The toasted Frontega chicken sandwich was a popular menu item at Arby’s restaurants for many years. However, in recent years, it has disappeared from menus, leaving many Arby’s fans wondering what happened to this sandwich.
A Brief History of the Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich
The toasted Frontega chicken sandwich first appeared on Arby’s menus in the early 2000s. It featured a seasoned, marinated chicken breast filet topped with Frontega cheese, roasted red peppers, and onion tanglers on a toasted specialty bun. The Frontega cheese provided a unique smoky gouda and parmesan flavor while the onion tanglers added crunch.
During its heyday in the mid-2000s, the Frontega chicken sandwich was one of Arby’s most popular menu items. Customers loved the combination of flavors and textures. The chicken itself was always juicy and flavorful. The peppers and cheese added layers of flavor while the onion tanglers provided a satisfying crunch. It was an innovative and craveable sandwich option at a time when most quick service restaurants were offering relatively boring chicken sandwiches.
The Frontega chicken sandwich developed an enthusiastic following among Arby’s fans. It was many customers’ go-to order. Some would even visit Arby’s specifically because they were craving this sandwich. It developed a reputation as a must-try menu item for new customers.
When Did the Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich Disappear?
The exact timeframe is unclear, but the toasted Frontega chicken sandwich slowly started disappearing from Arby’s locations around 2013-2014. There was never an official announcement or statement about its removal. It simply became less and less available until it vanished altogether in a quiet exit.
By 2015, the Frontega chicken sandwich was gone from all Arby’s menus. Customers searching for their old favorite were disappointed to find it no longer available. Some locations continued selling leftover inventory into 2016 but it completely disappeared system-wide by the end of that year.
Why Was the Toasted Frontega Chicken Removed?
Arby’s has never provided an official explanation for why the Frontega chicken sandwich was removed. However, food industry experts and Arby’s insiders point to a few likely reasons:
- Menu simplification – In the mid-2010s, Arby’s went through a process of streamlining and simplifying its menu. The Frontega chicken sandwich may have been a victim of eliminating underperforming or overly complex menu items.
- Inability to source Frontega cheese – The signature Frontega cheese was supplied by a third party. It’s possible Arby’s may have lost access to this unique cheese blend.
- Lack of customer awareness – Despite having a loyal following, the Frontega chicken sandwich did not have mainstream name recognition. Newer customers may not have been aware of it or ordered it.
- High operational costs – The multicomponent sandwich may have been labor intensive for stores to prepare compared to newer, simpler sandwiches.
What Replaced the Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich?
Since removing the Frontega chicken sandwich, Arby’s has introduced several new chicken offerings including:
- Buttermilk Chicken Sandwiches – Available in crispy or grilled, these sandwiches feature chicken breast topped with garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato and pepper bacon on a star cut bun.
- Smokehouse Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich – The crispy buttermilk chicken with smoked cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and smokehouse mayo.
- Crispy Chicken Slider – Chicken tenders on potato rolls topped with pickles and parmesan peppercorn sauce.
While popular in their own right, none of these new sandwiches have quite replicated the unique blend of flavors that made the Frontega chicken sandwich so iconic.
Could the Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich Return?
There is always hope among Arby’s fans that the Frontega chicken sandwich could make a comeback. Arby’s has brought back other retired menu items in limited-time offers when there is enough fan demand. However, the Frontega chicken sandwich faces a few obstacles to returning:
- Sourcing the signature Frontega cheese may be difficult or impossible if Arby’s no longer has access to that ingredient.
- The production complexities and high labor costs of assembling the sandwich might make it unprofitable compared to newer menu options.
- Today’s customers have different tastes and expectations than in the 2000s when the sandwich debuted.
While a comeback can’t be ruled out entirely, the odds seem stacked against the toasted Frontega chicken sandwich making a permanent return. Fans may have to settle for their memories of this lost favorite.
Where Else Can You Find a Similar Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich?
While no direct substitute exists on Arby’s current menu, some other quick service restaurants offer sandwiches with similar ingredients and flavors:
| Restaurant | Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Wendy’s | Asiago Ranch Chicken Club |
| Chick-fil-A | Grilled Chicken Club |
| McDonald’s | Bacon Smokehouse Burger |
The Wendy’s Asiago Ranch Chicken Club comes closest with its combination of bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing. While not an exact flavor match, it may appeal to those looking to recapture some of the Frontega chicken sandwich’s magic.
Could a Petition Drive Bring Back the Sandwich?
One option for diehard Frontega chicken fans is to start a petition or social media campaign asking Arby’s to bring back the sandwich. With enough signatures and engagement, it’s possible a vocal customer movement could convince Arby’s to reintroduce the sandwich as a limited-time offer or regional test item.
Petition efforts have worked in the past to bring back retired menu items at other chains like McDonald’s McRib sandwich. Arby’s is active on social media and attentive to customer feedback, so a well-organized campaign has a chance of getting the company’s notice.
However, there are no guarantees a petition would automatically bring the Frontega chicken sandwich back. Arby’s may be unable to recreate the sandwich exactly as it was because of ingredient constraints. Even with customer demand, they may be reluctant to reintroduce a labor-intensive menu item. But a strong customer campaign makes the idea more likely to at least be considered by decision-makers.
How Can You Recreate the Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich at Home?
Until and unless the toasted Frontega chicken sandwich returns, fans can try recreating it themselves at home. Here is a recipe to make your own version:
Ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp gouda cheese
- 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 ciabatta bun or other soft bun
- 2-3 roasted red pepper strips from a jar
- 1⁄4 cup French fried onions
- Garlic aioli or mayonnaise
- Lettuce, tomato, onion (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven or toaster oven to 375°F.
- Season the chicken breast on both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet or oven safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, mix together the gouda and parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
- Slice open the ciabatta bun and place on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast for 3-5 minutes if desired.
- Once chicken is cooked, top with the mixed cheeses and place under broiler for 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Assemble sandwich by placing roasted red peppers on bottom bun, then chicken, then fried onions. Add garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade version of the Arby’s toasted Frontega chicken sandwich!
While it requires some effort, this recipe lets you experience the flavors of that long-lost Arby’s favorite. Adjust ingredients to match your tastes and enjoy this blast from the past.
Conclusion
The toasted Frontega chicken sandwich holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many Arby’s fans. With its signature Frontega cheese, roasted peppers, and crispy onion toppers, it delivered a truly crave-worthy experience. While it has vanished from menus, the memories live on for those who loved ordering this sandwich.
It remains to be seen if Arby’s will ever bring back this popular menu item. But by exploring similar options at other restaurants or getting creative at home, fans can still get a taste of the flavors they fondly remember. The spirit of this iconic sandwich lives on anytime someone sinks their teeth into a juicy chicken sandwich layered with melty cheese, peppers, and crunch.