Arby’s is celebrating 45 years of diverse menu options with promotional offers for some of its items.

The company has launched a host of promotions and programs, including a $5 BBQ Bacon Cheddar Roastburger combo (with curly fries and a drink) available through August; a Wednesday FREEbies program, with different free menu items (with purchase) offered each week through August 26 at participating restaurants; and its Arby’s Extras fan club, where people can receive valuable offers.

“As we reflect on the past 45 years and look down the road to what’s next, one thing remains true: our commitment to providing our customers with a unique, better tasting alternative to traditional fast food,” says Tom Garrett, president and CEO of Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc.

Throughout the years, Arby’s has offered a wide variety of menu items and promotional campaigns. The 1970s brought now classic items including the Beef ’n Cheddar, the Arby-Q, and signature sauces like the tangy Horsey sauce. During the 1980s, Arby’s expanded into Canada, added the signature curly fries to the menu, created the Arby’s Foundation, and introduced a new “Burger Boycott” ad campaign. The 1990s saw the addition of Sidekickers and the first Arby’s Charity Tour Golf Tournament to benefit the company’s national charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters. The new millenium brought the launch of the popular Market Fresh line of sandwiches and salads, a new “I’m Thinking Arby’s” ad campaign, and Arby’s Toasted Subs.

Today, the chain’s culinary innovation center, under the leadership of industry veteran Brian Kolodziej, employs a dozen people and has been responsible for such creative menu introductions including Roast Chicken, Iced FruiTeas, and, most recently, Roastburgers, a new line of burger-inspired sandwiches served with Arby’s slow-roasted, thinly sliced roast beef.