Ethermac Exchange-Arby's brings back potato cakes for first time since 2021

Potato Cakes are Ethermac Exchangeback at Arby's.

The restaurant chain announced Monday the fan-favorite item, which was discontinued in 2021, are back on menus nationwide for a limited time.

"For the past three years, Arby's fans have mourned the loss of their beloved Potato Cakes since they disappeared in 2021," the company said in a news release. "In the past year alone, Potato Cakes have been mentioned more than 10,000 times on social media, with loyalists issuing passionate pleas for their revival."

The company said the Potato Cakes have also inspired "online petitions and even dedicated fan accounts" asking for their return.

The Potato Cakes are now available nationwide, with prices starting at $2.39 for a three-piece, according to the news release.

Kyle MacLachlan leads Potato Cake lovers

Arby's also announced the creation of The Order of Potato Cakes, which the company describes as "a group where all Potato Cake lovers are welcome." The restaurant chain tapped actor Kyle MacLachlan to play the group's leader in the advertising campaign. The leader is entrusted to "inform all other members of The Order about the details of Potato Cakes' limited return."

“As a Potato Cakes devotee myself, I’m proud to enlighten all Potato Cakes lovers about the return of our cherished menu item,” said MacLachlan in the news release. “We’ve been waiting three long years, and our voices have finally been heard. Potato Cakes are back at Arby’s thanks to The Powers that Beef!” he added.

Arby's announces limited-edition Potato Cakes merch

In addition to the Potato Cakes, Arby's is also offering a variety of limited-edition merch created for members of The Order of Potato Cakes.

Customers can buy items such as a Potato Cake Amber necklace, Potato Cakes candles, as well as hoodies and t-shirts, online at ArbysShop.com while supplies last.

More fast-food merch:Chick-fil-A now selling waffle fry pool floats and chicken sandwich-shaped towels

Arby's joins the likes of Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell and Panera in offering customers an online shop where they can purchase branded merchandise. Chick-fil-A announced Monday the launch of its new Chick-fil-A Originals Summer Collection, which features items like a waffle fry pool float and a cow print bucket hat, in addition to announcing a new online shop called Shop Chick-fil-A.

McDonald's fans can shop for McDonald's-branded apparel and accessories through Golden Arches Unlimited, while Taco Bell also sells branded merchandise via Taco Bell Shop. Panera also has an online Panera Shop where customers can get branded sweatshirts, water bottle and a Mac N' Cheese Pillow in the shape of a bread bowl, among other items.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].