Before online menus and food apps took over, fast food was colored by vibrant personalities—and mascots were the main characters. Many of our childhood memories were built on their catchphrases, commercials, and cardboard crowns. So, let’s rewind to the golden age of mascots, when fast food was fun, weird, and totally unforgettable.
Burger King’s “The King”
He started on a sign in Miami sitting on a burger throne—and ended up strutting down the Met Gala red carpet. Burger King’s “The King” has pulled off one of the wildest glow-ups in mascot history. Throughout the decades, The King’s been a wizard, a viral weirdo, a video game star, and even part of Mayweather’s entourage.
McDonald’s “Ronald McDonald”
Long before the golden arches became a global icon, there was a red-haired clown bouncing into commercials, classrooms, and hearts. Since 1963, Ronald McDonald has been McDonald’s unofficial ringmaster. But in 2016, the vibe shifted. Clown sightings got creepy, headlines got weird, and Ronald quietly stepped back.
KFC’s “Colonel Sanders”
He wasn’t born a Colonel, and he definitely didn’t start out slinging buckets of fried chicken. Harland Sanders spent decades bouncing between gigs—steamboat pilot, insurance salesman, even railroad worker—before finding his golden recipe at a dusty service station in Kentucky. The man had flavor, fire, and flair—and his legacy still clucks loudly today.
Wendy’s “Wendy”
Prior to becoming a signpost superstar, Wendy was just a freckle-faced kid who couldn’t say “Melinda” and answered to her nickname instead. Her dad, Dave Thomas, thought that was perfect branding material. So in 1969, he slapped her smile on the signage, gave the burgers a square twist, and built Wendy’s around her charm.
Chuck E. Cheese’s “Charles Entertainment Cheese”
Chuck E. Cheese wasn’t supposed to be a rat at all—he started life as a coyote concept for a pizza joint dreamed up by Atari founder Nolan Bushnell. But a surprise rat costume delivery flipped the script in 1977, and Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre was born.
Taco Bell’s “Gidget”
In 1997, a little Chihuahua named Gidget strutted into living rooms and stole the show with “¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!”—instantly turning fast food ads into appointment TV. Though she was female, Gidget played a male dog with serious flair, voiced by Carlos Alazraqui. The run ended in 2000, but plush toys, posters, pop culture buzz—you name it, she conquered it.
Chick-fil-A’s “Cows”
When Chick-fil-A’s cow mascots burst onto a billboard in Atlanta back in 1995, they flipped fast-food marketing on its head—while hanging upside down in paint-splattered overalls. The first “Eat Mor Chikin” billboard popped up in Atlanta, featuring rebellious bovines with beef to pick. They’ve mooooved their way into Madison Avenue’s Advertising Walk of Fame—and America’s hearts.
Dunkin’ Donuts’ “Cuppy”
Dunkin’ brought the coffee cup to life through Cuppy: a walking, dancing, foam-lidded icon who’s brewed from the same energy as your morning caffeine fix. He’s popped up at Fenway Park rubbing elbows with mascots like Wally and Tessie and hit TikTok with some impressively perky dance moves.
Domino’s “Noid”
Wearing red spandex and rabbit ears, the Noid was Domino’s most chaotic mascot—part pest, part punchline. He wasn’t there to help; he was there to sabotage your pie. And yet, somehow, America loved him. He got video games, merch, and Saturday morning fame. But after an unsettling real-life incident in 1989, his mischievous run wound down.
Pizza Hut’s “Pete”
Long before the red roof became a roadside craving and stuffed crust rewrote pizza history, Pizza Hut had Pete—a wide-grinned, mustachioed little guy who showed up on everything from party balloons to puppet shows. He set the tone for Pizza Hut’s early days: warm, cheesy, and a little bit goofy.
Sonic Drive-In’s “Tot”
In the late 2000s, Sonic Drive-In rolled out a tiny sidekick with a big personality—Tot! This quirky little mascot joined the Wacky Pack gang and brought fun to every kids’ meal. But Sonic didn’t stop at just cool characters. The annual Tot Parade excited everyone, and with giant inflatable mascots, Sonic’s marketing became a celebration all its own.
Arby’s “Oven Mitt”
Arby’s decided to turn up the heat with a mascot that was, well, a little too hot to handle—a sentient oven mitt named Oven Mitt. He sang, performed stunts, and definitely got noticed. But after some safety mishaps and too many comparisons to Hamburger Helper, Oven Mitt’s run was cut short in 2005.
Little Caesars’ “Little Caesar”
Inspired by ancient Roman imagery, Little Caesars has been serving up more than just pizza since 1959, with its mascot, Little Caesar, leading the way. The “Pizza! Pizza!” slogan from 1979 made the brand even more iconic. Their look has gotten sleeker through the years, but that fun, affordable vibe is still there!
Panda Express’ Multiple Mascots
Panda Express has been creating memorable mascots to bring their brand to life. Take Chu, the giant 12-foot panda who lights up grand openings. Then there’s Tom-Tom and Eddie, the animated pandas with a taste for beef instead of bamboo. And don’t sleep on PeiPei, the regional favorite in West Texas!