Arby's Is Trolling Vegetarians on Leap Day

Have you ever had a friend who really wanted to let you know how cool they were? One who believes that they and they alone are the alpha and the omega, thanks to their taking part in, or owning, something you oh-so-clearly don't?

Arby's—the sandwich chain founded in 1964—just might happen to be that kind of "friend." After all, what else could possibly explain their very public and seemingly unending beef (pun intended) with vegetarians? Arby's recently announced its plan to effectively troll vegetarians by actually offering a "faux" vegetarian menu on the day that falls only once every four years: Leap Day.

The olive branch is really nothing more than a marketing ploy in which Arby's purports to be selling vegetarian options. But the sandwiches that will be available on that very rare day—February 29th—are really just Arby's traditional sandwiches, sans meat. In other words, the chain will be offering a lot of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and condiments on rolls for one day only.

To wit (italics original):

Reuben Sandwich: "Marbled rye bread filled with melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island dressing. Remove the freshly sliced, perfectly brined, cooked and tender enough to flake with a fork corned beef."

Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich: "Smoked Gouda cheese, crispy onions, mayonnaise and BBQ sauce on a star top bun minus the mouthwatering, tender brisket hickory-smoked at a family-owned smokehouse in Texas."

These descriptions come from a press release issued by the company, which announces that "On Feb. 29 only, Arby's will take a leap by offering the company's first ever vegetarian menu, highlighted by Arby's signature sandwich lineup, minus the delicious meats that make them sandwiches." The release goes on to say that "carnivores need not worry"—Arby's regular menu will still be available throughout the day.

This is by no means the first time Arby's has struck out sarcastically at vegetarians. Their "Vegetarian Support Hotline" encourages those who don't eat meat to call their toll-free number (1-855-MEAT-HLP) if they can't resist Arby's meat offerings.

You gotta give them credit for one thing: the oft-maligned chain is not afraid of making enemies, and they're willing to do so in a day and age when studies show that meat can be dangerous to your health—and when more and more people are trying to eat less and less of it.

Arby's is clearly throwing its hat in the meat ring. Vegetarians had best step aside.