Waynesville

The manager at the Arby’s in Moraine is retiring after 44 years

For years we have heard him say things like “Two Arby’s beef and cheddars please..”  The lovable manager of the Arby’s in Moraine, Richard Parriman, retired this week after 44 years of serving customers.  This friendly face is unforgettable and his soft, kind personality is a part of his great work ethic and longevity.  Congratulations Richard, on a job well done!

Food Adventures is proud to bring you this “feel good” article and share the story of the incredible career of Richard.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on RICHARD PARRIMAN:

— Richard grew up in Springboro with an interest in History and Antiques.

— He went to the University of Kentucky and graduated in secondary education specializing in history and government.  As fate would have it, he took a job after school at Arby’s.  It gave him the freedom to work at an antique store too, and he never looked back.

— Richard’s first day of work was March 4, 1975 at an Arby’s that is no longer there.  He started at an Arby’s on 48 in Centerville near Whipp Rd., in what was then, Cassano’s Plaza (now Swiss Village).  That building was a Sandy’s Hamburgers, and after Arby’s it became a Trophy Nut store.

Richard served approx 1.7 million customers in 44 years

— Richard then went to work at the Arby’s that was inside the Elder Beerman near the Dayton Mall on 725 where Target is today.  He worked there from 1978 until 1998.  He remembers an Arby’s beef and cheddar sandwich was 89 cents.  Today they are $3.79.

— It was during this time in 1987 that Richard and his wife started an antique store in Waynesville called Village Antiques.  Today it is located at 185 High St. Box 204 in Waynesville.  Open noon-5pm, Tuesday through Sunday, they are closed on Monday.Please call them at 513-897-2421.  They have general antiques and specialize in Cherry and Walnut furniture and country accessory antiques.

— During his time at Arby’s, Richard averaged 50 hours, 5 days a week and about 150 customers a day.  That means over 44 years he served approximately 1, 716,000 people.  Yes that’s right, over 1.7 million people !!!

— Looking back he has seen Arby’s evolve and loved his time working for GZK franchise.  He had 5 employees that worked with him for over 25 years.  That is a testament to his leadership and unheard of in the industry.  He will miss his co-workers tremendously.  He also has a lot of regular customers he will miss that have become friends over the years.  He says the one thing people should know about Arby’s is they really do what it takes to serve high quality meats.

— During retirement he plans to relax a little, but will be busy with the antique store and spending time with his wife, his daughter and his two grandchildren.  You can see by the sparkle in his eye that he really enjoys his family time.

Thank you Richard for making every Arby’s customer feel like family too.

Two Arby’s Beef n Cheddars please

RICHARD’s MUST EATS at ARBYS:

— HAM & CHEESE SLIDER SANDWICH
Having eaten everything on the menu for so long, he has been on a Ham kick for a while.  He preferred a small ham sandwich when he would get breaks during the workday.

What other local restaurants are Richard’s favorites?

Being in the restaurant industry, Richard doesn’t eat out all that often.  But when he does, he likes 3 places in Waynesville.

RICHARDS FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANTS:

— THE VILLAGE RESTAURANT:
Located at 144 S Main St. in Waynesville, they serve breakfast, lunch and  dinner.  Offerings include family style from salads to comfort Southern food.

— THE COBBLESTONE CAFE:
A quaint little place, part restaurant, part country store.  A great brunch menu, and the staff is friendly.

— STONE HOUSE TAVERN:

Arbys has 2 fish sandwiches for $5 during Lent.

Fun atmosphere, and good pub food at 258 S Main St, Waynesville.  We have had many Food Adventures there!

Well folks, that does it, the end of an era for a local Arby’s manager as he shifts focus to family and his antique store.  What an incredible accomplishment to put in 44 years in such a fast paced environment.  It is great to hear about unsung “local heroes” like this that lead by example.  Richard is a humble person and we thank him for letting us share his incredible story of longevity on our Food Adventures blog.

Richard will be missed by Arby’s regulars and customers in Moraine and throughout Dayton.  All good things must come to an end.  Thank you Richard for 44 years of great service !

Please check out Richard’s store,  Village Antiques on High Street in Waynesville if you get a chance and visit the Parriman family.  Unfortunately, you’re gonna have to bring your own Arby’s sandwiches …

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