Arby's

Leroy and Forrest Raffel opened the first location in Boardman, Ohio, in 1964 with a simple goal: serve slow-roasted beef when everyone else was frying chicken or grilling burgers. The name came from their initials, R and F, creating a brand identity that has survived decades of fast-food evolution. Today the chain operates roughly 3,206 locations worldwide, though this number sits slightly below the 3,472 stores seen at its peak in 2019.

Ownership changed hands significantly over the last fifteen years. Roark Capital Group acquired Arby's Restaurant Group in 2011 alongside Buffalo Wild Wings and Sonic Drive-In. Wendy's Company held a minority stake until 2018, when it sold its remaining shares back to the parent company for $450 million. This move fully consolidated the brand under Inspire Brands, which now manages operations from a headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The menu focuses on sliced meats like roast beef, turkey, and Angus beef prepared fresh daily. Recent years have seen a return to nostalgic items and regional flavors. In August 2026, the brand brought back Steak Nuggets as a limited-time offering served in a new bowl with potatoes. That same month introduced an Italian Beef Dip and a Cheesesteak sandwich to compete with other quick-service chains. [edit]