Irish Beef Inc., a restaurant management and investment company based in Dallas, has acquired eight Arby’s restaurants in the Tucson area from Cardinal RB Arizona LLC and has signed a development agreement to open four more in the next three years. Long-time local director of operations and 20-year Arby’s veteran, Jami Salyer, will oversee all Tucson restaurants operations for Irish Beef, the development of four units, and the hiring of 100 new team members.
The new owners have immediately begun remodeling the existing Tucson Arby’s to the brand’s Inspire restaurant design. The design includes an enhanced new look featuring contemporary colors, décor, and lighting. With warm woods, subway tile finishes, communal tables, and a more open kitchen, the new design—along with significant menu enhancements—has been winning raves from guests across the nation.
“I am so excited for the changes we’re making and for the opportunity to be part of this group,” Salyer says. “I know our guests are going to love the new Arby’s, and I’m proud to lead Arby’s future growth in my hometown and to be deeply involved in the community.”
The first of four new Arby’s will open later this year, she adds, and remodeling will be complete on at least two of the eight existing locations before the end of 2017. Collectively the new restaurants will bring an additional 100 jobs to Tucson.
Arby’s in Tucson has a long history of supporting the local community. During the first few months of 2017, the restaurants have already raised more than $36,000 for Cerebral Palsy research and the No Kid Hungry campaign. New employee training and development programs have been implemented in recent months under Salyer’s leadership.
In recent years, Arby’s leadership has transformed the brand from a traditional quick-service restaurant format into a Fast Crafted restaurant featuring premium meats. Today, Arby’s serves at least eight different meats each day, including smoked brisket, Angus steak, corned beef, roast turkey, pepper bacon, and its iconic roast beef.
