Arby’s is celebrating its 61st birthday today, and boy do they have some sizzling stories to tell! The beloved fast-food chain known for its roast beef sandwiches has been keeping some tasty secrets over the decades.
From mysterious name origins to hidden menu items that will make your mouth water, these revelations might change how you see your favorite meat sandwich spot.
1. The Name Mystery Finally Solved
Forget everything you thought you knew about Arby’s! Many fans assume the name stands for ‘Roast Beef,’ but that’s completely wrong. The truth is much more personal – it’s actually a clever play on the initials ‘R.B.’ for Raffel Brothers, Forrest and Leroy, who founded the chain. These entrepreneurial siblings wanted to create something that sounded catchy yet meaningful. The pronunciation of ‘R.B.’ evolved into ‘Arby’s,’ creating a memorable brand that’s stood the test of time. Next time you bite into that roast beef sandwich, you’re actually enjoying a bite of family legacy!
2. Birthday Confusion: Not Actually 61 Years Old
Surprise! Despite what many believe, Arby’s isn’t turning 61 this year. The first Arby’s restaurant actually opened its doors on July 23, 1964, in Boardman, Ohio – making the chain just 59 years old as of 2023. The Raffel brothers had a revolutionary idea: create a fast-food restaurant that wasn’t selling hamburgers. At a time when burger joints dominated the landscape, this was a bold move that changed fast-food history. Their gamble on roast beef paid off spectacularly, giving birth to a sandwich empire that continues to thrive today.
3. Almost Called ‘Big Tex’
Imagine walking into a ‘Big Tex’ instead of an Arby’s! This nearly-forgotten piece of fast-food history reveals how close we came to a completely different restaurant identity. The Raffel brothers initially wanted to name their roast beef sandwich shop ‘Big Tex.’ Their Texas-sized dreams were quickly dashed when they discovered the name was already trademarked. This fortunate trademark issue forced them to pivot to their now-iconic name. Sometimes the best brand identities come from second choices – a valuable lesson for any aspiring business owner!
4. Smoke-Free Pioneer
Back when smoking in restaurants was as common as ketchup packets, Arby’s made a bold move. In 1994, they became one of the first nationwide fast-food chains to implement a complete smoking ban in all their locations. This decision came years before smoking bans became legally mandated across the country. Health-conscious customers celebrated while others grumbled, but Arby’s stood firm on their commitment to a cleaner dining environment. The forward-thinking policy not only improved air quality but positioned Arby’s as a family-friendly establishment ahead of its time.
5. The Wendy’s Takeover Nobody Remembers
Fast-food drama at its finest! In a surprising corporate twist, Arby’s parent company Triarc Companies actually acquired Wendy’s in 2008. For a brief moment in fast-food history, the roast beef specialist owned the square-burger giant. This unusual marriage of meat merchants didn’t last long. The corporate relationship dissolved when Wendy’s eventually spun off into its own company again. The brief union represents one of the most interesting chapters in fast-food corporate history that most customers never knew about while enjoying their Beef ‘n Cheddars and Frosties.
6. The Legendary Secret Menu
Hidden in plain sight, Arby’s maintains a legendary secret menu that most customers never discover. The crown jewel of these unofficial offerings is the infamous ‘Meat Mountain’ – a protein powerhouse stacking every single meat Arby’s serves between two buns. This monstrous creation includes chicken tenders, roast turkey, ham, corned beef, brisket, Angus steak, roast beef, and bacon. Only the bravest carnivores dare to conquer this meaty masterpiece. Simply ask your cashier for it by name, though be prepared for some employees to be shocked by your insider knowledge!
7. The Fast-Food Empire Builder
Arby’s isn’t just a sandwich shop – it’s secretly the cornerstone of a fast-food empire! In 2018, Arby’s formed Inspire Brands, a restaurant powerhouse that went on an acquisition spree. The company now owns an impressive collection of familiar names: Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John’s, Baskin-Robbins, and even Dunkin’. This quiet expansion transformed the roast beef restaurant into one of the largest restaurant companies in America. Most customers have no idea that their curly fries and wings are actually coming from the same corporate family.
8. The Venison Experiment
Arby’s made fast-food history when they introduced something truly wild – venison sandwiches! In 2016, they tested deer meat sandwiches in select hunting-heavy markets to immediate sensation. Lines wrapped around buildings as curious customers and hunters alike clamored to try this unprecedented fast-food offering. The limited-time item sold out within hours at most locations. The experiment was so successful that Arby’s briefly expanded it nationwide in 2017, cementing their reputation as the fast-food chain willing to push boundaries far beyond the typical burger-and-fries formula.
9. The Iconic Hat Evolution
Arby’s signature cowboy hat logo has a fascinating evolution story few people know. The original 1960s design featured a gigantic 10-gallon hat that perfectly matched their Western-themed branding and restaurant aesthetics. Over decades, this iconic symbol has been streamlined and modernized multiple times. Sharp-eyed fans might notice vintage signs still sporting the original oversized hat at some older locations. The hat remains central to Arby’s visual identity today, though in a sleeker form – a testament to how good branding elements can evolve while maintaining their essential character.
10. Sauce Fanatics Unite
Arby’s sauces have developed a cult-like following that borders on obsession. The tangy, slightly sweet Arby’s Sauce and the zesty, horseradish-packed Horsey Sauce inspire devotion unlike any other condiments in fast food. The demand became so intense that the chain began bottling these beloved sauces for retail sale. Fans can now purchase them in grocery stores to recreate that distinctive Arby’s flavor at home. Some dedicated enthusiasts even collect the sauce packets, with rare or discontinued varieties fetching surprising prices in online collectible markets!
11. The Voice Behind ‘We Have The Meats’
That deep, rumbling voice declaring “We Have The Meats” belongs to none other than Hollywood actor Ving Rhames! The iconic slogan that revitalized Arby’s brand only began in 2014, despite feeling like it’s been around forever. Rhames, known for tough-guy roles in films like Pulp Fiction and the Mission: Impossible series, brings gravitas to the meat-focused message. This marketing masterstroke helped transform Arby’s image from outdated to bold and contemporary. The campaign sparked a remarkable turnaround for the brand, proving sometimes all you need is the right voice saying the right words.
12. The Science Behind Those Perfect Curly Fries
Those iconic orange curls aren’t just delicious – they’re scientifically engineered! Arby’s curly fries consistently rank as America’s favorite fast-food fries because of their proprietary spice blend and unique production process. The potatoes undergo a special spiral-slicing technique that creates the perfect shape for maximum crispiness. Then comes the secret seasoning – a carefully guarded blend rumored to contain paprika, cayenne, onion powder, and garlic. Even professional chefs struggle to replicate the distinct flavor and texture that makes these twisted potato treasures so irresistibly addictive.
