I tried Chick-fil-A's new chicken-and-waffles menu. It's proof that the nostalgia trend isn't going anywhere.
Chick-fil-A has launched a limited-time 'Newstalgia' menu featuring chicken-and-waffles sandwiches and s'mores-themed desserts to celebrate its 80th anniversary. The move reflects a broader industry trend of using nostalgic marketing to drive consumer engagement and social media buzz.
Why it matters
This highlights how major fast-food chains leverage cultural trends and emotional marketing to maintain brand relevance and increase foot traffic.
I tried Chick-fil-A's new chicken-and-waffles menu, inspired by nostalgia. The sandwiches were a fun twist on a classic Southern breakfast. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Chick-fil-A is celebrating its 80th birthday by going all in on nostalgia. Its new menu turns two classics — chicken and waffles and s'mores — into five limited-time items. I tried all five, and the best gave chicken and waffles a spicy upgrade. Nostalgia is one of the hottest fast-food trends of the year , with many chains leaning into the past to grab customers' attention. Chick-fil-A has spent much of 2026 embracing that strategy, in honor of the chain's 80th anniversary. At the top of the year, the chain declared it a year of "Newstalgia," introducing retro cups and packaging while making soda-fountain-inspired floats and Frosted Sodas permanent menu items.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in