Arby's is a fast food restaurant franchise that is primarily known for selling roast beef sandwiches and several varieties of potato side dishes. Its target market is more adult-oriented than many fast food restaurants such as McDonald's and Burger King.
The Arby's menu also includes Side Kickers (fried appetizers), salads, and Market Fresh (deli-style) sandwiches, but their focus has always been roast beef.
In 2003, Arby's debuted an animated mascot, Arby's Oven Mitt. Voiced by Tom Arnold, Oven Mitt has starred in many commercials. It was also featured in a limited line of Adventure Meal toys. Late in November of 2004, an oven mitt was released to the public for $2.00, but a recall has been set in place due to a defective product. The recall is still in place, so if one has an oven mitt, it can be returned for a $2.00 refund.
Oven Mitt's original name was Smitty, and he even starred in a home made movie found here: [[1]]
Arby's was founded by Forrest and Leroy Raffel , who were determined to open a fast food franchise based on something other than hamburgers. They opened their first restaurant in Boardman, Ohio on July 23, 1964 where they initially served only roast beef sandwiches, potato chips, and beverages. One year later, the first Arby's licensee opened a restaurant in Akron, Ohio. Expansion to other states began in 1968. As of 2004, there are over 3400 restaurants worldwide.
The name Arby's came as a result of the brothers' inability to use the name "Big Tex" that was being used by an Akron businessman. They eventually decided on Arby's, which stands for R.B., the initials of Raffel Brothers. This also, perhaps not coincidentally, can stand for "roast beef" as well. In the early 1980s Arby's used the slogan "America's Roast Beef, Yes Sir."
Arby's is currently franchised by Triarc , which also owns over 200 restaurants. Triarc also franchises T.J. Cinnamons and Pasta Connection and used to own RC Cola. RTM Restaurant Group is the largest owner of Arby's franchises (as well as Mrs. Winners ).
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Last updated: 06-20-2005 06:25:28
