors.
The commercials famously showed kids grimacing at the “adult” taste, inadvertently turning off McDonald’s core family demographic.
3. McLean Deluxe — McDonald’s
Back when low-fat diets were all the rage, McDonald’s created this health-conscious alternative that briefly graced Ohio drive-thrus.
The McLean Deluxe promised 91% fat-free beef, achieved through a bizarre scientific process involving seaweed extract called carrageenan.
Despite noble intentions, the burger earned nicknames like “the McFlopper” due to its strange taste and texture.
Introduced in 1991, it vanished by 1996, proving that fast-food customers weren’t ready to sacrifice flavor for fewer calories.
4. Big N’ Tasty — McDonald’s
Created specifically to compete with Burger King’s Whopper, this flame-broiled-style burger gained a loyal following across Ohio.
The quarter-pound patty came dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a special sauce reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing.
Introduced nationally in 2000, the Big N’ Tasty enjoyed a decent 10-year run before McDonald’s axed it in 2011.
Many Ohioans still recall its perfectly balanced flavor profile that somehow managed to taste more like a backyard cookout burger than typical fast-food fare.
5. Super Hero Burger — McDonald’s
When Batman Forever hit theaters in 1995, McDonald’s capitalized with this triple-decker monster that had Ohio teenagers lining up around the block.
The limited-time offering featured three beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce between sesame seed buns.
The promotional tie-in sandwich came in Batman-themed packaging that collectors now hunt for online.
While it only stuck around for the movie’s theatrical run, this behemoth burger left an outsized impression on anyone brave enough to tackle its superhero-sized calorie count.
6. Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich — McDonald’s
Few remember this 1979 experiment that briefly appeared in Ohio McDonald’s locations.
Unlike typical fast-food fare, the Chopped Beefsteak Sandwich featured a substantial slab of actual steak on a long French roll with onions and a special steak sauce.
Part of McDonald’s dinner menu experiment, this upscale offering aimed to attract evening diners looking for something more substantial than burgers.
The high cost of beef and complicated preparation process doomed this fancy sandwich to a short lifespan of less than a year.
7. Yumbo (Ham & Cheese) — Burger King
Long before the current artisanal sandwich craze, Burger King offered this simple yet satisfying hot ham and cheese delight.
The Yumbo featured warm sliced ham and melted American cheese on a heated submarine-style sesame seed bun.
Originally sold from 1974 to 1990, Burger King actually brought it back briefly in 2014 as a limited-time offering, triggering intense nostalgia for Ohio residents who grew up with the sandwich.
The revival couldn’t capture the magic of the original, and it disappeared again after the promotion ended.
8. BK Broiler — Burger King
Grilled chicken sandwiches are everywhere now, but when the BK Broiler debuted in 1990, it was revolutionary.
Ohio health-conscious fast-food lovers flocked to Burger King for this flame-broiled chicken breast on an oat bran bun with lettuce, tomato, and a light mayo sauce.
The original version was eventually replaced by various chicken sandwich iterations, none capturing the same magic.
Those who remember the original BK Broiler often cite its juicy, genuinely grilled flavor that competitors struggled to match.
9. Ch’King — Burger King
Though short-lived, Burger King’s premium Ch’King sandwich made waves across Ohio with its hand-breaded chicken and signature sauce.
Launched in 2021 as BK’s answer to Popeyes and Chick-fil-A in the chicken sandwich wars, it earned genuine fans for its crispy, substantial chicken portion.
Surprisingly, Burger King discontinued it after just one year, replacing it with a simpler Royal Crispy Chicken.
The Ch’King’s complex preparation process reportedly slowed down drive-thru times, but those who tasted it still mourn its premature disappearance.
10. Bell Beefer — Taco Bell
Before focusing exclusively on Mexican-inspired fare, Taco Bell served this quirky hybrid that was essentially a taco in sandwich form.
The Bell Beefer loaded a hamburger bun with seasoned taco meat, lettuce, diced onions, and mild sauce.
Popular throughout the 1970s and early 80s in Ohio Taco Bell locations, this oddball creation had a devoted following.
Sometimes called the “Taco Burger,” it gradually disappeared from menus by the mid-1990s as Taco Bell streamlined its offerings to focus on traditional Mexican-inspired items.
11. KFC Snacker — KFC
Value-priced and perfectly sized, KFC Snackers were the ideal quick lunch for busy Ohioans on a budget.
These mini chicken sandwiches came in several varieties including Original Recipe, Buffalo, and Ultimate Cheese, all served on small, soft buns.
Introduced in 2005 for just 99 cents, these handheld delights were eventually phased out around 2012.
The Snackers’ combination of affordability and portion control made them especially popular with college students across the state who could grab a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
12. Big Montana — Arby’s
Mountain-sized hunger required the Big Montana, Arby’s largest roast beef sandwich that enjoyed popularity throughout Ohio in the 1990s.
This massive creation packed approximately 5 ounces of thinly sliced roast beef between a sesame seed bun, dwarfing the chain’s regular offerings.
The sandwich was often served with Arby’s signature Horsey sauce and Arby’s sauce.
Despite its fanbase, the Big Montana disappeared around the early 2000s, though its spirit lives on in the chain’s current Half Pound Beef ‘n Cheddar.
13. Seafood Sensation — Subway
Before concerns about processed seafood mixtures, Subway locations across Ohio served this creamy seafood sandwich that developed a cult following.
The Seafood Sensation combined imitation crab meat with mayonnaise and various spices, served with typical Subway vegetable toppings.
Available from the 1980s through the early 2010s, this sandwich offered an affordable seafood option that many inland Ohio residents embraced.
Health trends and changing consumer preferences eventually led to its discontinuation, though some international Subway locations reportedly still offer their own versions.
14. Chicken Salad Sandwich — Chick-fil-A
Long before their chicken sandwich became a national obsession, Chick-fil-A offered this refreshing alternative that was particularly popular during Ohio summers.
Their chicken salad featured shredded chicken breast, chopped eggs, celery, lettuce, and relish on a multigrain bun or in a container.
Sadly, Chick-fil-A discontinued this menu staple in 2017 despite protests from loyal fans.
The chain claimed the removal would make room for new menu innovations, but many Ohio customers still request its return, especially those who preferred lighter options from the chicken-focused chain.