ATLANTA, USA — What began as a single roast beef sandwich stand in Boardman, Ohio, in 1964 has grown into one of the most recognizable fast-food brands in the world. Arby’s, known for its meat-centric menu and memorable slogan “We Have The Meats,” continues to make headlines as both a legacy brand and an innovator in the quick-service restaurant industry. (Wikipedia)
Founded by brothers Forrest and Leroy Raffel, Arby’s was conceived as an alternative to the hamburger-dominated fast-food landscape of the 1960s. The Raffels, who operated a restaurant equipment business before entering the restaurant world, chose roast beef as their flagship offering and branded the restaurant after the initials “R.B.” — a phonetic nod to “Raffel Brothers.” (Nav)
Over six decades later, the chain has expanded into multiple countries and introduced a variety of menu items beyond its original roast beef sandwich. Its journey reflects both entrepreneurial vision and the challenges of staying relevant in a highly competitive industry.
Arby’s Key Milestones and Facts
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1964 | First Arby’s opens in Boardman, Ohio, serving roast beef sandwiches, chips, and soft drinks. (Wikipedia) |
| 1970s | Rapid expansion with new menu items such as Beef ’n Cheddar and curly fries. (Wikipedia) |
| 1976 | Arby’s sold to RC Cola for $18 million. (Wikipedia) |
| 1991 | First “lite” menu in fast food introduced. (Wikipedia) |
| 2017 | Parent company renamed Inspire Brands after acquiring Buffalo Wild Wings. (Wikipedia) |
| 2025 | New limited-time menu items such as steak nuggets introduced. (Food & Wine) |
What Sets Arby’s Apart in Fast Food
Arby’s carved out its niche by emphasizing meat quality and variety — a strategy that distinguished it from competitors like McDonald’s and Subway early on. While many fast-food restaurants focused on burgers or sandwiches as an afterthought, Arby’s positioned roast beef and other premium proteins at the center of its menu. (Chowhound)
The chain also introduced industry firsts such as a complete “lite” menu in 1991, catering to evolving consumer preferences for healthier options without sacrificing flavor. (Wikipedia)
In recent years, Arby’s has continued to innovate with menu items like steak nuggets — a fusion of classic American steak and fast-food convenience — generating buzz among food critics and diners alike. (Food & Wine)
Industry Recognition and Global Reach
Today, Arby’s operates thousands of restaurants across the United States and internationally, serving customers in markets including Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Turkey. (Wikipedia)
According to Wikipedia, the chain ranked third in systemwide sales among U.S. quick-service and fast-casual restaurants in 2012, trailing only Subway and Panera Bread. (Wikipedia)
External Links for Further Reading
🔗 Arby’s Official About Page – Learn more about the brand’s history and mission: https://www.arbys.com/about-us/ (Arby's)
🔗 Wikipedia: Arby’s – Comprehensive history and corporate details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arby%27s (Wikipedia)
🔗 Forbes: Arby’s Evolution – Insights into brand transformation and restaurant design updates: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffthomson/2018/03/13/the-evolution-of-arbys-from-neighborhood-chain-to-food-industry-powerhouse/ (forbes.com)