Governor Perdue Welcomes Arby's Back to Georgia

Restaurant Company to Relocate Headquarters in Atlanta

ATLANTA– Governor Sonny Perdue today welcomed officials from Arby's ®, one of America 's premier quick service restaurant companies, to the Governor's Office, following an announcement that the restaurant chain will relocate its corporate offices from Ft. Lauderdale to Atlanta . The relocation is a return to Georgia 's capital city for Arby's, which was headquartered in Atlanta from 1979 until 1991, before moving to Florida .

“On behalf of the state of Georgia , I'd like to welcome Arby's back home,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “Arby's will find that Atlanta is the ideal place for its corporate headquarters, offering a thriving economy, talented workforce, pleasant climate and friendly people.”

In addition to the relocation, Arby's officials announced that its parent company, Triarc Companies, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Atlanta-based RTM Restaurant Group, Arby's largest franchisee.  Founded in 1973, RTM operates 775 Arby's restaurants in 21 states.

The resulting Atlanta-based organization will own more than 1,000 restaurants representing 30 percent of the franchised company.

“We are thrilled to be back in Atlanta , a city that offers us tremendous opportunities for continued growth and success,” said Doug Benham, president and CEO, Arby's, LLC. “The move also puts us in the same city as our marketing organization, Arby's Franchise Association, and ARCOP, Arby's purchasing cooperative, ultimately positioning us to more efficiently serve our customers and franchise operators.” 

“We are delighted Arby's chose Atlanta . Adding the Arby's name to Metro Atlanta's impressive line-up of corporate headquarters sends the message once again that this region has what companies want and need in an operations base.  Our air service, quality of life and deep talent pool offer a solid foundation on which any company can profitably grow. The Metro Atlanta Chamber was proud to have worked with Doug Benham and his team in reaching the decision to locate here,” said Sam A. Williams, president, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

Founded in 1964, Arby's quick service restaurants specialize in slow roasted and freshly sliced roast beef sandwiches as well as its Market Fresh ®  deli-style sandwiches, wraps and salads with the convenience of a drive-thru.  

The company includes more than 3,450 franchised and company-owned restaurants in 48 states and four countries.  Arby's also owns and operates the Pasta Connection® and T.J. Cinnamons® brands and is a subsidiary of Triarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY, TRYB).