# Signage at Arby's **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 13, 2024, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223 "2024-09-13T18:09:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2024, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/1 "2024-09-13T18:09:33Z")
Yesterday, I got a hankering for some Arby’s. I went in to order, and while I was waiting I noticed the manager and a couple of helpers engaged in an arts and crafts project in the middle of the lobby. They were engaged in a menu change, and were updating all the overhead lightbox signs over the counter. They had received boxes with the new pocture panels, but had to manually apply the prices by hand themselves. They had sheets of sticky numbers they had to separate from the backer and apply the digits one by one. I didn’t know that was the process, but I guess it makes sense. The menu prices likely vary by location, so the home office can’t order up every variant for any efficient price. I guess that is why the numbers often look just a little sloppy, not quite aligned with each other. And that makes me wonder about other fast food restaurants. Do they have the same arrangement? Anyway, I had a pleasant chat while reassign for my food, and then headed home for dinner. Anybody out there have experience with this? ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2024, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/2 "2024-09-13T18:15:29Z")
I remember doing that when I worked for McDonalds many years ago. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2024, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/3 "2024-09-13T18:19:04Z")
A likely story ! ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2024, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/4 "2024-09-13T18:34:50Z")
We demand proof. Ironclad PROOF!! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2024, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/5 "2024-09-13T18:45:35Z")
actually, many places use digital signage like Burger King, which can get obnoxious as the screens can change so while you’re trying to see what’s on the new sandwich a thing for the latest breakfast burrito pops up … ---
**Author:** ![Lancia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lancia/32/17174_2.png) [@Lancia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lancia)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2024, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/6 "2024-09-13T19:38:51Z")
> [@nightshadea](#): > > actually, many places use digital signage like Burger King, which can get obnoxious as the screens can change so while you’re trying to see what’s on the new sandwich a thing for the latest breakfast burrito pops up This is what I was going to say. I don’t visit fast food lobbies very often but I know both the local McDonalds and the local Burger King have menus displayed on digital screens – essentially large TV’s behind the counter. Both of them also have digital screens at the drive-thru as well. And yes, it’s infuriating when the screens change as you’re trying to scan through the menu and decide what to order. I’m like bitch, I need more than 4 seconds to read the entire thing! If you don’t want me to see what you have to offer then to hell with you, I’ll go somewhere else! (Not really, but I feel like it). ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2024, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/7 "2024-09-13T20:53:08Z")
I have noticed McDonalds had changed to digital signing. Arby’s hasn’t yet, and I don’t think a lot have. I seem to recall Subway is still conventional signing. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/8 "2024-09-14T00:22:01Z")
My gf’s coworker (ad agency) is the dude responsible for the Arby’s logo. The cowboy hat thing. Interesting job. He sits and doodles. Every so often he strikes gold. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/9 "2024-09-14T03:24:35Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My gf’s coworker (ad agency) is the dude responsible for the Arby’s logo. The cowboy hat thing. Can I ask how old he is? There’s an Arby’s in the city where I grew up that had the big hat sign out front. A friend of mine mentioned once that those were getting scarce, and that was probably before I moved away almost 30 years ago, so the logo must be even older than that. If google maps can be believed, it’s still there. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/10 "2024-09-14T03:38:40Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > If google maps can be believed, it’s still there. This one has been there since the stone age (Spokane, WA): [![](https://i.imgur.com/Y1ZpkHV.png) ](https://i.imgur.com/Y1ZpkHV.png) Not really sure when they came about, but they’ve been around since I remember. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/11 "2024-09-14T03:52:12Z")
I suspect this is the one in question. > **[Start Sandwich Restaurant Franchise: Explore Opportunities](https://arbysfranchising.com/)** > > Embark on a successful journey with a leading sandwich restaurant franchise. Discover unmatched franchising opportunities and build your legacy. Link posted just for the logo. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/12 "2024-09-14T04:22:29Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > This one has been there since the stone age (Spokane, WA): Looks like the one I was thinking of, except mine is in Tacoma. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/13 "2024-09-14T11:22:21Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Can I ask how old he is? Old. He is still a part of the agency, in an emeritus role. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/14 "2024-09-14T15:42:34Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Old. He is still a part of the agency, in an emeritus role. Do we have an answer on which cowboy hat thingy you mean? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/15 "2024-09-14T15:51:39Z")
Digital signs make sense, just to be able to update information easily, but I agree that it makes the temptation too great to stick animations and such where they do more harm than good. What they should do is have some panels that always display the menu, and then some other panels in between that always display ads for whichever gooey piece of glop they want to introduce customers to today. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/16 "2024-09-14T16:10:31Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Do we have an answer on which cowboy hat thingy you mean? I’ll have to ask my gf. She’s the one who told me about it. ETA: she is currently goat herding. Her agency does community service projects from time to time. Yesterday she helped with a project in Hazelwood where they were cleaning up a green space using goats to browse the shrubs. She enjoyed it so much, she’s back for day two. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/17 "2024-09-14T16:28:18Z")
> [@wguy123](#): > > > [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > > > If google maps can be believed, it’s still there. > > This one has been there since the stone age (Spokane, WA): > [Imgur: The magic of the Internet](https://i.imgur.com/Y1ZpkHV.png) > > Not really sure when they came about, but they’ve been around since I remember. I worked at an Arby’s (Mountain View, Ca, near what was [The Old Mill Shopping Center](http://mallsofamerica.blogspot.com/2006/11/old-mill-shopping-center.html)) in the early 80s and that was the sign that was out front. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/18 "2024-09-14T20:33:24Z")
Keep going to that Arby’s! The longer it takes them to change to digital signs, the longer it will take them to change to “dynamic pricing” where a sandwich costs $2.50 between 2 and 4 p.m. and $6 during lunch and dinner hours. > **[Wendy's dynamic pricing change could upend the fast food industry](https://theweek.com/business/wendys-dynamic-pricing)** > > But the fast food chain will not be implementing the change in the typical manner ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/19 "2024-09-14T21:11:15Z")
To nitpick a bit. Your link makes it clear that’s not what Wendy’s was planning. > so many took Tanner’s words to mean that Wendy’s would raise its prices at peak times of the day. However, Wendy’s clarified that it has “no plans to do that and would not raise prices when our customers are visiting us most,” a spokesperson for the chain said in a [press release](https://www.wendys.com/blog/wendys-digital-news-update). Instead of dynamic pricing causing a price increase during busy periods, it will be implemented in a way that will “allow us to change the menu offerings at different times of day and offer discounts and value offers to our customers” during slow periods, Wendy’s said. Some chain somewhere will probably test out true dynamic pricing at some time, but given the blowback caused by the misinterpretation of Wendy’s announcement last February, it won’t be soon. I’m another one who hates the digital signage that keeps rotating through many menu choices. I go into a fast food restaurant rarely and so never am quite sure of what’s on the menu now. Plus, if you need more than one giant screen to list your menu options, you have too many to do them all well. I know I’m not the customer you make your profits on but my credit card is as good as their credit cards. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2024, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223/20 "2024-09-14T23:21:21Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > I’m another one who hates the digital signage that keeps rotating through many menu choices. I go into a fast food restaurant rarely and so never am quite sure of what’s on the menu now. > Plus, if you need more than one giant screen to list your menu options, you have too many to do them all well. I did notice that McDonalds. It is annoying to be looking for the big breakfast list and not be able to find it because they are showing three breakfast sandwiches. Just three items. At least on the kiosk screens, you control the screens and have menus (ha ha) to help you find things. Not a fan of digital signs that don’t have fixed displays to show all items. I want a static list, not a screen that changes while I’m trying to decide if I want that. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/signage-at-arbys/1007223.md?page=2)