Arby's Rumors Appear to Be True

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, November 05, 2008 - Back on June 20, 2008, according to a Reuter's News Service press release, "Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia, a subsidiary of Triarc Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRY, TRY.B), announced today that it has signed development agreements with new and existing franchisees to open an additional 35 Arby's(R) restaurants throughout the U.S."

The report went on to list the thirty-five Arby's Restaurants to open.

According to the release, "Chris Cooper, a franchisee since 2006, has signed on to open one Arby's restaurant in Ironwood, Michigan. Cooper currently operates Arby's in Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Marquette, Negaunee and Manistique, Michigan."

While watching an Arby's French Dip commercial last September, Franchisee Chris Cooper realized his town of 14,000 in Escanaba, Michigan had no Arby's restaurants. Chris set out on a mission to change that. Within a few months, he signed a three-store marketing development agreement (MDA) and became an Arby's franchisee.

"I wanted to have my first restaurant up and running within six months and to be the employer of choice in Escanaba with the fastest service and premier hospitality," Chris says.

Chris developed a plan with FBM Shawn Eby that included employee incentives such as $40 for each employee on a shift that receives a 93% or greater AOP score.

The doors for Chris's first restaurant, #7735, opened on May 2, 2006. Supplies ran low quickly, and MBM DC Manager, Stan Goldstein, saved the day by driving Michigan Grand Opening a Success ViewPoint five hours to Escanaba to deliver supplies himself. Way to go, Chris, Shawn, and Stan for a grand opening home run!

The Chronicle attempted to contact Mr. Cooper for his input in this article, but he has yet to respond. We will pass along further information as it becomes available.