A La Carte: Arby’s Closes In Fairhills

The State Journal-Register:

After 11 years in business, the ARBY’S in Fairhills Mall has closed.

“Since 2008, sales have gone down,” said Tom Browne, president of Bloomington-based franchisee Huse Inc. “Food costs are up, labor is up, taxes are up. We tried to negotiate with the landlord to get a lower rent, although we did have a decent rent. We’ve lost money the last four years.”

Asked if the lack of a drive-through lane could have contributed to the outlet’s poor performance, Browne said it might have.

“A typical drive-through will add 40 to 50 percent additional sales, but you don’t have as much labor,” he said.