Launched in 2023, KFC failed at launching roast beef sandwiches. Customers go to KFC specifically for chicken and couldn’t compete against Arby’s, the roast beef specialist. The product had no clear advantage in price, taste, or uniqueness. Meanwhile, roast beef introduced new complexity for KFC with a different prep and storage, a different supply chain, and slower assembly vs. fried chicken.
Launched in 2015, the Chizza sandwich was a “pizza-chicken” hybrid featuring two 100% white meat extra crispy fried chicken filets acting as the crust, topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. People tried it once out of curiosity but few wanted it again. Common complaints were that it was heavy and greasy, the sauce made the chicken soggy, the cheese didn’t melt well and it was awkward to eat.
Launched in 2019, the KFC Cheetos Sandwich was an extra crispy chicken filet with special Cheetos sauce, mayonnaise, and a layer of crunchy Cheetos on a toasted bun. People tried it once out of curiosity but few wanted it again. Common complaints were the chips got stale or soggy, assembly was messy, the sauce had consistency issues, and it was overly salty.
Allbirds originally won with one simple idea: ultra-comfortable, minimalist wool sneakers. But that edge faded as it became more of a fad than a lasting staple. Plus new products and categories (running shoes, apparel) didn’t resonate, while some customers complained about quality and durability. Meanwhile, competitors like Hoka and On Running offered better performance and fresher designs. After peaking at a $4B valuation in the public market, they sold their core assets for $39M in 2026 and attempted a pivot to AI infrastructure to survive.
The Chicago Packers, who predated the Chicago Bulls by 4 years, were an early NBA franchise that lasted only one season (1961-1962). The name “Packers” was already strongly associated with the Green Bay Packers. Chicago fans clearly didn’t connect with the name and it created confusion. The team finished with a losing record (18-62) and struggled to compete with established teams. After three name changes and relocations, the team eventually evolved into the Washington Wizards.
ComputerLand was one of the largest personal computer retailers in the world in the 1980s, but it collapsed in the early 1990s. In the early PC era customers needed help choosing and installing computers so ComputerLand focused on distribution through specialized dealers. But by the late 1980s PCs became simpler and more standardized so consumers began buying from big-box retailers and mail-order sellers such as CompUSA, Best Buy, and Dell. Those retailers sold PCs cheaper and at higher volume than ComputerLand was able to.
Launched in 1977 by Radio Shack, the TRS-80 had difficulty keeping up with Apple and IBM who were building ecosystems. Radio Shack sales staff were trained to sell batteries and CB radios, not complex business systems, while corporate buyers preferred IBM dealers who could provide serious support, networking, and service contracts. When the IBM PC launched in 1981, it quickly became the safe choice. Software companies prioritized IBM compatability, while TRS-80 business machines weren’t IBM compatible and had limited third-party software. Meanwhile, the TRS-80 color computer was not quite a serious computer like the IBM PC or Apple II, nor was it as good as the Commodore 64 for games. By the mid-80s Radio Shack decided it should focus on being a consumer electronics stores instead of a computer company.
Launched in 1993, McStuffins were McDonald’s attempt at a stuffed pita sandwich. People are in a burger-and-fries mindset at McDonald’s so it was hard for consumers to get excited about deli food, while they were hard for kids to eat. In addition, pitas slowed things down since they dry out fast, tear easily, need warming to be soft, and stuffing them cleanly takes more time that stacking a bun.
Launched in 1987 as an adult burger, McDonald’s Cheddar Melt had a beef patty, grilled onions, and cheddar cheese sauce on a rye bun. The burger had limited mass appeal since it didn’t feel like a classic burger, it didn’t pair naturally with fries, and the onions had a strong smell. In addition, preparation time was too slow since onions need separate prep, while liquid cheddar sauce was harder to portion and increased cleanup.
Launched in 1981 and discontinued in 1985, McRib was launched as a response to a chicken shortage for McNuggets. Many people tried it once but most didn’t come back for another since it was too sweet, too sloppy, and had a weird texture. Plus it required more labor due to is own sauce process, while was messy to assemble and created more cleanup.
