Locals swarm Arby’s on opening day

By Brian Wright
Sports Editor
Published on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 10:22 AM MST

After a three-year hibernation, the fast-food giant, Arby’s, awoke from its slumber in grand fashion at 1720 W. Thatcher Blvd. on Monday morning.

How did the first day go? “Extremely well,” owner Charlie Harmon said. “Customers were lined up at 6:30 in the morning.”

Harmon said the restaurant was consistently packed with people throughout the day. He praised the efforts of everyone involved with bringing the Arby’s in Safford back to life.

Customers fill the Arby’s restaurant during it’s re-opening Monday. The restaurant had been closed for three years.

“Everyone’s been real excited,” he said. “We’re real pleased with the reception from the community.”

This marked the 57th Arby’s owned by Harmon and open for business. All of the restaurants except for one are in the Grand Canyon state. The other Arby’s he owns is in Silver City, N.M.

He was driving back to Phoenix from Silver City when he noticed the Safford location. He wasn’t aware of the store until the day he drove past it.

When he found out the lot was for sale, he bought it from State Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R) - District 5. It took only about 90 days from that purchase to get the restaurant open to the public.

The crowds were so overwhelming that cars were backed up onto Highway 70 trying to turn into the jammed parking lot.

Arby’s employees were anxious to find out how the customers enjoyed their service. All the customers who thought the service was excellent were encouraged to ring a large bell at the front of the store. Each time the bell was rung, the workers screamed, “Woo-oooooooo!” in unison.

Safford Mayor Ron Green will be on hand today at 11 a.m. for the grand opening and ribbon cutting.

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Comments

6 comment(s)

Glad to have something new wrote on Jul 15, 2008 11:08 AM:

" People are waiting in line for 40 minutes because they are ready for something new in this town. The Safford / Thatcher area really needs more restaurants and variety. People are tired of the same old burger joints and Mexican places. "

Dont forget wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:04 AM:

" Before the Arbys even opened they, the new owner donated $2000 to our local 4th of July celebration. We welcome people like this to our community. "

small town wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:32 PM:

" geez, it's just Arby's. sure the food is good but do we really need more fast food in this town. i don't understand why people are willing the wait in line for 40 minutes for food thats just going to make them more obese "

j.w. wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:10 PM:

" welcome back Arby's... Late in the evening some of the crew still had big friendly smiles on their faces... the man in charge still had a smile and could joke with the help... this was refreshing to see and watch... we enjoy having you back... "

cOOL wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:50 AM:

" It's about time. "

Sher wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:42 AM:

" Thank You Charlie Harmon! We LOVE Arby's! Every time we'd go out of town we'd stop at an Arby's and eat, we'd also bring home a roast beef sandwich for my mom, and lots and lots of horsey sauce! Now all we need is a dollar menu!
Woo Hoo! "

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