Brooklyn's first ever Arby's is thisclose to opening. The fast food chain has taken over the landmark Gage and Tollner building on Fulton Street — where a classy eatery once operated, even serving starlets like Mae West. But those days are over, and the roast beef peddler will be filling bellies in the borough starting tomorrow. Lost City got a sneak peek; check out more photos here. The historic gas light fixtures have been kept intact, so this isn't a complete sacrilege.
Brooklyn Gets Its Roast Beef Tomorrow!
Arby's Opens In Landmarked Space Next Week
If your mouth is watering for a big, juicy roast beef sandwich, you only have one more week until you can sink your teeth into some processed meat... Arby's opens inside of the gorgeous Gage & Tollner space next Thursday! For almost a year now there's been chatter about the fast food joint taking over the landmarked space — many opposed to the franchise moving in to such fancy digs for its first outpost in the borough.
Arby's Nears Opening Day in Brooklyn, 39 More To Come
Brooklyn has waited far too long for a French Dip Combo, but soon enough the borough's first Arby's will be opening and putting an end to its curly fry-less days. And boy oh boy, is it the fanciest Arby's you ever did see.
Arby's Plan Is A-Okay With LPC
Brooklyn, you are thisclose to gaining access to Bacon Cheddar Roastburgers™, Bronco Berry Dipping Sauce®, and other assorted food stuffs that will lead to your eventual heart attack. That's right, Arby's is officially opening after many obstacles in setting up shop at the landmarked 372 Fulton Street space. The Brooklyn Paper reports that the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted 7-1 in support of the newly revised Arby's design plan, even if it does include a giant menu board they aren't so thrilled with. The LPC's Roberta Washington stated, “The sign is the one thing that prevents this proposal from being fantastic.” However, project architects countered, declaring that "some kind of large menu board is necessary because Arby’s diners are accustomed to ordering from wall-mounted menu boards." C'mon Arby's customers, class it up a little! In the meantime, look for a late summer opening.
Arby's Proposed Plans Aren't Appetizing to LPC
The Landmarks Preservation Committee discussed the proposed renovations to 347 Fulton Street in a meeting this week, as Arby's works towards turning the historic Gage & Tollner space (previously a T.G.I.Fridays) into their standard fast food chain restaurant. Brownstoner reports back, saying, "A majority (six) of the LPC commissioners voted to send the Arby's team back to the drawing board, taking particular exception to their plans for a light-colored floor and the size and structure of the booths and ordering counter; in addition, the commissioners didn't care for the proposed removal of a portion of the mirrored arcade and the addition of certain illuminated signs." The LPC hopes that the Arby's folks will stray from their franchise aesthetic—and after all, isn't that the point of moving into the space anyway? While you wait to sink your teeth into a roast beef sandwich or 1040-calorie sausage gravy biscuit, read Lost City's comparison between the new and the original establishment.

