Fast food has always been about speed, convenience, and comfort—but in 2025, even that’s not enough to guarantee survival. As people shift toward healthier options, delivery apps, and trendy new spots, some of the old names aren’t keeping up. While a few chains still hold onto loyal fans, others are quietly disappearing from malls, highways, and neighborhoods. Here are 15 fast food chains that are struggling to hang on in 2025.
Subway
Once known for having a store on nearly every corner, Subway has seen years of decline thanks to growing competition and changing tastes. The “build your own” sandwich model started to feel old as newer chains offered fresher and more exciting options. Add to that some major public image issues and franchisee frustration, and it’s clear that Subway’s path forward is anything but smooth right now.
Hardee’s
While Carl’s Jr. still has a decent following in the West, Hardee’s—its sibling brand in other parts of the country—is fading fast. The menus feel outdated, the marketing hasn’t landed in years, and many locations just look tired. With more exciting burger joints popping up everywhere, Hardee’s struggles to stay relevant or even noticeable, especially to younger customers who don’t remember its stronger years.
Checkers and Rally’s
Known for their double drive-thrus and seasoned fries, Checkers and Rally’s once offered something different. But in 2025, they’re fighting hard to stand out in a crowded market filled with flashier newcomers. Locations are closing, customer complaints are piling up, and it’s clear that what once felt bold now feels a bit forgotten. Without a major refresh, they may not survive the next wave of fast food changes.
Boston Market
Once the go-to for homestyle meals that didn’t come from your kitchen, Boston Market has lost its place in the fast food world. Rotisserie chicken and sides used to feel like a healthier alternative, but now it’s just an outdated concept. With stores closing across the country and little buzz around the brand, it’s become one of those places people forget even exists until they drive past an empty one.
Steak Escape
Once a food court favorite, Steak Escape has almost disappeared from sight in 2025. The rise of mall closures hit this chain hard, and it never really recovered. The concept of grilled subs sounded fresh in the ’90s, but now it feels stuck in time. With so few locations left and no real push to modernize, it’s becoming more of a memory than a meal stop for most people.
Long John Silver’s
Seafood fast food has always had a hard time keeping up, and Long John Silver’s is no exception. In 2025, the chain is losing ground fast, partly because people are more cautious about where their seafood comes from and how it’s prepared. The fried fish and hush puppies that once felt comforting now seem heavy and outdated, and many customers just aren’t biting anymore.
Quiznos
Quiznos used to be the sandwich shop that toasted everything, giving it a warm, bold flavor that felt new at the time. But today, with so few locations left and little brand energy, it’s a shadow of its former self. Subway and other sandwich shops outpaced it long ago, and without a big reinvention, Quiznos is one of those names most people haven’t thought about in years.
Blimpie
Another sandwich shop struggling in 2025 is Blimpie, which once had a decent following but never quite stood out. Its stores have been vanishing for years, and younger generations aren’t even familiar with the name. The branding feels very dated, the menu hasn’t changed much, and in an age where uniqueness matters, Blimpie just doesn’t offer anything that gets people in the door anymore.
Del Taco
Del Taco had its moment by offering a mix of Mexican fast food and American classics like burgers and fries. But in 2025, it’s being squeezed out by bigger players like Taco Bell and smaller ones with stronger regional followings. The chain has been closing locations and losing momentum, and it’s hard to say if it can bounce back in a world where people want bolder flavors and cleaner food.
Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets was designed to feel like an old-school diner, complete with jukeboxes and burgers served on shiny trays. But today, that very charm isn’t enough to keep it alive. The retro vibe feels more outdated than nostalgic, and the menu hasn’t evolved much. With high prices and fewer people eating inside fast food joints, Johnny Rockets is struggling to justify its place in the modern market.
Sbarro
For years, Sbarro was the go-to pizza slice in mall food courts—but malls aren’t what they used to be. With foot traffic way down and more pizza options everywhere, Sbarro hasn’t kept up. It still has some international life, but in the U.S., it’s becoming more of a fading memory than a popular stop. It’s hard to survive when the place people knew you from is mostly gone.
Fuddruckers
Known for its build-your-own-burger bar and oversized buns, Fuddruckers was once a fun destination for burger lovers. But now, with most locations closed and little to no brand buzz, it’s on life support. The casual dining model it followed has taken a hit, and without a major update or new strategy, Fuddruckers feels like a name from the past with no clear path forward.
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s once felt like a fun, quirky alternative to Chipotle, with its “Welcome to Moe’s!” greeting and build-your-own approach. But in 2025, it’s falling behind in the fast-casual Mexican food game. The vibe hasn’t evolved, and newer places offer fresher ingredients and better presentation. With customers looking for more authentic or health-forward meals, Moe’s has lost a lot of its once-loyal crowd.
Schlotzsky’s
Schlotzsky’s has always been a bit of a niche name—known for its round, chewy sandwiches and unique flavors. But today, it’s lost in the shuffle, with many people forgetting it ever existed. The branding is confusing, the locations are scattered, and it hasn’t kept up with faster, more modern sandwich shops. Without a serious overhaul, it may slowly fade out of the picture completely.
Church’s Texas Chicken
Once a serious competitor to KFC, Church’s Texas Chicken now faces tough times. Its locations are disappearing, and the brand doesn’t have the same national pull it once did. The fried chicken world is full of fresh competition, and Church’s hasn’t quite found a way to stand out. In 2025, it’s more likely to be remembered by older generations than discovered by new ones.
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