World’s Biggest Arby’s
Here at MtM, we’re good for an Arby’s post every five years or so. Back in 2019, MtM alum and 20 Minute Travel cohost Mark Ostermann paid $6 to visit Hawaii and eat Arby’s on the beach. Today’s article covers a slightly-less-adventurous but substantially-more-time-efficient experience: my visit to the world’s biggest Arby’s location. Why did my family and I stop there? I’m not completely sure, but I hope to know by the end of this post.
World’s Biggest Arby’s Location
Of all places, the world’s biggest Arby’s is in Colonial Heights, VA – just over 20 miles due south of Richmond. It’s about a one to two mile drive east of Interstate 95, depending on the exit you choose. I’m rarely on this stretch of I-95, and I imagine many of you aren’t, either. If I’m trying to get around Richmond, I opt for 295, adding a few miles but plenty more MPH. But my family and I were between two destinations where traversing this I-95 stretch made (enough) sense. If I was ever going to visit the world’s biggest Arby’s, this was the time to do so. I say this without a hint of irony.
Checking Out the World’s Biggest Arby’s
Design
As we pulled up to the smaller-than-expected parking lot, I first noticed this Arby’s distinct look. The location sports the old school Arby’s sign, long an endangered species, but that’s lost amidst the building’s striking architecture (by fast food joint standards). I felt as if we were entering a large cabin in the woods maybe designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright loyalist. Indeed, according to a report from Richmond’s WTVR, the restaurant’s decor was loosely patterned after Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Interior
Those feels continued inside, where two expansive seating areas are arranged in an L-shape within the large space (over 7k square feet). High ceilings, cabin-style framing, distinctive lamps, and a totem pole add to the unique experience. Mounted televisions are superfluous. Not surprisingly, the lobby and ordering area is huge, with plenty of space for patrons to gawk. American flags hang high above, as if we entered a parade. There’s even a fireplace! Meanwhile, the men’s room is oddly small for such a large location.
Dining
We were primarily here to satisfy my curiosity, but also to pick up a shake, so I can’t provide a review on the fare (not that it would necessarily deserve one). But it’s worth noting that this location’s menu is more expansive than your random Arby’s next to the Walmart. Beyond the “normal” Arby’s menu, this location offers full chicken dinners (who’s up for lima beans?!) and a separate area with Mexican food options. That last one’s apparently closed on Sundays, the day we visited.
Exterior
On the way out, I noticed a sizeable patio for al fresco dining. Amidst the outdoor tables and chairs are lights hanging above and covered walkways to inside. And let’s not forget the drive thru, which is (happily) not an eyesore here. The large building dwarfs the lane wrapping around the building.
Conclusion
Was it a worthy visit? Yes. Will I be back? Absolutely not. I just can’t imagine being in the area any time soon. I do everything I can to avoid Interstate 95, especially this stretch. But this one time, I shamelessly stopped for the Clark Griswold novelty of the place. Anyone mildly interested in seeing the world’s biggest Arby’s – and passing through the area, anyway – probably won’t be disappointed. If you swing by, eat a gyro for me.
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