Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: It took just two weeks to have a completely renovate the Arby’s restaurant, which is now open.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – For those who were on vacation for the last two weeks, yes there is something different about the Arby’s restaurant at 1720 W. Thatcher Blvd.
The store was completely renovated from the interior to the exterior in a record-setting two weeks. It was the fastest renovation FX4 (Fantastic Food Fast and Friendly), which owns the franchise rights to the location, has ever done. Gilbert-based FX4 purchased the location in 2008 and owns and operates 45 Arby’s, with most of them in Arizona and one in Silver City, N.M.
The location was closed Sept. 4 to begin the renovation and reopened Tuesday, Sept. 18.
The restaurant’s franchise rights are good for 20-year increments, and since the building was first built in 1998 it had to be brought up to current specifications to renew the franchise.
Workers raced against the clock to update the exterior with fresh stucco, paint, a new sign and updated to-go order taking station. Inside, the restaurant’s lobby was opened up with a fresh new look that also has an “old school” feel complete with Edison-style light bulbs in modern fixtures.
The store is planning a grand opening for Oct. 10 complete with a ribbon cutting, numerous coupons, and prizes. Arby’s is currently sponsoring a No Kid Hungry raffle with a grand prize of a two-night stay at the Springhill Marriott Suites and $50 Amazon gift card. Tickets can be purchased at the restaurant for $2 each or three for $5, and all the proceeds go toward the program. The raffle is going on for the rest of the week.
“We want people to know that we are new and fresh,” said outgoing General Manager Larry Best, who is moving to Kingman.
