By Pearse Riendeau

Arby’s, a fast-food giant that has 3,385 locations in 48 states and was founded in June 1964 is, in my opinion, one of the nation’s best fast-food chains. Many of the chain’s locations can be recognized by their famous glowing, neon cowboy hat that draws many customers to the restaurant. The chain was started by Forrest and Leroy Raffel, two brothers hoping to capitalize on the rapid growth and consumption of fast food in America after watching other companies like McDonald’s have huge success with their quick service and affordable food.

Arby’s hat. Photo credit: Flickr user Joseph.

These brothers decided to open a restaurant like McDonald’s, but instead of burgers, they decided to market roast beef sandwiches to their customers. Their newfound store was named “Arby’s,” which was a play on words of the “R” and “B” initials of the Raffel Brothers. One thing Arby’s does differently than other fast-food chains is the price point of their food and the quality, which remains the same to this day. The chain offers items different from typical fast food fare, such as greasy burgers, French fries, and chicken nuggets. The menu consists of items such as roast beef sandwiches, tortilla wraps, brisket sandwiches, and even rotisserie chicken.

Their roast beef sandwich was placed at a much higher price point than a typical burger from other fast-food restaurants because the Raffel Brothers wanted to appear as a “high-end fast-food chain.” This approach worked. The brothers ended up expanding their chain into over 40 states by the late 1960s. 

After the brothers had to take large sums of money out to finance this rapid expansion, they failed to pay it back and had to file for bankruptcy in 1970. However, after this bankruptcy, the brothers regained control of their company in 1975 and continued to grow their chain to around 500 locations. In 1979, the brothers ultimately stepped down from their positions as owners of the company and retired as millionaires. Since then, Arby’s has gone through many different owners, but today the brand is owned by The Arby’s Restaurant Group. The chain still maintains its high-end fast food status and is still more costly than the average fast food joint, but it still maintains its success in the ever-growing world of fast food. 

Arby’s connoisseur and member of Collegiate’s varsity baseball team John Ballowe (‘21) talked about the high price point of this restaurant, saying, “Arby’s is obscenely expensive, but they have really good milkshakes.” Yes, the prices shown on the glowing board above the cashier might be much higher than you would expect from a fast food restaurant, but I think that Arby’s is the least “fast food” of all fast food restaurants because of the high quality of the food. Ballowe and I believe that when you go to Arby’s, you aren’t going to get cheap greasy fast food, but rather an experience comparable to a sit-down restaurant, but without the wait. 

11298 Patterson Avenue is the location of one of the best fine dining restaurants Richmond has to offer. This local Arby’s is in the Tuckahoe Shopping Center, along with many other fast food restaurants, including Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Subway, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, and a Burger King that has since closed down. Due to recent renovations, however, it is a shell of the fine restaurant it once was. 

This location is a hit among the Collegiate varsity baseball team, with frequent post-practice or post-game visits for a quick snack before heading home. This Arby’s has helped the team celebrate big wins, mourn losses, and everything in between. Arriving at the Arby’s, the team is welcomed by the drab brown and red building that is so familiar to many of us. The glass arch surrounding the door allows for great natural lighting in the building and gives the dining area a warm feeling inside the restaurant. 

Upon entering the building, my favorite part of the old interior was the tree that grew inside of the building. To me, this was unlike anything I had ever seen. A tree inside of a restaurant? Innovation at its finest. Avid Arby’s fan and left fielder Bryson Raquet (‘21) said that, “It’s really amazing that they’ve been able to grow a tree inside of a restaurant, especially at a fast food place like Arby’s.” Along with the tree, the booth-style seating gave the chain a restaurant atmosphere, and there were constantly people enjoying roast beef sandwiches, beef and cheddars, and rotisserie chicken to help set the mood.

A tree similar to the one formerly found in the Patterson Arby’s. Photo credit: Flickr user Joseph Black.

Recently, I experienced a shock when driving home from baseball practice. I noticed the chain I loved so dearly was surrounded by construction equipment and adorned by a sign saying “Pardon Our Mess.” Could this mean they were remodeling? My worst fears soon came true. They were. This “mess” presented two issues. The first was that I loved the look of the building as it was, so what made them think they needed to change it? And, if they were renovating the building, where would I go to enjoy an after-practice beef and cheddar with curly fries? Would I not be able to enjoy the ambiance inside this Arby’s until the renovations were finished? 

My fears were confirmed as I drove up to the Arby’s to assess the situation. The sign informed me that their indoor dining area would be closed for renovations; however, the drive-thru would still be operational. This news was devastating. However, I cut my losses and headed through the drive-thru window to get a large curly fry and a Mello Yello in a far-fetched attempt to make up for the terrible news I had just received. 

I needed to see if other team members were just as devastated to hear this as I was. Most agreed. Collin Kimball-McKavish (‘23) said, “the news was really strange to hear, especially since there really wasn’t anything wrong with the restaurant before they started remodeling.” Although many are opposed to the idea of Arby’s remodeling, nonetheless it is still being redone. Raquet is also opposed to the remodel. He said, “it’s definitely a bummer to see the old location go because of all the memories I have made there, but hopefully I am able to make more memories when the remodel is finished, and I am able to finally eat in the restaurant again.”

Updates being made to the Patterson Arby’s. Photo credit: Pearse Riendeau.

From what I have seen, the location is attempting to go for a more modern, blocky look during their remodel. After many drives past the location on my way to and from Collegiate’s Robins Campus, the redesign is starting to grow on me. Seeing the progress being made on this restaurant has helped me realize that change is hard, but many times is for the better. The modern look is quite nice, actually. Although I will miss the comfortable red synthetic leather booth seats and the tree that miraculously grew in the center of the dining area, I rest assured knowing that the quality of the food I love so much will remain the same, even with the change in the scenery. Sometimes change is something that needs to be accepted, even when it may come at a time when it catches you off guard. I look forward to embracing this new design and creating many more memories at this fine restaurant.