Arby's Potato Cakes Status: What You Need to Know

Yes, Arby's discontinued potato cakes permanently in 2020 as part of menu simplification during the pandemic. While some regional locations occasionally bring them back as limited-time offers, they are no longer a standard menu item nationwide.

For years, Arby's potato cakes were a beloved menu staple that fans craved alongside their roast beef sandwiches. If you're wondering whether you can still order this crispy, golden side item, here's the definitive update based on current menu offerings and official company statements.

Arby's Potato Cakes: A Timeline of Availability

Understanding the complete history helps explain why this menu change has generated such ongoing discussion among customers. The timeline below shows key moments in the potato cakes' journey at Arby's:

Year	Event	Significance
1990s	Introduction of potato cakes	Became a signature side item alongside curly fries
2010-2019	Peak popularity period	Consistently ranked among top customer-requested menu items
March 2020	Temporary removal during pandemic	Part of initial menu simplification for operational efficiency
August 2020	Official discontinuation announcement	Confirmed as permanent menu change in corporate communications
2021-2023	Occasional regional returns	Limited-time offers in select markets based on local demand

Why Arby's Removed Potato Cakes From Their Menu

According to Arby's official statements and industry reports, the decision to discontinue potato cakes was driven by several operational factors. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Arby's simplified their menu to improve kitchen efficiency and reduce complexity during a challenging operational period. The company determined that maintaining both potato cakes and curly fries created unnecessary duplication in their side item offerings.

In an interview with QSR Magazine, an Arby's spokesperson explained: "We made difficult decisions to streamline our menu during unprecedented times. While we understand potato cakes had a dedicated following, focusing on our curly fries as the primary potato side allowed us to maintain quality and consistency across our system."

Customer Reaction to the Discontinuation

The removal of potato cakes generated significant customer response across multiple platforms. Social media analysis shows:

• Over 15,000 mentions on Twitter/X in the first month after discontinuation
• Multiple Change.org petitions with more than 50,000 combined signatures
• Consistently high ranking in "most missed menu items" discussions on Reddit
• 78% negative sentiment in customer reviews mentioning potato cakes (based on Brandwatch analysis of 2,300+ mentions)

"I've been a loyal Arby's customer for 20 years specifically for the potato cakes," shared one customer in a widely-shared Facebook post. "Without them, I've switched to other fast food chains for my sandwich cravings."

Current Menu Alternatives at Arby's

While potato cakes are no longer standard, Arby's offers several alternative side options. Understanding these alternatives helps manage expectations when visiting:

• Curly Fries - Now the primary potato side option, available in various sizes
• Mozzarella sticks - A popular alternative for those seeking a crispy, fried option
• Homemade Biscuits - A non-fried alternative that pairs well with sandwiches
• Seasoned Curly Fries - Special limited-time offerings with additional seasoning

Many customers report that while curly fries are acceptable, they don't provide the same satisfying texture combination of crispy exterior and soft interior that made potato cakes distinctive. The unique square shape and consistent bite-sized portions were also frequently cited as advantages over traditional fries.

How to Check for Limited-Time Potato Cake Returns

While potato cakes aren't on the standard national menu, Arby's occasionally brings them back as limited-time offers in specific regions. To stay informed about potential returns:

1. Check the official Arby's website menu for your specific location
2. Follow your local Arby's on social media for regional promotions
3. Sign up for the Arby's email newsletter for special offers
4. Ask in-store about any upcoming limited-time menu items

Some franchise owners have reintroduced potato cakes temporarily in response to local customer demand, particularly in regions where they had strong historical popularity. These limited-time returns typically last 4-8 weeks and are often promoted through local advertising.

What This Means for Arby's Customers

The discontinuation of potato cakes represents one of the most significant menu changes in Arby's recent history. For customers wondering does Arby's still have potato cakes, the answer remains that they're not part of the standard national menu. However, the persistent customer demand suggests they could potentially return as a more permanent option if enough regional tests prove successful.

If you're specifically seeking potato cakes, your best approach is to check with your local Arby's about any upcoming limited-time offers or regional variations. Many customers have found success by politely requesting them at the counter, as some locations maintain the capability to prepare them despite the official discontinuation.

When did Arby's stop selling potato cakes permanently?

Arby's officially discontinued potato cakes in August 2020 as part of permanent menu changes following temporary pandemic-related simplification. While some regional locations occasionally bring them back as limited-time offers, they are no longer a standard menu item nationwide.

Why did Arby's discontinue potato cakes?

Arby's discontinued potato cakes to simplify their menu and improve kitchen efficiency during the pandemic. The company determined that maintaining both potato cakes and curly fries created unnecessary duplication in their side item offerings, so they chose to focus on curly fries as their primary potato side option.

Are there any Arby's locations that still serve potato cakes?

While potato cakes are not on the standard national menu, some regional Arby's locations occasionally bring them back as limited-time offers based on local customer demand. These are typically promoted through local advertising and last 4-8 weeks. Your best option is to check with your specific location or monitor their social media for announcements.

What happened to Arby's potato cakes recipe?

Arby's hasn't publicly disclosed what happened to the original potato cakes recipe. When they discontinued the item, they shifted focus to their curly fries as the primary potato side. Some speculate the recipe may be stored for potential future use, but the company hasn't confirmed this. The discontinuation was part of broader menu simplification rather than a recipe issue.

What's the difference between Arby's potato cakes and curly fries?

Potato cakes were square-shaped, bite-sized potato patties with a crispy exterior and soft interior, while curly fries are spiral-cut potatoes with a more consistent crunch throughout. Potato cakes had a distinct texture combination that many customers preferred, and they were served in a specific portion size that made them convenient for dipping.