Arby’s Introduces French Dip Royale to Elevate Menu Offerings

Arby’s has launched the French Dip Royale, an upgraded version of its classic French dip sandwich, aimed at providing a more premium option within its roast beef lineup. The new sandwich features thin-sliced roast beef, melted provolone cheese, seasoned caramelized onions, steak seasoning, and garlic aioli, all served on a toasted artisan sub roll. Accompanying the sandwich is a side of savory au jus for dipping. The roast beef is slow-roasted for over four hours and hand-sliced, while the provolone cheese is naturally aged for over 60 days to enhance its flavor and melt quality.

Newsweek

The launch of the French Dip Royale is supported by a marketing campaign featuring Kristen Kish, the host of Top Chef and star of The Traitors. This campaign will debut on Kish’s Instagram, aligning the product with culinary credibility as Arby’s seeks to attract customers with more premium menu items. The fast-food chain has increasingly utilized celebrity partnerships and social media campaigns to promote new offerings, particularly in a competitive quick-service sandwich market.

Newsweek

Arby’s introduction of the French Dip Royale coincides with broader trends in the fast-food industry, where chains are innovating their menus to attract customers amid rising inflation. Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, noted that many fast-food chains are introducing new items to generate interest and sales as consumers face financial pressures. In recent weeks, Arby’s has also launched the $5 Fry Fill Up, a limited-time offer providing a large portion of curly fries, and the “Meat & 3” Value Box, a bundled meal under $8, both aimed at addressing consumer price sensitivity.

Newsweek

The introduction of the French Dip Royale is part of Arby’s strategy to entice customers who may have reduced their dining out habits due to economic factors. The chain hopes that this new offering will attract previous customers back to their restaurants and encourage them to resume spending. However, Arby’s has not disclosed how long the French Dip Royale will be available or if it will become a permanent menu item.

Newsweek

While the new menu item aims to elevate Arby’s offerings, some industry analysts caution that the effectiveness of such premium items in driving sales remains to be seen, especially in a market where consumers are increasingly cost-conscious.

Newsweek

“The introduction of Arby's French Royale Dip is the latest addition the chain hopes will gain attention from customers who haven't been to their restaurants recently and return some of their dollars to their old habits.” — Newsweek

Newsweek