Arby’s isn’t just about roast beef—it’s a fast-food chain full of surprises. From unexpected menu experiments to jaw-dropping discontinued items, there’s more to Arby’s than meets the eye. We’ve rounded up 15 fascinating Arby’s facts, including secret menu gems, legendary lost items, and bizarre food experiments you probably never knew existed. Get ready to dive into the history, mystery, and mouthwatering moments that make Arby’s one of the most unique fast-food chains out there!
1. Arby’s Stands for R.B.
Most people assume Arby’s name is short for “roast beef,” but the truth is more surprising. Arby’s actually comes from the initials “R.B.,” which stand for Raffel Brothers, the founders of the restaurant. In 1964, Forrest and Leroy Raffel launched the first Arby’s in Boardman, Ohio, with the goal of creating a fast-food alternative to burgers.
Their signature roast beef sandwiches set them apart from competitors, but the name often confuses people to this day. While the restaurant fully embraced its roast beef identity, the true origins of Arby’s name remain a fun fact that surprises many customers.
2. The First Location Opened in 1964
Arby’s began its journey in Boardman, Ohio, in 1964, founded by the Raffel brothers, who envisioned a fast-food restaurant that wasn’t focused on burgers. Instead, they introduced thinly sliced roast beef sandwiches, which were considered a premium offering at the time.
When it first opened, Arby’s sandwiches were priced at 69 cents—a hefty sum compared to McDonald’s 15-cent hamburgers. However, customers were willing to pay more for quality, and the chain quickly grew in popularity. The original location featured a 10-gallon hat sign, which later became a recognizable symbol of the brand. Today, Arby’s has thousands of locations worldwide.
3. They Once Had a Five-Star Wagyu Burger
In 2022, Arby’s made a surprising move into the burger world with the Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, made from a 52% American Wagyu beef and 48% ground beef blend. This high-quality burger was a step above typical fast-food offerings, featuring a thick patty, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a special sauce. Fans raved about its rich, juicy flavor, making it one of the most premium limited-time offers in Arby’s history. Despite its success, the Wagyu Burger was discontinued, leaving many customers hoping for a return. It proved that Arby’s could compete in the burger space when they wanted to.
4. Curly Fries Weren’t Always on the Menu
Arby’s is now famous for its crispy, seasoned curly fries, but they weren’t part of the original menu. When the chain first launched, it served straight-cut fries, much like its competitors. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Arby’s introduced curly fries, seasoned with a unique blend of spices, giving them their signature kick. The fries quickly became a fan favorite and are now considered a staple side at Arby’s. Their popularity even led to frozen versions being sold in grocery stores. Many customers can’t imagine an Arby’s meal without them, proving that sometimes, menu changes truly pay off.
5. They Had a Venison Sandwich
In 2016, Arby’s surprised everyone by launching a Venison Sandwich, featuring thick-cut venison steak topped with crispy onions and a juniper berry sauce. The sandwich was a bold departure from traditional fast-food fare, targeted at hunters and meat lovers.
It was initially released in a limited number of locations where hunting culture was popular, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Due to overwhelming demand, it sold out within hours. While many customers begged for it to return, it remained a one-time experiment, proving Arby’s willingness to push boundaries when it comes to fast-food innovation.
6. The Potato Cakes Disappearance Broke Hearts
For years, Potato Cakes were a beloved alternative to fries at Arby’s. These crispy, golden hash-brown-like triangles offered a unique, satisfying crunch that many customers preferred over curly fries. However, in 2021, Arby’s made the controversial decision to discontinue Potato Cakes to make room for their new Crinkle-Cut Fries. Fans were devastated, with many taking to social media to demand their return. Despite the outcry, Arby’s has yet to bring them back, leaving customers with only memories of their beloved breakfast-like side. Even today, petitions and online campaigns continue to call for the return of these crunchy, nostalgic favorites.
7. Arby’s Once Sold a Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich
One of the most missed sandwiches from Arby’s menu is the Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich. This seasonal favorite featured a creamy mix of chicken, grapes, pecans, apples, and celery, all served on a soft honey wheat bread. It was a refreshing summer sandwich, offering a lighter option for those looking for something beyond roast beef.
Fans loved its sweet and savory balance, but despite its popularity, Arby’s removed it from the menu. Many customers still hope for its return, as few fast-food chains offer a comparable chicken salad sandwich with such a unique mix of flavors and textures.
8. They Launched a Secret Menu
Like many fast-food chains, Arby’s has a secret menu, offering unique twists on classic favorites. One of the most legendary items is the Meat Mountain, a towering sandwich featuring every type of meat Arby’s serves, including roast beef, turkey, ham, chicken tenders, brisket, corned beef, bacon, and Angus steak, stacked between two buns. Another hidden gem is the Arby’s Melt, which adds extra cheese sauce to their classic roast beef sandwich. While these items aren’t listed on the official menu, many locations will make them if you ask. Arby’s secret menu has gained a cult following among die-hard fans.
9. The Horsey Sauce Origin Is Mysterious
Arby’s Horsey Sauce, a creamy horseradish-based condiment, has been a menu staple for decades. While its spicy, tangy kick pairs perfectly with roast beef, the origins of the sauce remain a mystery. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, with only a few confirmed ingredients, including mayonnaise, vinegar, and horseradish. Fans have tried to replicate it at home, but many claim nothing beats the original. Unlike other fast-food sauces, Horsey Sauce has stood the test of time, remaining a customer favorite. Whether spread on a sandwich or used as a dip, it’s a key part of the Arby’s experience.
10. They Once Had a Loaded Italian Sandwich
Arby’s briefly stepped into Italian-style sandwiches with their Loaded Italian, featuring salami, pepperoni, ham, banana peppers, cheese, and Italian dressing on a toasted bun. It was a delicious change from their usual roast beef offerings, bringing deli-style flavors to the menu.
Despite its fan following, the Loaded Italian didn’t last long and was eventually discontinued. Many customers were disappointed, as few fast-food chains offer a proper Italian sub. While Arby’s occasionally experiments with different sandwiches, this one hasn’t made a return, leaving fans wondering if they’ll ever get another chance to enjoy it.
11. Arby’s Briefly Had Onion Petals
Before curly fries became the side of choice, Arby’s experimented with Onion Petals, a unique twist on traditional onion rings. These crispy, battered bite-sized onion pieces were meant to provide a bold, flavorful alternative to fries. Fans loved their crunchy texture and zesty dipping sauce, but for some reason, they never became a permanent menu item.
Arby’s eventually phased them out, leaving curly fries as the chain’s main side. However, some customers still remember them fondly, and every so often, there are calls for their return. Their disappearance remains one of Arby’s more underrated menu losses.
12. They Made a Fast-Food Duck Sandwich
In 2018, Arby’s took a gourmet approach by releasing a Seared Duck Breast Sandwich, featuring premium duck meat, crispy onions, and a berry sauce. The sandwich was only available in a few select locations, mainly in hunting-centric states like Minnesota and Louisiana. It was one of the most luxurious items ever introduced by a fast-food chain, and it quickly sold out. While many customers never got a chance to try it, those who did praised its rich flavor and unique presentation. Arby’s hasn’t brought it back, but it remains one of their boldest menu experiments to date.
13. Arby’s Owns Buffalo Wild Wings & More
Many people don’t realize that Arby’s is part of a massive restaurant empire. Its parent company, Inspire Brands, owns Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and Baskin-Robbins. What started as a small roast beef sandwich chain has grown into a fast-food powerhouse.
Inspire Brands has helped Arby’s expand into new markets, improve its marketing strategies, and even experiment with new menu offerings. As part of this larger network, Arby’s has the financial backing to continue innovating and expanding, ensuring its place as a key player in the fast-food industry.
14. They Once Had Pizza Sliders
At one point, Arby’s expanded their beloved slider lineup with a surprising addition—Pizza Sliders. These bite-sized sandwiches featured pepperoni, salami, melted cheese, and marinara sauce on a soft bun, offering a fast-food take on a mini pizza. Fans loved their savory, cheesy goodness and how they provided a fun twist on traditional sliders. Despite their popularity, Arby’s quietly discontinued them, leaving many customers craving their return. While the chain still offers other slider varieties, the Pizza Slider remains one of the most missed limited-time offerings, proving that Arby’s can succeed even when they step outside their roast beef comfort zone.
15. Arby’s Once Made French Fry-Flavored Vodka
In one of its most unexpected moves, Arby’s entered the alcohol market by releasing French Fry-Flavored Vodka in 2021. Inspired by their famous fries, the brand launched two varieties: Curly Fry Vodka and Crinkle Fry Vodka. Both were distilled with real potatoes and infused with seasonings meant to mimic the taste of Arby’s iconic sides.
The limited-edition bottles were sold online and quickly sold out within minutes, proving that fans were eager to try this fast-food-meets-spirits experiment. Though it was a one-time release, the buzz around Arby’s vodka proved that the chain isn’t afraid to get creative with its branding.
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