How 10 Chain Restaurant Slogans Have Evolved Over The Years

From "I'm Lovin' It" to "It's Finger-Licking Good," we're breaking down how popular fast food slogans have evolved over the past few decades.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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You know a slogan is working when you don't need to say the brand beforehand. For example, most people know what "Just Do It" refers to before you've even said the word "Nike." But slogans don't just work for sneakers. In the fast food world, America's biggest restaurant chains have relied on slogans for decades to sling burgers, fries, and pizza to the masses. These catchy phrases are designed to stick in your head and ultimately lead you to crave more fast food.

Why it matters

Successful slogans can become deeply ingrained in popular culture, transcending the brand they were created for. Understanding how these slogans have evolved over time provides insight into the marketing strategies and emotional connections that fast food chains have cultivated with consumers.

The details

The article examines how slogans from major fast food chains like Burger King, McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Arby's, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, Domino's, Wendy's, and Dunkin' have changed over the decades. It highlights iconic slogans like "Have It Your Way," "I'm Lovin' It," and "It's Finger Lickin' Good," as well as some less successful attempts, and how chains have tried to evolve their messaging to connect with consumers on a more personal level.

  • The "I'm Lovin' It" slogan for McDonald's started in 2003 with a jingle sung by Justin Timberlake.
  • Burger King's famous "Have It Your Way" slogan was first used in the 1970s, then brought back in the early 2000s before being replaced by newer slogans.
  • KFC's "It's Finger Lickin' Good" slogan dates back to the 1950s, though the chain paused using it briefly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Subway's "Eat Fresh" slogan was popular in the 2000s, then was revived in 2021 with a "Eat Fresh Refresh" twist.
  • Arby's "We Have the Meats" slogan was introduced in 2014 and has remained a core part of the brand's marketing since then.

The players

Burger King

A major American fast food hamburger chain.

McDonald's

The world's largest fast food restaurant chain, known for its burgers, fries, and shakes.

KFC

A fast food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken.

Subway

The world's largest submarine sandwich chain, known for its customizable sandwiches.

Arby's

An American fast food sandwich restaurant chain, known for its roast beef sandwiches.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Successful fast food slogans can become deeply embedded in popular culture, transcending the brands they were created for. Understanding the evolution of these slogans provides insight into the marketing strategies and emotional connections that chains have cultivated with consumers over time.