13 Fast Food Commercials from the ’80s That Crossed the Line
These 13 fast food commercials from the 1980s caused a stir due to their controversy, bizarre nature, or sheer over-the-topness.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The 1980s were a wild time for fast food advertising, with commercials that were bold, strange, and sometimes offensive. This list looks back at 13 ads that crossed the line in one way or another. Some were funny, others were confusing, and a few sparked real backlash. Here’s a nostalgic (and shocking) trip down memory lane.
1. Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” Campaign
Wendy’s on Wikimedia Commons
In 1984, Wendy’s introduced the world to Clara Peller, who famously questioned the substance of competitors’ burgers with the catchphrase “Where’s the Beef?”. The ad became a cultural phenomenon, boosting Wendy’s sales and embedding the phrase into the American lexicon.
2. Frito Bandito’s Controversial Mascot
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Frito-Lay’s Frito Bandito, an animated character from the late ’60s and early ’70s, continued to air in some regions into the ’80s. The character faced backlash for perpetuating Mexican stereotypes, leading to its eventual retirement.
3. Burger King’s “Where’s Herb?” Flop
Burger King Corporation on Wikimedia Commons
In 1985, Burger King’s “Where’s Herb?” campaign aimed to create buzz by featuring a man who had never eaten a Whopper. The confusing promotion failed to resonate with customers, leading to a significant drop in sales.
4. McDonald’s Mac Tonight Controversy
Flag: McDonald’s SVG: SilentSpike on Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s introduced Mac Tonight in the mid-’80s to appeal to a younger audience. However, the character’s resemblance to Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife” led to legal issues and ultimately resulted in its discontinuation.
5. Sambo’s Controversial Branding
Sambo’s Restaurants, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Sambo’s, a once-popular restaurant chain, faced criticism for its name’s racial connotations. Despite attempts to rebrand, the controversy contributed to the chain’s decline.
6. Beefsteaks Charlie’s Over-the-Top Ads
George Piskov on Pexels
Beefsteak Charlie’s commercials featured extravagant promises like “all the shrimp you can eat,” leading to skepticism about food quality. The chain’s aggressive marketing couldn’t prevent its eventual closure.
7. Brown Derby’s Confusing Commercials
Walter Lim from Singapore, Singapore on Wikimedia Commons
Brown Derby’s 1980s ads featured a cartoon mascot transforming into a U.S. map, leaving viewers puzzled. The unclear messaging failed to attract customers, contributing to the chain’s decline.
8. Burger King’s Mister Rodney Parody
grassrootsgroundswell on Wikimedia Commons
Burger King’s ad featuring “Mister Rodney,” a parody of Mister Rogers, drew criticism for potentially confusing children. The real Fred Rogers requested the ad be pulled, and Burger King complied.
9. Burger King’s Coq Roq Controversy
Mike Mozart on Pexels
Burger King’s Coq Roq campaign, promoting Chicken Fries, faced backlash for sexual innuendos and suggestive content. Public protests led to the campaign’s modification.
10. Burger King’s Andy Warhol Super Bowl Ad
Triplec85 on Wikimedia Commons
Burger King’s 2019 Super Bowl ad featured artist Andy Warhol eating a Whopper, using footage from a 1982 film. The unconventional choice sparked debates about its effectiveness.
11. Dave Thomas Returns to Wendy’s Ads
John Mueller on Wikimedia Commons
After a slump post-“Where’s the Beef?”, Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas returned to commercials in 1989, revitalizing the brand with his folksy charm. His presence helped restore customer trust.
12. Clara Peller’s Prego Ad Controversy
PNW Production on Pexels
Clara Peller, famous for her “Where’s the beef?” catchphrase for Wendy’s, appeared in a Prego commercial declaring she “found it.” This led to a fallout with Wendy’s, which terminated her contract for appearing in an ad for a rival brand. The crossover sparked debate about brand loyalty and blurred the lines between endorsement and persona.
13. McDonald’s Happy Meal Hysteria
McDonald’s on Pexels
In the late ’80s, McDonald’s ramped up its Happy Meal campaigns with flashy toys and over-the-top commercials aimed squarely at kids. Critics argued the marketing was too aggressive, using collectible toys to create frenzied demand and pester power in children.