Does Arby’s Really Deserve Its Terrible Reputation?

For a fast-food chain that has survived for more than 60 years, Arby’s spends an awful lot of time being the punchline. Mention Arby’s in a group chat, and someone will almost inevitably crack a joke about their sad roast beef sandwiches, or how nobody actually eats there. The chain has become one of America’s favorite fast-food targets, often finding itself ranked below burger giants like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s in public perception.

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But here’s the weird thing: plenty of people who actually eat at Arby’s seem to like it. So where did all the hate come from? And does Arby’s really deserve its reputation as fast food’s black sheep?

Why People Love Making Fun Of Arby’s

Arby’s reputation has become so entrenched that many people struggle to explain why they dislike it. A recent Reddit discussion asking why people hate Arby’s had dozens of responses, and many users admitted they either enjoy the food or don’t fully understand the criticism. Several commenters pointed to years of jokes in popular culture as a major factor. One user noted that comedian and former Daily Show host Jon Stewart used Arby’s as an easy punchline and that characterization stuck with the brand. Others referenced jokes from The Simpsons and years of mockery that helped turn the chain into a meme.

The Criticism Isn’t Completely Unfair

If you look closely at the praise and criticism that Arby’s attracts, it’s safe to say its major problem is inconsistency. Some people might love the Half Pound Roast Beef, while others claim they got diarrhea from the Standard Roast Beef. Customer reviews on Trustpilot are overwhelmingly negative and largely about inconsistent food quality, incorrect orders, slow service, and major differences between locations. We recently reviewed the new Arby’s Angus Cheesesteak and let’s just say it leaves a lot to be desired.

So, Does Arby’s Deserve the Hate?

Probably not to the extent it receives.

The evidence suggests that Arby’s suffers from a reputation problem that has snowballed over decades. Popular culture turned the brand into a joke and many people seem to have adopted that opinion without regularly eating there. At the same time, loyal customers continue to praise several menu items that rarely get the spotlight, particularly the gyros and curly fries.

That doesn’t mean Arby’s is perfect. Complaints about inconsistent quality and rising prices are common and difficult to ignore. Still, for a chain that’s become fast food’s favorite punching bag, Arby’s appears to be better than its reputation suggests.