Fast-food chains once relied heavily on mascots to grab attention, and some became as iconic as the food itself. But not every mascot had the staying power of Ronald McDonald or the Burger King. These quirky, colorful characters were once everywhere, only to quietly disappear. Here’s a look back at 12 forgotten fast-food mascots that might just jog your memory.
1. Mac Tonight (McDonald’s)
This cool, crooning moon-faced pianist debuted in the 1980s to promote McDonald’s dinner menu. With his smooth jazz tunes and sunglasses, Mac Tonight was undeniably hip. Despite his brief fame, he faded into obscurity when marketing trends shifted away from niche mascots.
2. The Noid (Domino’s Pizza)
Introduced in 1986, the Noid was a mischievous claymation character who tried to ruin Domino’s pizzas, only to be thwarted. His tagline, “Avoid the Noid,” became a cultural touchpoint, but his over-the-top antics eventually wore thin, leading to his retirement in the 1990s.
3. Speedee (McDonald’s)
Before Ronald McDonald became the face of the franchise, Speedee was McDonald’s original mascot. Representing the restaurant’s fast service, this chef-hatted character graced signs and packaging in the 1950s. He was replaced in the ’60s as McDonald’s embraced its modern branding.
4. Big Boy (Bob’s Big Boy)
With his checkered overalls and pompadour hairdo, Big Boy was once a nationwide icon. Originally created in the 1930s, he hit his peak in the ’50s and ’60s, even inspiring statues outside restaurants. Though still used in limited regions, his presence has greatly diminished.
5. Bee Bee (Burger Chef)
Burger Chef’s bumblebee mascot, Bee Bee, was designed to attract kids to the brand in the 1960s. The chain eventually folded, and with it went Bee Bee, leaving those who remember the brand with nostalgic memories of its innovative Funmeal boxes.
6. Fido Dido (7-Up)
This spiky-haired, laid-back mascot epitomized 1980s cool as the face of 7-Up’s ad campaigns. Though not directly tied to food, Fido Dido’s carefree vibe was a hit with fast-food-loving teens. He was replaced by other branding, but fans still remember his retro charm.
7. Hamburglar (McDonald’s)
The masked bandit who tried to swipe McDonald’s hamburgers was once a staple of the McDonaldland crew. With his striped outfit and sly grin, he delighted kids for decades. However, McDonald’s phased him out in favor of modern, minimalist advertising.
8. Chuck E. Cheese (Original Design)
Before Chuck E. Cheese became a slick CGI mouse, he was a scruffy, cigar-smoking rat with a Brooklyn accent. While his makeover helped keep him relevant, the original design from the ’70s and ’80s has been largely forgotten, except by those who grew up with it.
9. Herb (Burger King)
Burger King introduced Herb in 1985 as a hapless character who had never tried a Whopper. Customers were encouraged to find “Herb” in restaurants for a chance to win prizes. Despite the fanfare, the campaign flopped, and Herb vanished almost as quickly as he appeared.
10. Happy Star (Carl’s Jr.)
Before Carl’s Jr. became known for edgy ads, Happy Star—a cheerful, anthropomorphic star—was its friendly face. While still part of the branding in some regions, the character is no longer front and center in advertising.
11. Clara Peller (Wendy’s)
Not exactly a mascot but unforgettable nonetheless, Clara Peller’s famous “Where’s the beef?” catchphrase in Wendy’s ads of the early 1980s became a cultural sensation. After her brief moment in the spotlight, Wendy’s moved on to other campaigns.
12. Little Caesar (Little Caesars)
While still technically in use, the toga-wearing Little Caesar of “Pizza! Pizza!” fame has taken a backseat to more straightforward marketing. In his heyday, his cartoonish antics and memorable catchphrase were all over TV, making him synonymous with the brand.
These mascots were once as much a part of the fast-food experience as fries and shakes. Though they’ve faded from view, they still bring back memories of jingles, commercials, and trips to the drive-thru during a time when mascots made every meal a little more fun.
