Arby's in 1967. Now that's roast beef. Looks nothing like the meat they use today!
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What Is The History of Arby's?
The History of Arby’s: A Journey of Roast Beef and Innovation
Arby’s, the fast-food chain known for its roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and witty marketing, has carved out a unique niche in the competitive world of quick-service restaurants. With its signature tagline, “We Have the Meats,” Arby’s has become synonymous with hearty, meat-centric meals that stand apart from the burger-dominated landscape of fast food. But how did Arby’s come to be? The history of Arby’s is a story of entrepreneurial vision, adaptability, and a commitment to quality that has allowed it to endure and thrive for over half a century.
The Founding of Arby’s
Arby’s was founded in 1964 by brothers Forrest and Leroy Raffel in Boardman, Ohio. The Raffel brothers had a simple yet innovative idea: to offer a fast-food alternative to the ubiquitous hamburger. At the time, the fast-food industry was dominated by burger chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, but the Raffels saw an opportunity to differentiate themselves by focusing on roast beef sandwiches.
The name “Arby’s” is a playful nod to the Raffel brothers’ initials, R.B. (for Raffel Brothers). The decision to focus on roast beef was both practical and strategic. Roast beef was considered a premium product, and the Raffels believed it would appeal to a more discerning customer base. Their first restaurant, located on US Route 224 in Boardman, Ohio, was a modest establishment with a simple menu featuring roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and soft drinks.
Early Growth and Expansion
The Raffel brothers’ concept quickly gained traction, and Arby’s began to expand. By 1965, just one year after its founding, the first franchise location opened in Akron, Ohio. This marked the beginning of Arby’s rapid growth throughout the Midwest and beyond. The brothers focused on maintaining high standards for food quality and customer service, which helped build a loyal customer base.
One of the keys to Arby’s early success was its unique cooking method. The roast beef was cooked slowly in-house, allowing the meat to retain its juiciness and flavor. This attention to detail set Arby’s apart from other fast-food chains and helped establish its reputation for quality.
In 1968, Arby’s introduced its iconic curly fries, which quickly became a fan favorite. The addition of curly fries, along with other menu items like the Beef ’n Cheddar sandwich and the Jamocha Shake, helped solidify Arby’s identity as a fast-food chain that offered something different.
Challenges and Changes in Ownership
Despite its early success, Arby’s faced challenges in the 1970s and 1980s. The fast-food industry became increasingly competitive, with new chains emerging and established players expanding their menus. To stay relevant, Arby’s began experimenting with new menu items, including chicken sandwiches, salads, and baked potatoes.
In 1976, the Raffel brothers sold Arby’s to Royal Crown Cola Company (RC Cola) as part of a diversification strategy. However, the acquisition did not yield the expected results, and Arby’s struggled under RC Cola’s ownership. In 1984, Arby’s was sold again, this time to a group of investors led by Victor Posner, a controversial businessman known for his aggressive corporate tactics.
Under Posner’s ownership, Arby’s continued to expand, but the chain faced criticism for declining food quality and inconsistent operations. In 1993, Arby’s was acquired by Triarc Companies, Inc., a holding company led by Nelson Peltz and Peter May. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Arby’s, as Triarc sought to revitalize the brand and restore its reputation for quality.
The Wendy’s Merger and Beyond
In 2008, Arby’s made headlines when it merged with Wendy’s, another iconic fast-food chain. The merger created Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, Inc., which became the third-largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States. However, the partnership was short-lived. The two chains had different customer bases and operational strategies, and the merger failed to deliver the expected synergies.
In 2011, Wendy’s/Arby’s Group sold Arby’s to Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm specializing in restaurant and retail investments. Under Roark’s ownership, Arby’s underwent a significant transformation. The chain refocused on its core strengths, emphasizing high-quality meats and innovative menu items. This strategy paid off, and Arby’s began to experience a resurgence in popularity.
The “We Have the Meats” Era
In 2014, Arby’s launched its now-famous “We Have the Meats” advertising campaign. The campaign, which highlighted Arby’s commitment to meat-centric offerings, struck a chord with consumers and helped reinvigorate the brand. The tagline became a cultural phenomenon, and Arby’s embraced its identity as a destination for meat lovers.
The “We Have the Meats” campaign was accompanied by a series of bold and creative marketing initiatives. Arby’s leveraged social media, pop culture references, and humor to engage with customers and differentiate itself from competitors. For example, the chain famously tweeted during the 2014 Grammy Awards, “Hey @Pharrell, can we have our hat back?”—a playful reference to Pharrell Williams’ oversized hat. The tweet went viral, showcasing Arby’s ability to connect with audiences in unexpected ways.
Menu Innovation and Diversification
In recent years, Arby’s has continued to innovate its menu, introducing new items that cater to evolving consumer tastes. The chain has expanded its offerings to include a wider variety of meats, such as brisket, venison, and elk, as well as plant-based options like the Marrot (a carrot-shaped meatless “meat” made from marinated turkey). Arby’s has also embraced the trend toward premiumization, offering higher-quality ingredients and more sophisticated flavor profiles.
One of Arby’s most notable menu innovations is its Smokehouse Brisket sandwich, which features slow-smoked brisket, smoked Gouda cheese, and crispy onions. The sandwich has been a hit with customers and exemplifies Arby’s commitment to delivering bold, flavorful meals.
Arby’s Today
Today, Arby’s operates over 3,400 locations worldwide, making it one of the largest fast-food chains in the United States. The company remains privately owned by Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company that also owns Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, and Jimmy John’s, among others. Inspire Brands acquired Arby’s in 2018, further solidifying its position in the fast-food industry.
Arby’s continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and trends to stay competitive. The chain has invested in digital ordering platforms, delivery services, and loyalty programs to enhance the customer experience. At the same time, Arby’s remains true to its roots, offering the roast beef sandwiches and curly fries that made it famous.
Conclusion
The history of Arby’s is a testament to the power of innovation, adaptability, and a clear brand identity. From its humble beginnings in Boardman, Ohio, to its status as a global fast-food leader, Arby’s has consistently differentiated itself by offering high-quality, meat-centric meals that stand apart from the competition. Through changes in ownership, industry challenges, and shifting consumer preferences, Arby’s has remained committed to its core values while embracing new opportunities for growth.
As Arby’s looks to the future, it continues to build on its legacy of creativity and quality. Whether it’s through bold marketing campaigns, innovative menu items, or a focus on customer satisfaction, Arby’s has proven that it has what it takes to thrive in the ever-changing world of fast food. And with its iconic tagline, “We Have the Meats,” Arby’s is poised to remain a favorite among meat lovers for years to come.
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