Arby’s Revamps Into A Fast-Casual, Quick-Serve Mashup

Arby’s Restaurant Group’s new deli-inspired look, now being rolled out in conjunction with the chain’s 50^th anniversary, is boosting revamped store sales by an average of 20%.

The chain calls its systemwide remodeling program a “holistic, turnkey revitalization initiative.” Arby’s CEO Paul Brown said the remodeling program undergirds a new positioning and branding campaign that encompasses quick-service building economics and fast-casual design elements.

In addition to an updated color palette, interior changes include the use of stainless and new subway tiling, multicolored wood materials, modern lighting and chalkboard graphics. Exterior enhancements include cantilevered red awnings at the drive-through and entrance doors, internally illuminated signage, wood tones, white brick and upgraded lighting and landscaping.

Arby’s completed 14 remodels out of 950 company-owned units to the “Inspire” design in 2013, and the brand plans to remodel at least 30 outlets to the new image this year in cities including Huntsville, Ala.; Indianapolis; Youngstown, Ohio; and Salt Lake City. The Atlanta chain will significantly expand the number of remodels in 2015, when it plans to reimage 70-100 company-owned locations and expects at least 100 franchised units to convert to the new design.

Architectural plans were released this month to Arby’s franchisees who operate more than 2,400 of the brand’s 3,400-plus locations worldwide. The brand recently ended a long-term refranchising program and does not plan to sell more company-owned units to franchisees.