Are you a fan of Arby’s signature roast beef sandwich?
Have you ever wondered about the quality and preparation of the meat between those buns?
There have been rumors circulating for years about the origin and composition of Arby’s roast beef. Some claim it’s not even real beef at all.
But what’s the truth?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and evolution of Arby’s roast beef, from its preparation process to recent changes in marketing and branding.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to sink your teeth into some juicy information about one of America’s favorite fast food chains.
Did Arby’s Change Their Roast Beef?
One of the most common questions asked about Arby’s roast beef is whether or not the company has changed its preparation process over the years.
According to various sources, including former employees and company representatives, Arby’s has indeed made some changes to its roast beef in recent years.
In the past, Arby’s would receive its roast beef pre-cooked and unsliced in an air-tight bag to keep it fresh. However, according to Mashed, the company now cooks its roast beef in the bag at the franchise instead of being pre-cooked.
Additionally, there have been rumors that Arby’s roast beef is not actually beef at all, but rather a mixture of gels, liquids, or pastes formed into a vaguely meat-shaped lump then roasted and turned into sandwich filler. However, these rumors have been debunked by Arby’s Quality Assurance team, who confirmed that their roast beef is completely beef and does not arrive as a paste, gel, or liquid.
Despite these changes and rumors, Arby’s continues to serve up its signature roast beef sandwiches to millions of customers every year.
The Origins Of Arby’s Roast Beef
The origins of Arby’s roast beef can be traced back to the founders of the restaurant, Leroy and Forrest Raffel. The Raffel Brothers were inspired by the success of McDonald’s and other fast food chains, but wanted to offer something different from the standard hamburger. They chose roast beef as their flagship product, believing that people would be willing to pay a premium for it.
Contrary to popular belief, the name “Arby’s” does not stand for “roast beef.” It was actually derived from the initials “R.B.” which stand for “Raffel Brothers.” The brothers founded the restaurant in 1964 in Ohio and chose roast beef as their main product due to its uniqueness and potential profitability.
Despite the initial higher price point compared to other fast food options, customers were willing to pay for Arby’s roast beef sandwiches. The company has since expanded its menu to include deli-style sandwiches, gyros, curly fries, and shakes.
While there have been rumors that Arby’s roast beef is not actually beef, these claims have been debunked by the company’s Quality Assurance team. The roast beef is 100% beef and does not arrive as a paste, gel, or liquid.
The Preparation Process
The preparation process for Arby’s roast beef has undergone some changes over the years. According to a former Arby’s employee on a Reddit thread, the company now uses a compressed block of beef scraps that come sitting in a bag of beef broth. This block of scraps is warmed until it’s ready to be served.
However, according to Jim Lowder, a Quality Assurance representative for Arby’s, the roast beef consists entirely of beef and a self-basting solution that contains just enough water to keep the product juicy throughout the restaurants’ 3-hour roasting process and during slicing.
In the past, Arby’s used to receive its roast beef pre-cooked and unsliced in an air-tight bag to keep it fresh. However, according to Mashed, the company now cooks its roast beef in the bag at the franchise instead of being pre-cooked.
To prepare an Arby’s roast beef sandwich at home, lightly butter the inside of a soft bun and grill it butter side down in a large fry pan over medium heat until lightly golden brown on the inside. Heat shaved deli roast beef in a pan until just warm, being careful not to overcook it. Fill the grilled bun with warm roast beef and top it with Arby’s sauce and bun top.
Despite any changes to its preparation process, Arby’s continues to serve up its signature roast beef sandwiches to millions of customers every year.
The Rumors And Controversy Surrounding Arby’s Roast Beef
One of the most enduring rumors surrounding Arby’s roast beef is that it’s not actually beef at all. This urban legend has been around since at least 1997, and it claims that Arby’s roast beef is made from gels, liquids, or pastes that are formed into a meat-like lump, then roasted and turned into sandwich filler.
However, this rumor has been repeatedly debunked by Arby’s Quality Assurance team, who have confirmed that their roast beef is entirely beef and does not arrive as a paste, gel, or liquid. In fact, the company has gone to great lengths to dispel this rumor, with representatives even writing to Snopes to express their frustration with the story.
Despite these assurances, the rumor persists, and some people remain skeptical about the quality of Arby’s roast beef. Some former employees have even claimed that the meat used in the sandwiches is made from compressed blocks of beef scraps that are warmed in a bag of beef broth before being served.
Regardless of the truth behind these rumors, Arby’s continues to be one of the most popular fast food chains in the United States. Its signature roast beef sandwiches remain a favorite among meat lovers, and the company has continued to innovate and introduce new menu items in recent years. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Arby’s or just curious about their roast beef, there’s no denying that this fast food chain has left an indelible mark on American cuisine.
Arby’s Response To The Rumors
Arby’s has responded to the rumors regarding their roast beef changes and beef quality. In a statement to the media, Arby’s has confirmed that they have made some changes to their preparation process in recent years, but these changes were made to improve the quality and freshness of their roast beef.
The company has also addressed the rumor that their roast beef is not actually beef, but rather a mixture of gels, liquids, or pastes. Arby’s Quality Assurance team has confirmed that their roast beef is 100% beef and is not processed in any way that would change its natural texture or flavor.
Arby’s has emphasized their commitment to quality and transparency in their food preparation process. They have also stated that they are constantly striving to improve their menu offerings and customer experience.
Recent Changes In Arby’s Marketing And Branding
In addition to changes in its food preparation process, Arby’s has also made significant changes to its marketing and branding strategies in recent years. The fast food chain has faced stiff competition from other chains such as Subway, which offer healthier options and fresher ingredients. To stay relevant, Arby’s has launched a new ad campaign focused on its lower calorie, freshly-sliced turkey sandwiches.
The company has also undergone a complete overhaul of its logo. While the iconic ten-gallon hat remains, the font that sits on the brim is now smaller and more modern-looking, sporting a deeper shade of red. However, not everyone is a fan of the new logo, with some critics calling it “flavorless” and lacking in personality.
To attract new customers, Arby’s has announced plans to add as many as 12 new products this year, including hot turkey sandwiches, peppermint milkshakes, molten lava cakes, and miniature sandwiches. The company is also planning a $12 million renovation of some of its restaurants by the end of the year.
These changes reflect a larger trend in the fast food industry towards fresher, healthier options and a focus on branding that emphasizes freshness and quality ingredients. As the market becomes more competitive, Arby’s will need to continue to innovate and adapt to stay relevant.
The Future Of Arby’s Roast Beef: What’s Next?
As Arby’s continues to evolve and expand its menu offerings, the future of its roast beef remains an important aspect of the company’s identity. While the cooking process may have changed, Arby’s commitment to using high-quality, 100% beef in its roast beef sandwiches remains unchanged.
In fact, Arby’s is constantly experimenting with new flavors and ingredients to enhance its roast beef offerings. For example, the company recently introduced a line of Smokehouse Brisket sandwiches, which feature slow-cooked brisket topped with crispy onions and smoky BBQ sauce.
Arby’s is also exploring new ways to reach customers beyond its traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. The company has expanded its delivery options and launched a mobile app that allows customers to order and pay for their meals from their smartphones.
As the fast food industry continues to evolve, Arby’s is positioning itself as a leader in innovative menu offerings that go beyond the traditional burger and fries. Whether through new sandwich options or technological advancements, Arby’s is committed to delivering high-quality food and exceptional customer service to its loyal fanbase.
