City of Laurel Rescues Iconic Arby's Sign

When Arby’s restaurant on Gorman Ave in Laurel, Maryland closed its doors last month, one question was on everybody's mind: What would happen to its huge iconic western cowboy hat sign? The 28-foot steel structure stood in front of the restaurant for over 50 years.

Citizens worst fears seemed to come true when the “Arby’s” portion of the sign was removed last weekend, followed by the remainder on Monday.

Today the City of Laurel announced its roast beef lovers can breathe a sigh of relief. The Arby's sign has been rescued.

The City purchased the Arby's sign from the Gorman Avenue property owner for $88,000 and installed it in front of the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center on Sandy Spring Rd yesterday afternoon. The center houses the administrative offices of the City and Laurel Cable TV.

Mayor Keith Sydnor said rescuing the sign isn't just about preserving the history and culture of Laurel. "It's an investment," he said. "If you've ever seen American Pickers, you know what this thing is worth."

Sydnor expressed appreciation to the City Council for unanimously approving an emergency appropriation bill to buy the sign, and thanked Councilmember Jeffery Mills for providing trucks to move it to its new location.