Visiting the World’s Largest Arby’s, an unexpected experience

Visiting the world’s largest Arby’s isn’t exactly a bucket list experience, but who doesn’t love a random quirky side quest?

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While you’re at Arby’s check out some other things to do in Colonial Heights VA

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About the world’s largest Arby’s

If you’re not from the US you may not be familiar with Arby’s.  They are a nationwide fast food chain best known for their slogan “we have the meats”.  Unlike McDonald’s & Burger King, they don’t do burgers.  Instead they are famous for their roast beef, and other sandwiches.  

Where is the largest arby’s located? The largest Arby’s in the world is in the small town of Colonial Heights, Virginia, about 30 minutes south of Richmond. 

You may be wondering, why is the world’s largest Arby’s in Colonial Heights VA?  Is it where it started? Nope, it started in Ohio.  Is the headquarters in Virginia?  Again, no, they are in Atlanta.  So why is this the biggest?

Legend (internet sleuthing) has it that the owner of this particular location has a number of Arby’s within the region, and has been granted special privileges over the years.   This includes things such as special designs and food you can’t get at other locations.  

The design 

If you can believe it, the “world’s largest Arby’s” was built 30 years ago in 1996.  The design was apparently inspired by Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Florida, a resort at the theme park that was itself inspired by old National Park lodges.   

When you drive up, if it weren’t for the (also exceptionally large) sign out front you would never suspect this was a fast food restaurant.  It definitely looks like a hotel lodge or restaurant, and is quite possibly the biggest fast food place I’ve ever been to. 

The first thing you notice when you walk in is ‘wow’ they weren’t kidding this is large.  There is a double height ceiling with large wood beams and clerestory windows for extra light.  And the focal point is what appears to be a functional dual sided wood burning fireplace.  

The lodge concept is evident everywhere you go from the Tiffany style lamps and pendant lighting, to the chairs made with reclaimed wood, and western style upholstery and carpets.  It definitely elevates the space into a place that people want to come and eat, instead of just grab and go.  

And like everything else here there is a very large patio for outdoor dining. 

Arby’s Colonial Heights Menu: What can you get here that you can’t get elsewhere?

In my video showcasing the biggest Arby’s in the US, the locals were quick to say that the specialty items I mentioned were not only at the Colonial Heights Arby’s.  So while I stand corrected, they are only at Arby’s in Southcentral Virginia that also happened to be owned by the same franchisee.  

First up, full rotisserie chickens.  This shouldn’t be a surprise to add on to the array of “meats” already available but definitely a unique find especially for a fast food chain.  But the best regional specific menu item is for sure the Zucchini Muffins.  

You can get these muffins individually (but why do that?) or in a 4 pack (the correct way to purchase).  Calling these muffins is actually misleading because they are square which makes them more like mini-loaves.  Naming conventions aside, I was actually pleasantly surprised by how good these were.  The zucchini is barely noticeable in the flavor, and the “muffin” is quite moist (sorry there’s just not a better word). 

These cost $6.45 for a 4-pack so share them amongst your friends and family, or do what I did and eat them for breakfast during your trip. 

Unless you’re really into specialty fast food locations I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to come here, but If you’re already in the area you might as well check it out and grab a pack of muffins.  

Largest Arby’s FAQs

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