The stories we have the privilege of sharing today come from an interview with Ken King (pictured) who has been an influential piece in Happy Day history. Ken isn’t typically in the public spotlight, but the success of Arby’s success stems from his leadership and extensive knowledge.
Before the curly fries, before the “We Have The Meats”, before late night milkshakes after ball games, there was a line. A line so long in February of 1982 that it stretched all the way down 21st Street. Police had to help manage traffic. And inside? They were selling $1.49 regular roast beef sandwiches as fast as hands could wrap them. Welcome to the early days of Arby’s in our valley.
It All Started with a Cowboy Sign
The inspiration? A love for the Arby’s in Spokane, especially that iconic cowboy hat sign (the one that’s “grandfathered in”). Ken King loved it. Bruce Finch suggested it. And Dwayne Brigham, who owned the nearby Skippers, didn’t just approve, he insisted the new Arby’s be built right next to them instead of its original planned location at what is now Partee Golf and Games. At the time, Arby’s had no rights in the area. So, they connected with Dave McCann, who partially owned the Spokane store, and reached out to corporate about bringing a franchise here. It was a bold move, but it made sense. TacoTime was already thriving locally. Why not try something new?
400 Women, One Petition
Here’s something you don’t see every day but is definitely worth mentioning, over 400 women signed a petition asking for an Arby’s in the valley.Four. Hundred.Safe to say, demand was high.
Arby’s School & a $10,000 Saturday
Ken headed to Arby’s school in Lexington, Kentucky where he
went through three weeks of kitchen training and three weeks of administrative training. Then in February of ’82, the Lewiston location opened. That first week? Absolute chaos (the good kind, don’t worry). That first Saturday? They did $10,000 in sales on $1.49 sandwiches. And it didn’t stop there. In its very first year, they even ran an Arby’s booth at the fair. Ken cooked the food, and his six year-old son Dustin ran the register. Talk about a family operation!
The Moscow location opened in 1984. Then, the Lewiston location won Store of the Year… Twice! Out of 3,500 stores nationwide, our local Arby’s won Store of the Year in 1990 and 1991. Their prize? Choose between $37,500 cash or a free franchise. They chose the franchise. That decision helped open the Clarkston location in 1993 and the Orchards location in 1997. The Orchards location? It’s always been attached to a gas station. Coleman Oil wanted them there.
The Go West Days (Yes, There Was a Band)
During Arby’s “Go West” expansion campaign, things got a little more… musical. Behind the Moscow Arby’s, there used to be a stage. Employees formed a band and played ‘70s and ‘80s soft rock, think James Taylor. The “Go West” theme tied into the expansion push, and for a while, Arby’s wasn’t just serving roast beef, it was serving live music. Small town fast food. Big personality.
Cleanliness Wasn’t a Suggestion, It Was a Standard
From day one, they emphasized spotless stores. If you took a lunch break, you brought a towel with you. Why? In case you saw a dirty table on your way back. High standards weren’t introduced later, they were built in from the beginning.
A 30-Day Comeback Rule
Ken had a management philosophy that people still talk about. If you quit but wanted to come back within 30 days? You could. No burned bridges. No pride battles. Just a belief that sometimes people need a minute, and sometimes good team members deserve a second chance.
Not Every Location Worked
There was once a second Moscow Arby’s where A&W is now. But the town just wasn’t big enough to support two. Sales didn’t pencil out, and it closed within two years. Growth came with learning curves and some smart decisions.
From R.B. to Roast Beef Legends
Fun fact: The name Arby’s comes from R.B. or the Raffel Brothers (Though we all like to think it stands for Roast Beef.)
It’s All Thanks to You!
From bus drivers getting free meals after school games, to police directing sandwich traffic, to winning national awards, to 400 local women making their voices heard. Arby’s didn’t just open here. The community built it. So when you look at those old ’80s and ’90s photos , big hair, bigger glasses, and even bigger smiles behind the counter, you’re not just seeing a restaurant. You’re seeing a piece of hometown history.
And honestly? That tastes pretty good.
Wanna see more? We couldn’t fit all the pictures into one email…
So we made a view-only photo folder with even more throwbacks! Click, scroll, smile!
Have stories to add? We would love to hear from you! Submit your pictures and stories by replying to this email or clicking here!
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