Growing up in Arizona during the 1980s felt like living through a golden age of fast-food creativity. I can still picture those sun-drenched afternoons, cruising down Camelback Road with my dad, pulling into our favorite drive-thrus to grab sandwiches that felt like pure magic.
These weren’t just quick meals—they were flavorful snapshots of a time when neon signs lit the sky, bold flavors ruled the menus, and life felt just a little more carefree.
Many of those beloved creations have long disappeared, but the memories linger. Join me as I revisit the forgotten fast-food favorites that defined an Arizona childhood.
1. McDonald’s McRib Southwest Edition
Remember when McDonald’s created an Arizona-exclusive version of their famous McRib? The Southwest Edition added green chilies and a special adobe BBQ sauce that perfectly complemented those scorching Phoenix summers…