Who has ‘the meats’ in Okanagan now that Arby’s is closed?

Kelowna might be a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and it recently landed on National Geographic’s top 15 cities list for the best food in the world, but none of those headlines hit quite like news that the last Arby’s closed down.

Cold cuts stacked high on onion buns are no longer available on Harvey Avenue, it closed down May 23.

The queso stopped flowing at the West Kelowna location after a fire in February. It’s still closed. “We have the meats” was the famous Arby’s slogan since 2014.

For residents in this Okanagan city, that’s no longer the case.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve this community,” Kelowna Arby’s management said in a letter posted to the door. “While this chapter is coming to an end, we hope you will continue to enjoy your Arby’s favourites at our other locations throughout the province.”

Now Central Okanagan residents must drive all the way to Kamloops for their “meats”.

It’s a fate not often visited upon lesser-known expediently delivered culinary choices in Kelowna and the wider region. Burger Baron in Rutland remains the only franchise outside of Alberta in what was once a thriving and expanding chain of restaurants.

Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton all have TacoTime locations.

While some folks on the internet are getting nostalgic about a well-made properly toasted submarine sandwich, Quizno’s never left here. There’s two on Highway 97, five minutes apart.

There’s also some local favourites still in town like Little Hobo Soup and Sandwich Shop, Woodfire Bakery, Polene Bakery and Bistro, Mediterranean Market, Earl of Sandwich and Rocket Subs.

Now that Arby’s is gone, where are you going to go for your meats? Email us at news@infonews.ca or leave a comment below.