Arby's

Founded: 1964 Franchising since: 1965
Forrest and Leroy Raffel started their food-service consulting firm, Raffel Brothers Inc., in the 1950s, but were soon thinking about starting their own restaurant. On a rainy night, the brothers found inspiration--roast beef sandwiches. In 1964, the first Arby's ("R.B." for "Raffel Brothers") opened in Boardman, Ohio.

The original Arby's menu consisted of roast beef sandwiches, potato chips and iced tea. Over time other sandwiches, curly fries, milkshakes, meals for kids and light choices have been added to the menu.

Address: 1155 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, Georgia 30338

Phone: (678)514-4100 Franchisee Association Arby's Franchisee Association

Franchisor is a publicly-held company with 300 employee(s); 60 employee(s) in franchise department.

Franchise Units

Year	U.S. Franchises	Canadian Franchises	Foreign Franchises	Company Owned
2008	2,435	114	9	1,169
2007	2,395	118	9	1,059
2006	2,339	121	9	1,037

Where Seeking Franchisees
Nationwide
Outside the U.S.: Canada

Exclusive territories available.
Territory size: Varies

Special Programs
The Arby's Foundation, whose corporate charity is Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, supports children and families in need. The Foundation raises funds and organizes community service projects for children and their mentors.

Total investment: $336,500 - $2,400,000
Franchise fee: $25,000 - $37,500
Ongoing royalty fee: 4%
Term of agreement: 20 years, renewable


Type of Financing Available

	In-House	Third Party
Franchise Fee	No	No
Startup Costs	No	Yes
Equipment	No	Yes
Inventory	No	Yes
Accounts Receivable	No	Yes
Payroll	No	Yes

Qualifications
Net worth requirement: $0
Cash liquidity requirement: $0
Business Experience:

• Industry experience
• General business experience
• Marketing skills

Training

• At franchisee's location: Ongoing
• At certified training restaurant : 5 weeks

Ongoing Support

• Newsletter
• Meetings
• Toll-free phone line
• Grand opening
• Security/safety procedures
• Field operations/evaluations
• Purchasing cooperatives

Marketing Support

• National media
• Regional advertising

Other marketing support

• All marketing supplied by franchisee association

Franchise 500® rank:
#18 (2009); #15 (2008); #70 (2007); #21 (2006);

Fastest-Growing Franchises:
#88 (2009); #76 (2008);

America's Top Global Franchises:
#17 (2009); #19 (2008); #52 (2007); #21 (2006);