News

March 20, 2009

Arby's First Green Unit to Tap Renewable-Energy Sources

The Arby’s quickservice chain says the restaurant it’s planning to open in Magnolia, Texas, will get 35 percent of its power from renewable sources like the wind.

The unit also will sport such green touches as preferred parking for customers who drive fuel-saving vehicles; a drought-tolerant landscape incorporating local plants; and a thermoplastic membrane roof, which the chain expects to cut summertime heat and the burden on the air-conditioning system.

The outlet will be Arby’s first green restaurant and is being built to meet the qualifications for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

“Key learnings from the first green Arby’s restaurant will help us become more knowledgeable about energy efficiency and environmentally friendly design and construction," says Tom Garrett, president and CEO of franchisor Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. Arby’s is now a sister chain of Wendy’s, under the umbrella of the Wendy’s/Arby’s Restaurant Group.

The Magnolia store is expected to open in mid-April. Other conservation features include Energy Star-certified kitchen equipment; LED lighting; motion detectors for lights in the restrooms and offices; a tankless water heater; low-flow toilets; and the use of low-emitting interior materials like paints and wallpaper.