Here's an old Arby's location that still features the classic ten-gallon hat sign. These giant hat signs were once a common sight across America, but many have disappeared over the years as restaurants remodeled and updated their branding. That's what makes survivors like this one such a treat to find.
Arby's was founded in 1964 by brothers Forrest and Leroy Raffel, and the oversized cowboy hat quickly became one of the most recognizable fast-food signs in the country. The design fit perfectly with the western themes that were still hugely popular at the time, and the massive signs were impossible to miss from the road. For decades, the glowing hats helped direct hungry motorists to roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and milkshakes.
Tulsa has long been a great city for vintage roadside signage, and several of these giant Arby's hats managed to survive well into the twenty-first century. By the time this photo was taken, many other locations around the country had already replaced their original signs with modern corporate versions, making this one an increasingly rare sight. 08-17
UPDATE: A handful of vintage Arby's hat signs remain standing around Tulsa, while one fully authentic Tulsa Arby's neon sign has been preserved indoors at the Stokely Event Center. 06-26
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Arby's
