For sale: Arby's building on Washtenaw in Ann Arbor listed amid reports it will close
The east side Ann Arbor Arby's restaurant is listed for sale amid indications that the fast-food outlet soon will close.
Arby's on Washtenaw in Ann Arbor is known across the county for its distinctive retro sign.
Kyle Mattson | AnnArbor.com
The building, located at 3021 Washtenaw Ave., is just east of Platt Road. It is near the Huron Village Shopping Center and across Washtenaw from the under-construction Arbor Hills Crossing retail center.
It's also home to a distinctive Arby's cowboy hat sign that's "grandfathered" into city zoning regulations.
Local commercial real estate brokers said the building is advertised as a "freestanding former Arby's." The listing price is $500,000.
The 1,825-square-foot building is owned by a multiple trusts, according to city assessor records. It's assessed at $261,300, giving it an estimated market value of about $510,000.
Local store officials were unable to be reached for comment.
The Arby's chain was acquired in 2011 by an affiliate of Roark Capital Group of Atlanta in a $430 million deal.
At the time, Arby's had — through both corporate and franchise stores — about 3,600 restaurants worldwide.
Jim Chaconas of Colliers International said he didn't have specific information about this store, but "we're seeing a lot of fast food chains starting to close under-performing stores."
Another recent fast food closing in Ann Arbor was the KFC — which also housed Long John Silvers - on West Stadium. It closed in late June.
Remaining Arby's restaurants in Washtenaw County include stores on Washtenaw in Ypsilanti Township, Jackson Road in Scio Township and on Baker Road just outside of Dexter.
Comments
15crown00
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 2:09 a.m.
somehow me thinks Blue and Yellow Arbor will survive.
Ron Granger
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
I agree with the others - I think Brandon is so jealous of the Arby's sign that he's cut a secret deal to buy and close the franchise. And he's probably getting a whole bunch of horsey sauce.
Sharon
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
Myself and my daughter (11 Years old) love to stop in and grab a bite at Arby's. The restaurant is clean, the staff is friendly, and there is much worse junk food than Arbys. The location is perfect when we're running errands on that side of town. PLEASE DON'T CLOSE THIS STORE - WE REALLY LIKE IT!
Honest Abe
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.
"Remaining Arby's restaurants in Washtenaw County include stores on Washtenaw in Ypsilanti Township, Jackson Road in Scio Township and on Baker Road just outside of Dexter." -annarbor.com I happen to know for fact there is in an Arby's in Milan, inside Washtenaw County.
Honest Abe
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 6:51 p.m.
@kt rix and jns131, did you two even read what you responded to? Apparently not. The article named the remaining Arby's remaining in Washtenaw County. I pointed out that they were wrong, and left one out. It does not matter if it is in Milan. The Milan Arby's is STILL in WASHTENAW COUNTY!
jns131
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 5:52 p.m.
So that makes three left in all of Washtenaw county?
kt rix
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 4:38 p.m.
Right, but that would require one to actually go to Milan...
Major
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 3:22 p.m.
I'm not sweating it, the one on Jackson road is really good. Always clean, and its always a treat when "Sunshine" is working...happiest, sweetest lady there is! A real change from the usual, long faced, mumbling types one encounters when foraging for health food.
jns131
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 12:35 a.m.
The one on Washtenaw is too. Very friendly people as well. Don't know abut the one in Milan though. Not driving there to find out.
alterego
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
Obviously a case of outsourcing our fast food franchises overseas where wages and food quality/safety is lower.
TMC216
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 11:12 a.m.
For fast food, check the nutritional information on an Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich and a Taco Bell Bean Burrito. Both are actually quite good. I'm sorry that this store seems to be closing.
brian
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 4:35 a.m.
Arby's. Good Mood Food. A good old roast beef samwich with a ton of Arby sauce. YUM
Honest Abe
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 3:25 a.m.
I am not too fond of this particular Arby's. The staff is rude, and for some reason they always ask for my name, and when I refuse to give it, they act almost as if they will not serve me. I am always polite with them too. I use to own a few party stores and I tell all of you one thing I learned fast - Competition is ALWAYS a stone's throw away. See ya Arby's!
treetowncartel
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
I think your parents would be proud of you sharing your name with others, isn't that why we have them. That being said I often give an alias just like constance suggested.
Honest Abe
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
It is a matter of principle. My name is none of their business. Period.
Constance Colthorp Amrine
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:10 p.m.
Can't you just tell them your name is Honest Abe? Or make something up for fun like Justin Bieber. ;-)
ranger007
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:56 a.m.
It would be cool to see satchel's bbq move in and some how use the sign for their logo,that sign has been a fixture in ann arbor since I was knee high to a grasshopper.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
Well now, that's just tragic.
Halter
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 12:09 a.m.
I don't think the problem here is sales -- in this corridor on Washtenaw it is near impossible to get into or out of the place during lunch rush or dinner rush -- their most important time of business. The same reasons Boston Market went out of business just up the road. Also, its a very small store without sufficient parking or seating, and there just isn't anywhere to expand there. The kitchen and food prep area is too small for the meals that Arby's now serves. It was just a matter of time until this one called it a day. Fortunately we have a nice big one on Jackson road across the street for the Meijer. I happen to like Arby's and wish the folks who owned and operated (and were employed by) the Washtenaw location well. But it really raises the bigger specter of what to do with that entire Washtenaw Corridor that is just horrendous for any business that requires in/out service. Its something that should have been addressed a decade ago, and I'm glad they are finally funding some money to do something about that area.
Sparty
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
It's not the access that's the problem ... The Boston Market that closed was replaced by a much busier McDonald's after all. LoL. The problem with the Arby's is that there is no drive-thru, it hasn't been updated since the 1970's, there is insufficient parking and seating.
snark12
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:51 a.m.
I keep reading about how no one can get in and out of the businesses on Washtenaw. But I also hear how there's not enough parking at Whole Foods, so someone must be managing the trick. You guys all have gas pedals and steering wheels on your cars, right? I just want to make sure. Also, the Boston Market closed because the building is owned by McDonalds, which used to own Boston Market. After McD's sold Boston Market and that lease was up, McD decided they wanted one of their own stores on that location and did not renew Boston Market's lease.
jns131
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.
If you are venturous, you can try to come to the east side of Washtenaw for an Arbys. Otherwise, yes, it is very dangerous to get in and out of that area. I guess if I want an Arbys? I need to stay on my side of town.
Brad
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
I feel a curly fries jones coming on!
Jeremy Peters
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 10:38 p.m.
I, for one, am proud to live in a city where fast food restaurants are closing and locally owned alternatives that provide fresh food quickly and that are not all that expensive are thriving. If you're going to spend $7.00 on a fast-food "value" meal, why not spend the same at a local eatery whose profits stay in town and build our local economy?
catbehindthecouch
Mon, Jul 23, 2012 : 11:22 p.m.
Machine, for a dollar more ($8) you can get the falafel plate at Jerusalem garden which includes two small (to them- they seem big to me!) sides. It's my go-to when I feel like I need to get lunch downtown. I always have my reusable water bottle so I don't need a drink, and the amount of food they give feeds me for two or three lunches.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:08 p.m.
yeah jeremy, I'm sure you're happy.(sarcasm)
f4phantomII
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
I like to have a choice, not just one or the other.
Machine
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 12:22 a.m.
Where are the locally owned alternatives where I can get a sandwich, fries and a drink for $7.00? As someone who works in downtown AA, the places were I can find lunch for $7.00 or less are few and far between. Even Le Dog is more than that if you get soup and a hot dog for lunch.
Halter
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 12:10 a.m.
The reason they are closing on this corridor is NOT the freshness or local-aspect....its because cars can't get into or out of the business. Glad you are proud that people are losing their jobs.
David Cahill
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 10:33 p.m.
Darn! I like that Arby's.
jns131
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:28 a.m.
I did too. It will be missed.
Somargie
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
Quick, call Dave Brandon, the new kingpin of Ann Arbor and the administrative office that's buying up Ann Arbor...they might want to put another $2.8 million UM marquee so it can be the second largest electronic signs, another sport stadium with unlimited & un-complainable noise limits, another research/medical office or my favorite another essential parking structure in the city they owe & control Ann Arbor. Oops, did I offend yet again AA.com silly voting system, their boss UM or the rabid UM fans who see all complaints about UMs spending spree & take-over as an insult, ungratefulness and whinning.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
as long as you're not bitter....
julieswhimsies
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:14 a.m.
Huh?
nickcarraweigh
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.
There's just no substitute for Arby's when your taste buds cry for a toasted bun loaded with wafer-thin, meatlike slices of something oozing with a mildly tangy horseradishy kind of whitish sauce or whatever they call it. Eschew the pickles unless there's a ravenous ferret waiting at home, and don't make the rookie mistake of unwrapping it near an open flame.
Karen
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 6:51 a.m.
you might have saved them if you had been writing their ads! I haven't had an arby's since 1978 but you made me want one for just a second!
Ron Granger
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
It is called Horsey Sauce. Please don't forget it. Because that makes the horses angry.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:06 p.m.
gawd, you're making me hungry...that whitish sauce is called horsey-sauce which you can easily make yourself
Monica R-W
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 5:53 a.m.
I agree on one point. The meat on Arby's sandwiches is WAY too thin!
Karen Hart
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 9:19 p.m.
Won't miss it a bit.
Major
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
A lot of memories there for me. Back in the 70's after eating there it was laying rubber to cross the street to Fisca gas station in my 69 Camaro, to doing renovation work in the area and using the "back" entrance off Glenwood to beat the traffic! Seems to be busy all the time to me?
Chase Ingersoll
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 12:16 p.m.
Nice to hear another normal American story. I'm certain the liberal arts PhD's reading it are sputtering their organic, fair trade coffee.
xmo
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
What are we going to do to save our "Fast Food" businesses? Soon, Ann Arbor will be without any Fast Food and nobody will want to come here anymore! and what about "stoned" college students? Do they have to venture into Ypsilanti to get some of the Forbidden Food? Risking their lives? All Because we cannot appreciate diversity of food?
jeanette
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:20 p.m.
stadium blvd has mcdonalds,taco bell,burger king all within sight of each other,and all three of them and two arbys ,dominoes,pizza hut,big boy are within 7 miles of stadium on the jackson corridor and now culver's
jns131
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:26 a.m.
Come to Ypsilanti, we have two drive ins, a KFC, Arbys, Taco Bell and a Wendys. We even have Big Boy too. Ann Arbor ran them out of town too. Remember? If you want good Chinese? There is two of those as well. Happy eating.
Halter
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
Its not about diversity -- its about location. ANd this location is inassessible most of the day.
Elijah Shalis
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 8:37 p.m.
bad food, tastes bad, good ridance
ssAA
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 8:19 p.m.
Dave Brandon wants that sign to set on top of his new stadium marquee.
Sparty
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 8:10 p.m.
That building is a health hazard, but Ann Arbor deserves a new and modern Arby's location nearby with a drive-thru. They also closed the Briarwood Mall location, which could have been a strong performer IF they had updated the decor and reconfigured the awkward set-up. It's no wonder the Washtenaw Ave. location would be a performance under-achiever. No drive-thru, awful rest rooms inaccessible from the inside, insufficient inside seating, insufficient parking, etc., no updates since the 1970's.
Bonsai
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
better stock up on horsey sauce now....
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
Bonsai, I make my own horsey sauce using mayo/grated horseradish. I like it fairly potent but it can easily be "tweaked" up or down.
Matt Sussman
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
Think I speak for everyone when I say, I want that sign in my yard.
Frustrated in A2
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
Nooooooo.... So now I have to gas up to get Arby's and KFC! What is this city coming to???
jeanette
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:13 p.m.
jackson at zeeb rd and baker at 94....2 arbys within 3 miles of each other
jns131
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:24 a.m.
The only KFC I know of is in Ypsilanti and so is Arby's. I guess Ypsilanti knows when to keep its great restaurants.
Kurt
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:26 p.m.
This is actually quite sad as that building, and its sign, have been long-time fixtures on that side of town. My father used to take me there back in the '70's; we would eat our roast beef sandwiches and watch cars go through the 'Whale of a Wash' car-wash (now the BP station) next door. That was before they expanded the restaurant to its current size, partially blocking their own sign from the eastern side. Now I need to go get a Jamocha shake...
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:25 p.m.
America's Roast Beef, Yes Sir!
Jammers02
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
Boo! Don't sell. I go there often its down the street from my office! Very friendly staff Will be sad to see it go.
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
have to go to milan now...
jeanette
Sun, Jul 22, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
what about the one on baker at 94???
jns131
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 2:23 a.m.
That on Washtenaw and the one on Jackson are the only two now left in this area. Wow what a shocker to see this great icon go. Not surprising with all of the Washtenaw traffic and in ability to get in and out of there.
julieswhimsies
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:18 a.m.
If you really MUST go to this place, there's one on Jackson Rd. They're freakin' EVERYWHERE!
Kristine
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
If you're from the area, try the Arby's at 3015 Washtenaw in Ypsi.
Hmm
Fri, Jul 20, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.
*Insert Arby's food joke here*
julieswhimsies
Sat, Jul 21, 2012 : 1:18 a.m.
Hey! You get points for the funniest comment!