When it comes to beloved fast-food menu items, Arby’s potato cakes have been a staple in the hearts of many for years. So it came as a major shock when news was released that Arby’s was getting rid of the potato cakes for good. Why did Arby’s decide to make this big change? We will explore the reasons why in this article.
1. Uncovering the Reasons Behind Arby’s Removal of Potato Cakes
Arby’s removal of potato cakes from the menu left some customers scratching their heads. How could such an iconic side dish disappear from a fast food giant? With a bit of digging, the truth behind Arby’s cryptic decision was finally unveiled.
The first reason is steep competition. Arby’s removed the potato cakes to focus on bringing unique flavors and healthier options to customers. With an ever-expanding fast food market, Arby’s needed something to stand out.
Another, more controversial reason for the removal of potato cakes was the rising cost of potatoes. As wheat prices spike, potatoes become more expensive, forcing even large companies like Arby’s to face higher production costs. The company took the potato cake off of the menu in an effort to keep prices balanced.
Finally, Arby’s wanted to adapt to current trends. The idea of healthy, fresh food is becoming more popular, which means sometimes old standards must go to make room for modern alternatives. Potato cakes were sacrificed in order to make space for healthier sides.
2. A Look at the History of Arby’s Potato Cakes
When it comes to iconic Arby’s sides, few come as close to the potato cake. Appearing in 1965, the potato cakes made a name for themselves in the company’s hearty array of sides.
Made with real potatoes, the potato cake is a crispy disc of intensely flavorful and fluffy goodness. Born in the Southeastern states in the early ’60s, the potato cake soon made its way to the rest of the country. And to the delight of many, it’s still as popular today as it was back in 1965.
- The Potato Cake Finds its Home – By splitting the vast Southeastern market, Arby’s identified the potato cake as the perfect side.
- A Popularity Contest – It may not have been an official contest, however, the creamy and flavorful potato cake found its way into the hearts of many.
With the initial success, Arby’s invested heavily in potato cake production. Marketing campaigns followed, and with them, word-of-mouth praise. Before the company knew it, they had created a legendary food item.
- Innovative Production – To streamline production, Arby’s invested in efficient machinery that enabled them to monetize the potato cake.
- Marketing and Promotion – With the machines running full-steam, Arby’s began pushing the potato cake across the nation.
And that was the beginning of the potato cake’s ongoing and successful history. A proud history that reaches across the nation and one that has filled the bellies of hungry Americans for over fifty years.
3. Exploring Potential Reasons for Potato Cakes’ Displacement
Potato cakes, an ancient snack beloved by many, are making their grand exit from supermarket shelves and restaurant menus around the world. Although the sweet-savory treat is still cherished by many, its popularity has gone down as the years roll by. Why is it that potato cakes have been slowly but steadily being replaced? Consider some possible explanations.
Increased Awareness of Health Risks – Potato cakes are usually deep-fried in unhealthy oils or partially hydrogenated fats, both of which are laden with unhealthy trans fat. As consumers become more aware of the long-term risks associated with trans fat intake, their demand for potato cakes has declined.
The Emergence of Healthier Alternatives – In the wake of increased health concerns, healthier options like veggie patties and gluten-free cakes have come to the forefront. Health-conscious people look for healthier, more nutritious alternatives, which potatoes cakes have failed to provide.
The Rise in Interest for International Cuisine – With increased exposure to a variety of international cuisines, people’s palettes have evolved and their tastes have broadened. As a result, people are now more willing to try out different dishes, moving away from the traditional fare like potato cakes.
- The increased awareness of the health risks associated with trans fat.
- The emergence of healthier alternatives to potato cakes.
- The rise in interest for international cuisine.
4. Advantages and Disadvantages of Potato Cakes
Potato cakes are essentially deep-fried mashed potatoes and they are popular in many parts of the world. While they may taste delicious, they have both advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before indulging in this crispy treat.
Advantages:
- Potato cakes are relatively easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep‑time
- Using leftover mashed potatoes as the base, potato cakes allow you to turn an otherwise dull dish into something interesting and exciting
- Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, potato cakes have a delicious texture that will win the hearts of many
Disadvantages:
- As with any fried food, potato cakes are high in saturated fat and calories. Eating too many of these could result in health issues.
- Homemade potato cakes rarely have their fats and calories listed. Without proper label information, it can be as easy to have too many cakes as it is having just the right amount.
- Potato cakes have a short shelf-life, going bad quickly and easily after the first day.
In the end, potato cakes are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. However, the pros and cons of this meal should always be taken into account.
5. A Closer Look at the Replacement: Hash Browns
The Great Potato Debate
When it comes to a classic side dish, many people are debating over which is best; the classic French fries or the beloved hash browns? It’s a tough call, with both sides of the debate providing valid arguments.
For starters, French fries are the go-to choice for many when it comes to fast food such as burgers or sandwiches. There’s something about the salty and crispy taste that makes them irresistible. Plus, although potatoes are obviously involved for both sides of the debate, fries don’t require as much of the vegetable as hash browns do.
However, hash browns tend to be the more popular choice with those seeking a meal heavy with potatoes. Since they’re more work than fries, hash browns usually signify that someone has taken more effort to make them. Plus, there’s a variety of styles one can make them in such as:
- home fries
- shredded-style
- hamburger-sized
- hash brown rounds
At the end of the day, the debate between French fries and hash browns is always going to be a tough call. It’s really up to the individual to decide which one they prefer and why.
6. Customers’ Reactions: Disappointments and Surprises
It’s no surprise that customers have strong reactions to products and services they use. From identifying disappointments to recognizing unexpected good moments, customers often have a story to share.
One of the greatest disappointments that customers have shared is the false advertising of products they purchased. They may find that it doesn’t match all the features listed on the packaging or website. If this experience is repeated, it’s likely they’ll no longer trust the company.
On the other hand, customers can also be pleasantly surprised if a product or service exceeds their expectations. From an item of higher quality than expected, to customer service providing helpful advice, customers can be delighted when they receive something unexpected.
Overall, the customer’s reaction to any product or service is a reflection of their experience with that particular company. It’s important to stay in tune with customer feedback to keep their reactions positive. Whether providing a special service or offering a promotion, finding solutions to customer issues can result in better relationships.
7. Can Arby’s Re-Introduce Potato Cakes?
Arby’s is a fast-food chain well-known for their delicious sandwiches. However, one item which they used to offer and no longer do are potato cakes. If you’re at all familiar with Arby’s, you know how these potato cakes, as crazy as it sounds, could really turn heads and be the star of a meal. So the big question on everyone’s mind is, could Arby’s re-introduce potato cakes?
It might seem like a difficult task, but Arby’s has proven itself quite capable of creating value menu items that still taste great and keep their costumers happy. For starters, Arby’s could introduce a new potato cake as a value menu item. This way, they could make it affordable for costumers while still making a fair profit. They could even make them even more affordable by offering a two or three-pack with the purchase of any sandwich or meal. This would draw more people to Arby’s, leading to higher profits overall.
In addition, Arby’s could create a unique variant of the potato cake. With so many fast-food chains offering standard potato-based sides, Arby’s could really set itself apart by introducing something different. This could include anything from cheesy potato cakes or potato cakes with a sweet twist. Even better, Arby’s could allow costumers to customize their potato cakes for a slight increase in price. Such an action could really set Arby’s apart from other fast-food chains when it comes to their side dishes.
Finally, Arby’s could introduce a full-scale vegetarian option. This may be one of the biggest advantages to re-introducing potato cakes. Making potato cakes vegetarian-friendly would give them a leg-up on their competition when it comes to attracting vegetarian costumers. Arby’s could include vegetarian-friendly ingredients in the potato cakes like:
- Fresh vegetables
- Whole-grain bread
- Grilled, instead of fried, ingredients
These ingredients would not only make the potato cakes more appealing to vegetarian costumers but to other health-conscious eaters as well.
Re-introducing potato cakes could be a great move for the Arby’s fast-food chain. It could bring back an old classic straight out of the vault, while also introducing something completely unique. Arby’s could bring value to costumers with affordable prices, allow them to customize their food, and make a vegetarian-friendly option. All of this points to one conclusion: Arby’s should re-introduce potato cakes.
Potato cakes may be gone from Arby’s menu, but thankfully, our nostalgia and fond memories will remain. Time may move on, but the role that potato cakes have played in Arby’s history will live on forever – for everyone’s benefit.