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{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Arby's
| logo = [[File:Arby's logo.svg|200px]]
| caption =
| type = Privately held company
| traded_as =
| genre = <!-- Only used with media and publishing companies -->
| fate =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| foundation = {{start date and age|1964|07|23}}<br>[[Boardman, Ohio]], U.S.
| founders = {{ublist|Forrest Raffel|Leroy Raffel}}
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| location_city = [[Sandy Springs, Georgia]]
| location_country = U.S.
| locations = 3,342 (December 2015)
| area_served = {{ublist|[[United States]]|[[Canada]]|[[Turkey]]|[[United Arab Emirates]]|[[Qatar]]}}<ref name="arbysfaq">{{cite web |url=http://arbys.com/faq/ |title=Arby's FAQ |publisher=Arby’s |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>
| key_people = Paul Brown (CEO)
| industry = Restaurants
| products = Fast food<br />[[Sandwiches]] ([[roast beef]]{{•}}[[Angus cattle|Angus beef]]{{•}}[[Chicken (food)|chicken]]{{•}}[[Turkey meat|turkey]]){{•}}[[salads]]{{•}}[[french fries]]{{•}}[[onion rings]]{{•}}[[potato cake]]s{{•}}[[mozzarella sticks]]{{•}}soft drinks{{•}}[[Iced tea|ice tea]]{{•}}[[milkshakes]]{{•}}desserts{{•}}and a complete [[Breakfast|breakfast menu]] served daily from 6:00&nbsp;am until 10:30&nbsp;am
| services = Franchising
| revenue = {{profit}} US$1.2637&nbsp;billion (''2007'')<ref name="2007 Report">{{cite report |url=http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/irol/67/67548/interactive07/try_2007_ar.pdf |format=PDF |title=2007 Annual Report |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=[[Triarc]] |date=February 29, 2008 |website=corporate-ir.net}}</ref>
| operating_income = {{profit}} US$9.4&nbsp;million (''2007'')<ref name="2007 Report"/>
| net_income = {{profit}} US$16.1&nbsp;million (''2007'')<ref name="2007 Report"/>
| aum = <!-- Only used with financial services companies -->
| assets =
| equity =
| num_employees = 74,000 (2013)<ref name="arg">{{cite web |url=http://www.hoovers.com/arby's/--ID__150808--/free-co-factsheet.xhtml |title=Arby's – Company Overview |first=Joe |last=Bramhall |publisher=[[Hoover's]] |accessdate=October 24, 2008 |date=<!--undated--> |subscription=yes}}</ref>
| owners = [[Roark Capital Group]] <small>(81.5%)</small><br>[[The Wendy's Company]] <small>(18.5%)</small>
| divisions =
| subsid =
| slogan = We Have the Meats™
| homepage = {{url|arbys.com/}}
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}
'''Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc.''' ({{IPAc-en|'|ɔr|b|i|z}}), or simply '''Arby's''', is the second-largest quick-service [[fast-food restaurant|fast-food]] sandwich restaurant chain in the U.S. in terms of units with more than 3,300 restaurants system wide and third in terms of revenue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.qsrmagazine.com/reports/qsr50-2013-sandwich-segment-breakdown? |title=The QSR 50 Sandwich Segment |date=August 2013 |first=Sam |last=Oches |magazine=QSR Magazine |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811153307/http://www.qsrmagazine.com/reports/qsr50-2013-sandwich-segment-breakdown? |archivedate=August 11, 2013 |accessdate=March 9, 2016 |publisher=Journalistic Inc.}}</ref>

[[Roark Capital Group]] acquired the company in July 2011 and owns 81.5% of the company, with [[The Wendy's Company]] owning the other 18.5%. In addition to its classic Roast Beef and Beef 'n Cheddar sandwiches,<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite press release |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arbys-foundation-invests-3-million-in-the-fight-to-end-childhood-hunger-in-georgia-186340312.html |title=Arby's Foundation Invests $3 Million in the Fight To End Childhood Hunger in Georgia |publisher=The Arby's Foundation |date=January 10, 2013 |website=[[PR Newswire]] |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Arby's products also include deli-style Market Fresh line of sandwiches, Curly Fries and Jamocha Shakes.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> Its headquarters are in [[Sandy Springs, Georgia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.whitepages.com/business/arbys-corporate-headquarters-atlanta-ga |title=Arby's Corporate Headquarters – Whitepages listing |date=<!--undated--> |accessdate=July 13, 2016 |publisher=[[Whitepages (company)|Whitepages Inc.]] |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

As of December 31, 2015, there were 3,342 restaurants. There are international locations in four countries outside of the United States: Canada, [[Turkey]], [[Qatar]], and [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://locations.arbys.com/ |title=Arby's Locations |website=Arby's |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Arby's-Midland-MI.jpg|thumb|left|An Arby's franchise with vintage sign in [[Midland, Michigan]]. Very few locations still carry this sign.]]

Arby's was founded in [[Boardman, Ohio]], on July 23, 1964, by Forrest (1922–2008)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ncnewsonline.com/archives/forrest-fuzzy-raffel/article_19218f9d-c3c6-5988-a900-002c24849a5c.html |title=Forrest 'Fuzzy' Raffel (obituary) |newspaper=[[New Castle News]] |date=September 24, 2008 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> and Leroy Raffel (1927){{citation needed|date=March 2016}}, owners of a restaurant equipment business who thought there was a market opportunity for a fast food [[Chain store|franchise]] based on a food other than [[hamburgers]]. The brothers wanted to call their restaurants "Big Tex", but that name was already used by an [[Akron, Ohio|Akron]] business. Instead, they chose the name "Arby's", based on ''R. B.'', the initials of '''R'''affel '''B'''rothers.<ref name="Metro Monthly">{{cite news |first=Mark C. |last=Peyko |title=Arby's founder discusses legacy of fast-food chain that began in Youngstown |magazine=Metro Monthly |date=October 9, 2014 |url=https://metromonthly.wordpress.com/2014/10/09/arbys-founder-discusses-legacy-of-fast-food-chain-that-began-in-youngstown/ |accessdate=March 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Fast Food: Roadside Restaurants in the Automobile Age |first1=John A. |last1=Jakle |first2=Keith A. |last2=Sculle |last-author-amp=yes |publisher=JHU Press |url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Fast_Food.html?id=0nYcgnWKWXgC&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button#v=onepage&q=arby's&f=false |date=2002 |page=174 |isbn=9780801869204 |accessdate=March 9, 2016}}</ref>

The Raffel brothers opened the first new restaurant in [[Boardman, Ohio]], just outside [[Youngstown, Ohio|Youngstown]], on July 23, 1964. They initially served only [[roast beef]] sandwiches, potato chips, and soft drinks. Hoping to attract a more upscale clientele, Arby's interior design was purposely more luxurious in appearance than the typical fast food sandwich stand of the day. Arby's offered their roast beef sandwiches for $.69 at a time when hamburger stands were charging $.15 for a hamburger.<ref name="Encyclopedia">{{cite book |title=Fast Food and Junk Food: An Encyclopedia of What We Love to Eat |first=Andrew F. |last=Smith |publisher=ABC-CLIO |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7-WcKK01H1cC&pg=PA16&dq=arby%27s&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjsyYaS-7PLAhUJ4mMKHSbkC-s4ChDoAQgzMAA#v=onepage&q=arby's&f=false |date=2011 |pages=16–17 |isbn=9780313393938 |accessdate=March 9, 2016}}</ref> A year later, the first Arby's [[licensee]] opened a restaurant in [[Akron, Ohio]]. The famous Arby's "hat" was designed by the original sign makers, Peskin Sign Co.<ref>{{cite news |first=Margie |last=Trax Page |title=Hats Off to Arby's |url=http://www.starbeacon.com/archives/hats-off-to-arby-s/article_2bcc88cf-5f2e-5b5a-b01a-785f39b6c144.html |newspaper=[[Star Beacon]] |date=November 23, 2009 |accessdate=December 29, 2016}}</ref> Expansion to other states began in 1968, beginning in [[Pittsburgh]]<ref name="ppg-1987may13">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19870513&id=sstRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=6m0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3956,3614018&hl=en |title=Puts Stakes on Supper Steaks |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |date=May 13, 1987 |page=30 |first=Jim |last=Gallagher |via=[[Google News]]}}</ref> (the closest large out-of-state market to Youngstown) and Detroit.

During the 1970s, the expansion of Arby's took place at a rate of 50 stores per year. During this time it created several menu items, including the Beef 'n Cheddar, Jamocha Shakes, chicken sandwiches, Curly Fries, and two signature sauces: Arby's Sauce and Horsey Sauce.<ref name="Decades">{{cite book |title=American Food by the Decades |first=Sherri |last=Machlin |publisher=ABC-CLIO |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=273eCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA215&dq=%22Wich+Stand%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDYQ6AEwAmoVChMIq-2wk8qQyAIVA5MeCh2v1QEk#v=onepage&q=%22Wich%20Stand%22&f=false |date=2011 |pages=153–154 |isbn=9780313376993 |accessdate=March 9, 2016}}</ref> Baked potatoes were added to the menu in 1968.<ref name="sc-1985feb19">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1345&dat=19850219&id=U7USAAAAIBAJ&sjid=o_kDAAAAIBAJ&pg=2346,479451&hl=en |title=Baked Potatoes Rolled Out in Fast-food War |newspaper=[[Spokane Chronicle]] |date=February 19, 1985 |page=F1 |first=Edwart |last=Rouse |via=[[Google News]]}}</ref> Curly Fries were initially introduced as Curly-Q Fries in 1988.<ref name="lat-1988nov20">{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/1988-11-20/business/fi-357_1_many-french-fry/2 |title=Potato Redux : As the Dining Public's Interest in French Fries Ebbs, Industry Seeks New Ways to Prepare the Lowly Spud |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=November 20, 1988 |first=Jesus |last=Sanchez}}</ref> It became the first restaurant in the fast food industry to offer a complete "lite" menu in 1991 with several sandwiches and salads under 300 calories and 94 percent fat-free.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/><ref name="ct-1991may01">{{cite news |url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-05-01/business/9102080451_1_roast-beef-mclean-deluxe-burger-king |title=Arby's Adds Lite Offerings To Menu |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=May 1, 1991 |first=George |last=Lazarus}}</ref>

The family-owned business tried to converting into a public company in 1970 by the offering the sale of stock,<ref name="wsj-1969dec26">{{cite news |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/doc/133353070.html |title=Arby's Combination Offering |newspaper=[[Wall Street Journal]] |date=December 26, 1969 |page=7 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |subscription=yes}} [http://search.proquest.com/docview/133353070/ Alternate Link] via [[ProQuest]].</ref> but the IPO never went through when the stock market subsequently fell.<ref name="tw-1989oct22">{{cite news |url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/million-business-franchise-is-made-from-scratch/article_0498312f-1ce9-5060-ae57-fad22d321121.html |title=$40 Million Business // Franchise Is Made From Scratch |newspaper=[[Tulsa World]] |date=October 22, 1989 |first=Jane |last=Erwin}}</ref> In 1976, the family sold the company to [[Royal Crown Cola|Royal Crown Cola Company]] for $18&nbsp;million<ref name="ppg-1976jul27">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19760727&id=jQMOAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gG0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=3282,2676869&hl=en |title=Royal Crown To Buy Arby's |newspaper=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |date=July 27, 1976 |page=23 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |via=[[Google News]]}}</ref> and Leroy Raffel remained as CEO until his retirement three years later.<ref name="tw-1989oct22" />

In 1984, [[Victor Posner]] obtained Arby's via a hostile takeover of its then parent Royal Crown<ref name="nyt-1984jan26">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/26/business/posner-bid-gains-for-crown-cos.html |title=Posner Bid Gains for Crown Cos. |newspaper=[[New York Times]] |date=January 26, 1984 |first=Robert J. |last=Cole}}</ref> through his DWG Corporation.<ref name="FU">{{cite web |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Triarc-Companies-Inc-Company-History.html |title=Triarc Companies, Inc. Company History |accessdate=June 17, 2008 |work=Funding Universe |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Nine years later, with a new owner of DWG Corporation and a new name, Triarc Companies, Inc.,<ref name="prn-1993oct27">{{cite press release |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TRIARC+COMPANIES+IS+NEW+NAME+FOR+DWG+CORPORATION-a014257275 |title=Triarc Companies Is New Name for DWG Corporation |work=[[PR Newswire]] |date=October 27, 1993 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref> a former PepsiCo executive, Don Pierce, was brought in to "resurrect" Arby's.<ref name="sfss-1994jun05">{{cite news |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1994-06-05/business/9406030622_1_triarc-cos-nelson-peltz-dwg |title=Triarc To Highlight Turnaround at Meeting |newspaper=[[Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel]] |date=June 5, 1994 |first=Tracy |last=Kolody}}</ref> With $100&nbsp;million additional funding, Pierce moved to a new "Roast Town" concept, similar in format to [[Boston Market]], in 1996.<ref name="nndp-1996jun24">{{cite news |url=http://articles.dailypress.com/1996-06-24/business/9606240060_1_triarc-restaurant-group-arby-s-roast-beef-restaurants-tidewater-management-group |title=Arby's Chain Plans Major Changes, But Not Locally |newspaper=[[Newport News Daily Press]] |date=June 24, 1996 |first=Patricia |last=Lineberry}}</ref> The Roast Town concept received poor marks in market tests and was quickly discontinued. Pierce and his team left the company and it sold all of its 354 company-owned locations to RTM Restaurant Group, an existing Arby's franchise, for $71&nbsp;million.<ref name="os-1997feb14">{{cite news |url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1997-02-14/business/9702131208_1_arby-triarc-rtm |title=Arby's Sells 355 Restaurants |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |date=February 14, 1997 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Another marketing concept that was tried was a dual-brand venture that was started in 1995 with [[ZuZu's Handmade Mexican Grill]].<ref name="sfss-1995jul12">{{cite news |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1995-07-12/business/9507110480_1_arby-roast-beef-sandwich-long-john-silver |title=Arby's, Mexican Fast-food Chain Plan Partnership |newspaper=[[Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel]] |date=July 12, 1995 |first=Tracy |last=Kolody}}</ref> The marketing venture was a failure resulting in lawsuits being filed by each company against the other.<ref name="wsj-1997aug12">{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB871336322208664000 |title=Mexican-Food Venture Gives Arby's Some Serious Indigestion |newspaper=[[Wall Street Journal]] |date=August 12, 1997 |first=Jeffrey A. |last=Tannenbaum}}</ref>

In 1992, Les Franchises P.R.A.G. Inc. opened the first Arby's franchise in the Canadian province of Quebec.<ref name="bw-1992oct27">{{cite press release |title=Arby's Opens First in Quebec |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=October 27, 1992 |page=1 |last=Duffy |first=Caroline}} [http://search.proquest.com/docview/447045724/ Link] via [[ProQuest]].</ref> It was also the 100th location to open in Canada and joins other locations that were then operating in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. The Quebec location also sold the uniquely French-Canadian dish called [[poutine]].

In 2002, Arby's returned to operating restaurants by purchasing the second largest Arby's franchisee, Sybra Inc., with 293 locations out of bankruptcy outbidding RTM so as to prevent RTM from becoming too large.<ref name="qm-2002nov26">{{cite news |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/triarc-acquire-sybra-inc |title=Triarc to Acquire Sybra, Inc. |website=QSR Magazine |date=November 26, 2002 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> RTM was purchased by Arby's on July 25, 2005.<ref>{{cite web |title=RTM Restaurant Group: Private Company Information |url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=1065483 |work=[[Bloomberg BusinessWeek]] |accessdate=August 1, 2011 |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref><ref name="bw-2005jul25">{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050725005971/en/Triarc-Completes-Acquisition-RTM-Restaurant-Group-Arbys |title=Triarc Completes Acquisition of RTM Restaurant Group, Arby's Largest Franchisee; Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. Enters into $720 Million Credit Facility |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=July 25, 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

In 2008, Triarc purchased [[Wendy's]], and changed its name to Wendy's/Arby's Group, to reflect their core businesses.<ref>{{cite news |title=Triarc, Owner of Arby's, to Buy Wendy's |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/business/apwendy-web.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=April 24, 2008 |accessdate=August 17, 2011 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref><ref name="September 15 Press Release Triarc">{{cite press release |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=67548&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1197181 |title=Triarc and Wendy's Shareholders Approve Merger |date=September 15, 2008 |website=corporate-ir.net |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> In January 2011, it was announced that Wendy's/Arby's Group were looking into selling the Arby's side of the business to focus on the Wendy's brand.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aol.com/article/2011/01/20/wendys-arbys-group-considers-sale/19808245/ |title=Wendy's/Arby's Group Considers Spinning Off Arby's |website=[[AOL News]] |accessdate=January 20, 2011 |first=Melly |last=Alazraki |date=January 20, 2011}}</ref> It was officially announced the companies would split on January 21, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/american-fast-food-from-supersize-to-downsized-535838.html |title=American Fast Food: From Supersize to Downsized |website=[[Yahoo! Finance]] |accessdate=January 21, 2011 |date=January 21, 2011 |first=Daniel |last=Gross |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124221935/https://finance.yahoo.com/tech-ticker/american-fast-food-from-supersize-to-downsized-535838.html |archive-date=2011-01-24 |deadurl=yes}}</ref> In 2009, the Wendy's/Arby's Group signed a franchise deal with the Al Jammaz Group of Saudi Arabia to open dual-branded Wendy's/Arby's through the Middle East<ref name="abj-2009jun16">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2009/06/15/daily27.html |title=Wendy's/Arby's expands in Middle East |work=[[Atlanta Business Journal]] |date=June 16, 2009 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> with the first location opening in [[Dubai]] in the [[United Arab Emirates]] in May 2010.<ref name="abj-2010may11">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/05/10/daily14.html |title=Wendy's/Arby's opens in Dubai |work=[[Atlanta Business Journal]] |date=May 11, 2010 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> The Wendy's/Arby's Group also signed a similar franchise deal in June 2010 with Tab Gida Sanayi ve Ticaret to open dual-branded restaurants in Turkey.<ref name="abj-2010jun03">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2010/05/31/daily28.html |title=100 more Arby's coming to Turkey |work=[[Atlanta Business Journal]] |date=June 3, 2010 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

There were two different attempts to operate franchises in the United Kingdom. GSR Restaurant Group opened their first Arby's franchise location in London in 1992 followed by a second location the following year in Glasgow.<ref name="tc-1994nov24">{{cite news |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/articles/31290/arbys-undaunted-by-london-closure |title=Arby's undaunted by London closure |magazine=[[The Caterer]] |date=November 24, 1994 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> These were also the first locations to open in Europe, but both were forced to close by 1994. In 2001, Barown Restaurants open two Arby's franchise locations in Southampton, Hampshire, and Sutton, Surrey, but both were forced to closed after operating for a few months.<ref name="tc-2001aug06">{{cite news |url=https://www.thecaterer.com/articles/37722/arbys-backers-go-bust-after-second-launch |title=Arby's backers go bust after second launch |magazine=[[The Caterer]] |date=August 6, 2001 |first=Ben |last=Walker}}</ref>

On June 13, 2011, Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. announced that it would sell the majority of its Arby's chain to [[Roark Capital Group]] while maintaining an 18.5% stake in the company.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jargon |first1=Julie |last2=Gasparro |first2=Annie |title=Wendy's Parts With Arby's Roast-Beef Chain |url=https://www.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303848104576383211960795164.html |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=June 13, 2011 |page=B8 |last-author-amp=yes}}</ref> At the time of the sale, Arby's was experiencing an operating loss for the year of $35&nbsp;million with 350 Arby's franchisees were more than 60 days late in royalty payments and 74 low performing franchised units and 96 company-owned units were forced to closed.<ref name="tm-2011jun14">{{cite news |url=http://business.time.com/2011/06/14/why-wendys-cant-stomach-any-more-arbys/ |title=Why Wendy's Can't Stomach Any More Arby's |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=June 14, 2011 |first=Bill |last=Saporito}}</ref> Despite its cash flow problem, Arby's also reported that it had six months of sales growth at established stores in the United States which it had attributed to its new turnaround plan that it had recently launched.<ref name="ajc-2011jun13">{{cite news |url=http://www.ajc.com/news/business/wendysarbys-group-to-sell-arbys-to-atlanta-based-r/nQwMG/ |title=Wendy's/Arby's Group to sell Arby's to Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group |newspaper=[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]] |date=June 13, 2011 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> The new owners turned the company around by closing more underperforming locations, changing the company's marketing strategy, and by introducing new products on a regular basis. After four years, Arby's was able to issue $300&nbsp;million in dividends, which result in Wendy's receiving $54.9&nbsp;million for its minority stake with the remainder paid to Roark.<ref name="nrn-2015nov16">{{cite news |url=http://nrn.com/blog/arbys-sale-keeps-paying-wendys |title=Arby's sale keeps paying off for Wendy's |magazine=[[Nation's Restaurant News]] |date=November 16, 2015 |first=Jonathan |last=Maze}}</ref>

==Products==
[[File:Arbys beef fries sauce 2.JPG|thumb|Arby's medium roast beef sandwich with curly fries]]
[[File:Arby's cheddar melt.jpg|thumb|"Beef-n-Cheddar" sandwich]]
In addition to roast beef, deli style sandwiches, called "Market Fresh Sandwiches," are sold at Arby's. The original lineup of sandwiches included Roast Beef and Swiss, Roast Turkey and Swiss, Roast Ham and Swiss, and Roast Chicken Caesar. With the exception of the Chicken Caesar, all Market Fresh Sandwiches came with the standard toppings of spicy brown honey mustard, mayonnaise, red onion rings, green leaf lettuce, tomato slices and sliced Swiss cheese. Additions to the Market Fresh lineup included Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon and the Ultimate BLT. Market Fresh Five-Star Club, served on Harvest White Bread, was introduced in 2003 for a limited time.<ref name="bw-2003jul07">{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030707005101/en/Arbys-Introduces-Market-Fresh-Five-Star-Club |title=Arby's Introduces New Market Fresh Five-Star Club |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=July 7, 2003 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

The Ultimate BLT was released for a limited time in 2002<ref name="qm-2002jul08">{{cite news |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/arbys-introduces-ultimate-blt |title=Arby's Introduces Ultimate BLT |website=QSR Magazine |date=July 8, 2002 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> and later in 2012.<ref name="foodbeast-2012jun06">{{cite news |url=http://www.foodbeast.com/news/7-layer-klondike-lasagna/ |title=Arby's Launches a Limited-time 'Ultimate BLT' With 5-Strips of Bacon |website=[[Foodbeast]] |date=June 6, 2012 |first=Elie |last=Ayrouth}}</ref>

In 2003, the line was again expanded to include other styles of specialty sandwiches that were served on baguettes that included the Italian Beef 'n Provolone,<ref name="hc-2003mar14">{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Drive-Thru-Gourmet-A-beefy-Italian-to-look-out-2110334.php |title=Drive-Thru Gourmet: A beefy Italian to look out for: Arby's sandwich is no patsy |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |date=March 14, 2003 |first=Ken |last=Hoffman}}</ref> French Dip 'n Swiss, Philly Beef Supreme,<ref name="bw-2003nov20">{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20031120005085/en/Arbys-Introduces-Oven-Roasted-Sandwiches-Fall |title=Arby's Introduces New Oven Roasted Sandwiches This Fall |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=November 20, 2003 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> and Pot Roast<ref name="bw-2003apr18">{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20030418005146/en/Arbys-Introduces-Homestyle-Pot-Roast-Sandwich |title=Arby's Introduces a New Homestyle Pot Roast Sandwich |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=April 18, 2003 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref><ref name="hc-2003may23">{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Drive-Thru-Gourmet-Arby-s-mom-cooks-a-better-2122373.php |title=Drive-Thru Gourmet: Arby's 'mom' cooks a better pot roast than most |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |date=May 23, 2003 |first=Ken |last=Hoffman}}</ref> sandwiches.

Corned beef and turkey Reuben sandwiches were added to the menu in 2005.<ref name="bw-2005apr15">{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050415005193/en/Arbys-Adds-Classic-Reuben-Sandwich-Market-Fresh |title=Arby's Adds Classic Reuben Sandwich to Its Market Fresh Menu Line Up |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=April 15, 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

In early 2006, Arby's Restaurant Group signed a contract with [[Pepsi]], making Pepsi the chain's exclusive soft drink provider. When franchisees' contracts expire with [[Coca-Cola]], they will be required to switch to [[Pepsi-Cola]],<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78265&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=797826 |title=Arby's Restaurants Chooses Pepsi |work=corporate-ir.net |date=December 19, 2005 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> the only exception was the Arby's located at [[Youngstown State University]] because the University has its own separate contract with Coca-Cola for other university purposes, particularly the [[Youngstown State Penguins|athletic department]]. This Arby's closed in mid-2012 when construction began to convert the location into a [[Wendy's]].<ref name="Kilcawley">{{cite web |first=Kevin |last=Alquist |title=Wendy's to replace Arby's in Kilcawley Center |url=http://www.thejambar.com/wendy-s-to-replace-arby-s-in-kilcawley-center-1.2750956#.UOnDQG-7PTo |date=August 21, 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113090759/http://www.thejambar.com/wendy-s-to-replace-arby-s-in-kilcawley-center-1.2750956 |archivedate=January 13, 2013 |deadurl=yes |newspaper=The Jambar (Youngstown State University Student Newspaper) |accessdate=March 9, 2016}}</ref>

Toasted Subs, sandwiches served on a toasted ciabatta roll, were first introduced in September 2007. The initial line-up included the French Dip & Swiss Toasted Sub, Philly Beef Toasted Sub, Classic Italian Toasted Sub, and Turkey Bacon Club.<ref name="qw-2007sep27">{{cite news |url=http://www.qsrweb.com/news/arbys-intros-toasted-subs/ |title=Arby's intros Toasted Subs |website=QSR Web |date=September 27, 2007 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Three months later, the Toasted Subs product line was extended to include the Meatball Toasted Sub and the Chicken Parmesan Toasted Sub.<ref name="nrn-2007dec06">{{cite news |url=http://nrn.com/archive/arby-s-extends-toasted-sub-line-lto |title=Arby's extends Toasted Sub line with LTO |magazine=[[Nation's Restaurant News]] |date=December 6, 2007 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |subscription=yes}}</ref>

In October 2013, Arby's introduced a Smokehouse Brisket sandwich.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.provisioneronline.com/articles/print/99972-bullish-on-brisket |title=Arby's: Bullish on brisket |magazine=The National Provisioner |date=January 10, 2014 |first=Andy |last=Hanacek}}</ref>

In September 2014, Arby's introduced [[gyros]] to its menu for a limited time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foodbeast.com/2014/08/27/arbys-attempts-to-stay-relevant-with-new-gyros/ |title=Arby's Becomes Largest Chain Ever to Launch Gyros |website=[[Foodbeast]] |first=Charisma |last=Madarang |date=August 27, 2014}}</ref> Gyros were previously offered in 2006.<ref name="bw-2006apr24">{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060424006108/en/Arbys-Offers-Taste-Greece-Introduction-Market-Fresh |title=Arby's Offers a Taste of Greece with Introduction of Market Fresh Roast Beef Gyro; Arby's is Largest QSR to Offer Greek Specialty Pita Sandwich Nationwide |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=April 24, 2006 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> They have since become a permanent menu fixture on the menu in April 2016.<ref name="foodbeast-2016apr05">{{cite news |url=http://www.foodbeast.com/news/arbys-gyros-permanent/ |title=Arby's Permanently Adds 'Mediterranean Tacos' To Their Meaty Menu |website=[[Foodbeast]] |date=April 5, 2016 |first=Isai |last=Rocha}}</ref>

On an almost annual basis, Arby's had offered some sort of a flatbread melt sandwich for a limited time. In 2007<ref name="qm-2007mar05">{{cite news |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/arbys-introduces-new-limited-time-sandwiches |title=Arby's Introduces New Limited-Time Sandwiches |website=QSR Magazine |date=March 5, 2007 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref><ref name="nrn-2007apr02">{{cite news |url=http://nrn.com/archive/arby-s-rolls-out-flat-bread-sandwiches-offers-trips-country-music-awards |title=Arby's Rolls Out Flat-Bread Sandwiches, Offers Trips to Country Music Awards |magazine=[[Nation's Restaurant News]] |date=April 2, 2007 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |subscription=yes}}</ref><ref name="bw-2007mar02">{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20070302005589/en/Hot-Reasons-Arbys-Flatbread-Melts-Academy-Country |title=Two More Hot Reasons to Get to Arby's®: Flatbread Melts and the Academy of Country Music Awards |work=[[Business Wire]] |date=March 2, 2007 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> and again in 2008,<ref name="tfc-2008may07">{{cite news |url=http://www.foodchannel.com/articles/article/arbys-flatbreads-back-on-the-menu/ |title=Arby's Flatbreads Back on the Menu |website=[[The Food Channel]] |date=May 7, 2008 |first=Alicia |last=Karapetian}}</ref> it was the Philly Cheesesteak and the Fajita Beef. The Beef Fajita returned with the new Chicken Fajita in 2009.<ref name="tib-2009jun03">{{cite news |url=http://www.theimpulsivebuy.com/wordpress/2009/06/03/news-arbys-fajita-flatbread-melts-have-me-thinking-taco-bell/ |title=Arby's Fajita Flatbread Melts Have Me Thinking Taco Bell |website=The Impulsive Buy |date=June 3, 2009 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> After a six-year hiatus, Steak Fajita Flatbreads were offered for a limited time in 2015.<ref name="be-2015nov30">{{cite news |url=http://www.brandeating.com/2015/11/arbys-launches-new-steak-fajita-flatbreads.html |title=Arby's Launches New Steak Fajita Flatbreads |website=Brand Eating |date=November 30, 2015 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> The following year, Steak Fajita returned in 2016 with Chicken Fajita along with a choice between a hot and mild sauce.<ref name="tib-2016oct26">{{cite news |url=http://www.theimpulsivebuy.com/wordpress/2016/10/26/fast-food-news-arbys-mild-or-spicy-fajita-flatbreads/ |title=Arby's Mild or Spicy Fajita Flatbreads |website=The Impulsive Buy |date=October 26, 2016 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

After a nine-year hiatus, a pork-beef mixture meatball sandwich was reintroduced in July 2016.<ref name="aa-2016jul25">{{cite news |url=http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategies-were-reading/arby-s-meats-meatballs/305108/ |title=Arby's Has the Meats, and Now It Has the Meatballs: Chefs Spend Year Getting New Item Just Right, Down to Details Such as When to Slice the Bread |magazine=[[Ad Age]] |date=July 25, 2016 |first=Jessica |last=Wohl}}</ref>

In August 2015, Arby's introduced a series of five small sandwiches called [[Slider (sandwich)|Sliders]] starting at $1.29, with prices varied by location.<ref name="foodbeast-2015aug20">{{cite news |url=http://www.foodbeast.com/news/arbys-sliders/ |title=Arby's Releases An Entire SLIDERS Menu For Bite-Sized Appetites |website=[[Foodbeast]] |date=August 20, 2015 |first=Peter |last=Pham}}</ref><ref name="fnc-2015aug25">{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/08/25/arbys-now-has-mini-meats-rolls-out-5-new-sliders/ |title=Arby's rolls out 5 new meat slider sandwiches |website=[[Fox News Channel]] |date=August 25, 2015 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> These new menu items led to an increase in sales at many locations.<ref name="nrn-2015oct15">{{cite news |url=http://nrn.com/blog/arbys-sold-ton-sliders-september |title=Arby's sold a ton of Sliders in September |magazine=[[Nation's Restaurant News]] |date=October 15, 2015 |first=Jonathan |last=Maze}}</ref> This is not the first time Arby's tried to market miniature sandwiches. Two years earlier, Arby's tried to sell a similar product called the Mighty Minis that were sold in pairs.<ref name="be-2013apr20">{{cite news |url=http://www.brandeating.com/2013/04/news-arbys-new-mighty-minis-with.html |title=Arby's – New Mighty Minis with Limited Availability |website=Brand Eating |date=April 20, 2013 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> During the first month of national sales, the firm was able to sell 1 million or a ton of sliders.<ref name="nrn-2015oct15" /> To encourage additional sales outside of normal lunch and dinner meal hours, began to offer sliders and small size drinks and sides at the reduced price of $1 between the hours of 2 and 5 p.m. starting in October 2015.<ref name="be-2015oct17">{{cite news |url=http://www.brandeating.com/2015/10/arbys-offering-1-happy-hour-sliders-at-some-locations.html |title=Arby's Offering $1 Happy Hour Sliders at Some Locations |website=Brand Eating |date=October 17, 2015 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref> Due to Arby's great success in the increase of sales created by the introduction of this new product line, [[Nation's Restaurant News]] awarded Arby's its MenuMasters Award for 2016.<ref name="nrn-2016apr18">{{cite news |url=http://nrn.com/food-trends/menumasters-2016-best-menuline-extension-arbys-sliders |title=MenuMasters 2016 Best Menu/Line Extension: Arby's sliders: Sandwich chain sells 100 million sliders within months of their debut |magazine=[[Nation's Restaurant News]] |date=April 18, 2016 |first=Bret |last=Thorn |subscription=yes}}</ref>

In late August 2016, Arby's introduced four chicken sandwiches that used a buttermilk-based breaded breast filet.<ref name="qm-2016aug29">{{cite news |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/arbys-has-chicken-chain-introduces-buttermilk-line |title=Arby's Has The Chicken: Chain Introduces Buttermilk Line |website=QSR Magazine |date=August 29, 2016 |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref>

Arby's will debut a new sandwich known as Smokehouse Pork Belly Sandwich in October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foodbeast.com/news/arbys-porkbelly/ |title=Arby's To Debut PORK BELLY Sandwiches And We're Foaming at the Mouth |access-date=2016-09-23 |first=Peter |last=Pham |work=[[Foodbeast]] |date=September 21, 2016}}</ref>

In October 2016, word leaked through [[social media]] that Arby's was about to test a [[venison]] sandwich, which Arby's confirmed, selecting 17 stores in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], [[Michigan]], [[Minnesota]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[Tennessee]], and [[Wisconsin]] (all major [[deer hunting]] states) to offer it during a four-day test during those states respective [[hunting season]]s. Prior to the start of the promotion, [[USA Today]] published the locations of all 17 participating restaurants.<ref name="ut-2016oct26">{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2016/10/25/arbys-takes-stab-venison-burgers-select-locations/92727506/ |title=Arby's takes a stab at venison sandwiches in select locations |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |date=October 26, 2016 |first=Mary |last=Bowerman}}</ref> Both due to curiosity and heavy demand from hunters, the sandwiches sold out in all markets on the first day of the test.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnbc.com/2016/11/08/arbys-venison-sandwich-is-a-hit-with-hunters.html |title=Arby's venison sandwich is a hit with hunters |website=[[CNBC]] |date=November 8, 2016 |first=Sarah |last=Whitten}}</ref> Another USA Today article reported that the farm-raised venison was imported from [[New Zealand]].<ref name="ut-2016nov01">{{cite news |url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2016/11/01/arbys-sells-out-venison-sandwich-first-day-nashville/93110636/ |title=Arby's sells out of venison sandwich on first day in Nashville |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |date=November 1, 2016 |first=Jim |last=Myers}}</ref>

Some locations also serve breakfast.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cds.arbys.com/pdfs/nutrition/nutrition-info.pdf |title=Arby's nutrition facts |work=Arby's |date=<!--undated--> |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414020111/http://cds.arbys.com/pdfs/nutrition/nutrition-info.pdf |archivedate=April 14, 2016 |df=mdy }}</ref>

==Global locations==
'''Current Arby's locations:'''
* {{CAN}}
* {{QAT}}
* {{TUR}}
* {{UAE}}
* {{USA}} (every state except [[Rhode Island]] and [[Vermont]])

'''Former Arby's countries:'''
* {{AUS}} (closed in the 2000s)
* {{MEX}} (closed in the 2000s)
* {{ECU}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{BRA}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{CHI}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{JPN}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{NED}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{POL}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{UK}} (closed in the 2000s)
* {{JOR}} (closed in late 1990s)
* {{EGY}} (closed in late 1990s)
* {{INA}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{KUW}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{PHI}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{MAS}} (closed in the 1990s)
* {{PRT}} (closed in late 1990s)
* {{BAH}} (closed in late 1990s)
* {{TWN}} (closed in late 1980s)

==Legal issues==
In November 2002, Access Now filed a lawsuit against RTM, then a franchise of TriArc, that some 800 of their stores did not comply with the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990]] (ADA). The lawsuit had no liability damages except for lawyer fees. In August 2006, the court accepted the settlement between RTM and Access Now. The result was that every year 100 of the RTM stores would be retrofitted to comply with the ADA. Accordingly, it was estimated that about $1.2&nbsp;million would be spent to retrofit those stores each year.<ref name="2007 Report"/>

== See also ==
{{Portal bar|Food}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.arbys.com/|Arby's official website}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Fast-food chains of the United States}}
{{Atlanta companies}}

[[Category:Beef]]
[[Category:Companies based in Ohio]]
[[Category:Companies based in Sandy Springs, Georgia]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of Canada]]
[[Category:Fast-food chains of the United States]]
[[Category:Fast-food franchises]]
[[Category:Restaurant chains in the United States]]
[[Category:Restaurants established in 1964]]
[[Category:Wendy's International]]
[[Category:Youngstown, Ohio]]

Revision as of 16:46, 14 March 2017

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