Officals gather for ceremonial ribbon-cutting for new Arby's in Canfield

Staff report

CANFIELD

A fireplace and wood paneling highlight the inside of the new Arby’s along U.S. Route 224. That could become a trend at fast-food chains across the country.

“I think that all quick- service restaurants are trying to give their guests a better experience. Whether that’s in the drive-thru with speed and accuracy, or inside the restaurant with a more-relaxed atmosphere and with some amenities – a fireplace, two TVs, free Wi-Fi,” said Jim Pipino, president of Pipino Management, which manages the restaurant at 13 Talsman Drive.

Niles Restaurant Business Inc. has the license to the Arby’s location, and Pipino Management has eight Arby’s locations. The former Arby’s opened in late November 1983 and closed in March to coincide with the reconstruction and widening of the U.S. Route 224 bridge over state Route 11.

“We’re very pleased that it worked out, that the end of the road construction coincided with the opening of our store,” Pipino said.

Arby’s opened Oct. 20 but had a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Thursday morning. The restaurant also has begun to serve breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m. daily.

“We see a lot of positive feedback, both for the architecture outside and also the inside with not only the fireplace but also the decor,” Pipino said.

“We like the fact that there’s investment being made in the community, and certainly if you look around the interior of this place, you can tell there is a substantial investment and to me a much-greater attraction,” said Guy Coviello, vice president of government affairs and media of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.