Arby's was founded on July 23, 1964, and with its 56th anniversary having just passed, there's no better time than to take a look back at the interesting trail this underrated fast-food chain has blazed. While the chain doesn't offer your typical cheeseburger or greasy fries, what it does do, argued by some, is so much better: Hot, steamy roast beef sandwiches, paired with soft onion buns, melted cheese, and a tangy sauce... plus the option for Arby's sauce, which is a staple for fans.
Arby's curly fries are also second to none and those who have had the experience of pulling one out of their cardboard home know that the longer, the better. These seasoned fries can be found in the frozen food aisle of most supermarkets, but there's nothing like eating them hot out of the fryer. Lastly, Arby's has an interesting take on the milkshake: all hail the classic Jamocha shake. What is it exactly, and how did it come about? Where did the idea for fast-food roast beef come from over a hamburger? All these questions and more, answered.
"Arby" Doesn't Actually Exist
The restaurant chain was actually created by two brothers, Leroy and Forrest Raffell, who were called the Raffell Brothers. The first two letters of both names are "RB," therefore the name "Arby" just fell into place as a play on sounds. While many still question who the heck Arby is - not unlike Ronald McDonald or Wendy - there was no person who inspired this chain name, only two brothers who appreciated consonants.
Arby's is the second-largest sandwich chain in the US, only falling behind Subway in terms of popularity. The restaurant was founded in Ohio and the Raffell Brothers actually owned a restaurant equipment business prior to opening up Arby's. When it was decided that the country needed a fast-food joint that was based on a dish rather than a food, they were there to fill the void, and thus, everyone's favorite roast beef was born. The two had originally wanted to name the chain "Big Tex" but had to settle for Arby's, and the origin of the name is often mistaken as standing for "Roast Beef," rather than "Raffell Brothers."
Fast Food Facts
There's no denying the love for curly fries that most people have, especially those who are fans of Arby's. They're always hot and fresh, the seasoning is perfect (albeit still somewhat of a mystery), and it's always a fun game to see who pulls the longest fry. However, someone may have already beaten Arby's lovers to the punch as far as that goes. The longest curly fry ever recorded was 38 inches in length - just over three feet - and was found by Kim Medford, at an Arby's in Waynesville, North Carolina. Since that day in 2013, there hasn't been a single fry to challenge the length of the original longest curly fry.
The 1970s was an important decade for the Arby's chain, as it was during this time that they invented the classic Beef 'n Cheddar and everyone's favorite Jamocha Shake. It was during this time that chicken sandwiches, curly fries, and two signature sauces, Arby's Sauce and Horsey Sauce, were created and added to the menu. So what is a Jamocha Shake, anyway? Coffee-lovers were happy to see this one pop up on the menu, as this shake combines two beloved things: Coffee and chocolate. When blended together, they create the perfect accompaniment to a Beef 'n Cheddar. So where did the name come from, then? The combination of java and mocha, a term used in the 19th century similar to how the term "cup of java" would have been used.
Where Else Has Arby's Gone?
A common question when it comes to fast-food chains is where they're located, and whether they're based solely in the country they originated in. Arby's actually has more than a few international locations, including Canada, Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, South Korea, and Turkey. Prior to 2000, Arby's existed in 14 other countries but have since been shut down.
As of today, the busiest location is the one in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, serving out 913 meals and at least 94 shakes, every day. While this is the busiest location, it's not surprising that Ohio actually has the largest number of Arby's, since that's where the restaurant originated. Monthly, Arby's restaurants sell so many Jamocha Shakes every month, that they could fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool... Not that anyone would want to wade through coffee and chocolate. Then again, with a side of Beef 'n Cheddar and some curly fries at the finish mark, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.