Things change over time, and not always for the better. Fast food restaurants used to be quick and affordable meals for the whole family, filled with unique taste and personality.
Now, the vast majority feel like copy paste versions of the same soulless kiosk and pickup window.
Here are eight fast food chains that are unrecognizable next to their old selves.
1
Arby’s
Using its massive sign as advertising, Arby’s might have resembled other fast foods of the era like McDonald’s on the outside, but on the inside it was a much more upscale experience. That scale has since shrunk massively.
2
TGI Friday's
Founder Alan Stillman created the 1st avenue bar in an effort to meet more women. It is credited as one of the first singles bars, and most definitely was much higher class than the national chain is today.
3
McDonald’s
The world’s most recognizable fast food restaurant has gone through many iterations. From the days of the “Speedee” mascot, to massive kid-friendly play areas, to lifeless white kiosks.
4
McDonald’s Party Room
From the 1980s.
5
Pizza Hut
Now known as a fast food restaurant with poor quality, Pizza Hut began as a suburban family-style sit-down restaurant complete with an unforgettable aesthetic and fantastic buffet.
6
Taco Bell
The concept of fast Tex Mex hasn’t changed much, but the look definitely has.
7
Kermit Becky
The first Taco Bell chain owner in front of his menu.
8
Chipotle
Chipotle has always been a college town assembly line Mexican place, but its graphic design, and homely aesthetic have completely changed.
9
Wendy's
Wendy's used to actually put some work into their interiors, featuring plants and light.
10
The Original Wendy's Location
It closed in 2007.
11
IHOP
Before the acronym, the International House of Pancakes was a recognizable blue A-frame, and a respectable place to eat breakfast.
