The Turbulent History of Arby's

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July 22, 2025 • 12 mins

Arby's, founded by the Raffel brothers in 1964, has seen dramatic rises and falls, from rapid expansion and bankruptcy to ownership changes and bold marketing. Initially unique for its roast beef focus, Arby's navigated financial crises, misguided menu changes, and several corporate takeovers before revitalizing its brand in recent years. The name 'Arby's' cleverly reflects both 'Raffel Brothers' and 'roast beef,' adding to its quirky legacy.

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