You Won’t Find an Arby’s in Boston
Arby’s has the meats, but you won’t find them in Boston. The chain, famous for sliced roast beef sandwiches since 1964, has 3,398 locations in the United States. Massachusetts has only two Arby’s locations – one in Auburn and one in Chicopee.
I have random thoughts, especially on long drives. I thought to myself the other day, “Do they call it Arby’s or Ahhby’s in Boston?” This took me down a rabbit hole, and then one thing led to another, and I was finding out waaay too much information about Arby’s. Arby’s was founded in Ohio, and it makes sense because that state has the most franchises. The chain has locations in 48 US states. Alaska and Hawaii have Arby’s. Rhode Island and Vermont do not.
To me, Arby’s has always been a worthy fast-food alternative to the big burger chains: McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Hardees/Carl’s Jr. (same company but different names depending on which coast you’re on). Sure, the food’s a little more expensive than a burger place, but providing alternatives to burgers (brisket, chicken, turkey, and ham sandwiches) seemed to be their X-factor.
But no more…in 2023, Arby’s began selling burgers as a limited-time promotion. In 2024, they placed them on their permanent menu. For the first time in 60 years, the company that was founded as an alternative to fast-food burgers is selling them.
And the results? They’ve been a whopper. #PardonMyPun Arby’s cracked the top 10 in Franchise 500 last year, and they are among the fastest-growing fast food establishments in 2025.
Lessons? 1) It’s ok to alter your business model after 60 years. 2) Don’t be afraid to try new things. 3) Give the customer what they want. 4) And hire a good ad agency. (Fallon, from Minneapolis, created their “We Have The Meats” tagline in 2014)
Sure, now that I know Arby’s has burgers, I’ll probably try one soon. Now you know Boston doesn’t have an Ahhhby’s, but if they keep growing, I see one in Beantown’s future. Perhaps Ben Affleck and Matt Damon will be featured in their Super Bowl ad.
MONDAY:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANNE!
Monday was dedicated to celebrating the belated birthday of Account Executive and Resident Yapper, Anne Bowers. When she’s not handling client requests like a seasoned pro, she’s loving on her cats, Bucky and Birdie, and gives us the biggest case of the giggles in the Zoom chat. Happy birthday, Anne! Hope it was great.
TUESDAY:
NATIONAL M/COCKTAIL DAY
Mixologist Extraordinaire and Copywriter Lauren McKinney reminded us that there is, in fact, a day for everything—and led the National Cocktail/Mocktail Day celebration accordingly. In addition to her laptop, charger, and extra dog treats in her work bag, Lauren packed her cocktail shaker and treated the team to refreshing concoctions. Team Tuesdays are truly becoming our favorite day of the week. Cheers!
WEDNESDAY:
DISCO FEVER DOUBLE-HEADER
What does Madison+Main have in common with law firms? Not a whole lot—except for the intensive deep-dive discovery process we do in order to understand our clients’ brands and goals, and build a strategy to lead them to success. Wednesday, our team met up with Sweetie Boy Delivers and McCormick Hill Farms to present double brand and marketing discoveries and continue building our strong relationship.
THURSDAY:
RUN FOR YOUR BUTTS
Start the summer off right by supporting a cause that everyone can get behind. Hitting Cancer Below The Belt’s (HCB2) Annual Boxer Brief 5K will be held on Saturday, June 5. Learn more about the event and how to get involved in spreading awareness for colorectal cancer when you visit their site: https://hcb2.org/.
FRIDAY:
ON THE AIR
Another Friday, another chat with my good friend Rich Herrera on WRVA’s Richmond Morning News. Here’s what’s happening in good ole RVA this weekend, ICYMI.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Date:
Friday-Sunday (5/16/25-5/18/25)
Time:
Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location:
St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church — 4611 Sadler Road
Rain or shine!
8th Annual Strawberry And Wine Festival
Date:
Saturday and Sunday (5/17/25-5/18/25)
Time:
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m to 5 p.m.
Location:
Hanover Vegetable Farm
Advanced Tasting Ticket (21 and over): $45 ($55 at the gate)
Includes: Entry and a Wine Glass
Kids 12 and under are free!
Date:
Friday-Sunday (5/16/25-5/18/25)
Location:
Brown’s Island
From tunes to trail running, bikes to bouldering, SUPs to pups, fishing, craft brews, paddling on the James, and more…it’s all happening right here in Richmond!
Date:
Sunday, May 18
Time:
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location:
Hardywood West Creek
A dozen of the best taco trucks and restaurants from the Richmond area, as well as four local musical artists.
This event is free to attend but a suggested donation of $10 per adult to benefit local non-profit Safe Harbor is appreciated (They’ve provided services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking since 2000).
“We have the meats.” – Arby’s