Arby's Trolls Vegetarians in New Press Release

"By now, you've likely heard the Arby's tagline: We Have The Meats®. It's tough to hear, but it is what it is. We have many meats. And we have quality meats."

Vegetarians: Arby's doesn't care that you hate meat. The chain famous for its roast beef is not about to change its tune just for non-meat eaters. In its newest press release, Arby's announces that it "respects" vegetarians, and doesn't mean to "sway or convert" people who don't eat meat.

"For those of you who are on the fringe or new to the game, avoidance can't be easy"

But Arby's is so confident about its newest creation — brown sugar bacon, a sandwich topping option that has been available at hundreds of restaurants for years — may be tempting vegetarians, and in a condescending tone, the chain writes:  "It may be hard to resist...even for you. Hardcore vegetarians likely won't budge, but for those of you who are on the fringe or new to the game, avoidance can't be easy. We, at Arby's, have created this temptation. So, we'd like to help. We're giving you a number to call: 1-855-MEAT-HLP."

Call that number and you'll be greeted by a soft-spoken female: "Hello, you have reached the Vegetarian Support Hotline..." You are given two options: Option 1 is for vegetarians who can't stop thinking about the bacon; Option 2 is for vegetarians who have already given in and eaten the bacon. Callers are either instructed to "take a deep breath... and go with the salad" or are told "you're secret is safe with us."

The sarcastic, didactic tone of the release is all a bit much. But then again, this is the same chain that aired a 13-hour commercial of brisket cooking. Here's the full release, below:

ATLANTA, July 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dear Vegetarians;

We respect you. We respect your life decisions. With that in mind, we want it to be abundantly clear that this letter is not meant to sway or convert you. We're sharing this to offer our support.

Nearly a year ago, we embarked on a journey to tell America about our meats. By now, you've likely heard the Arby's tagline: We Have The Meats®. It's tough to hear, but it is what it is. We have many meats. And we have quality meats.

It is understandable that you disapprove of our meat-bravado. Your voices have been heard. Letters, emails, voicemails, Tweets and Facebook comments - we hear you. We love our meats, but realize they're not for everyone.

Then on Sunday, June 28, we launched a meat innovation that has likely tempted you: Brown Sugar Bacon. It's our pepper bacon, glazed in-restaurant with brown sugar and then cooked to perfection. It may be hard to resist...even for you. Hardcore vegetarians likely won't budge, but for those of you who are on the fringe or new to the game, avoidance can't be easy.

We, at Arby's, have created this temptation. So, we'd like to help.

We're giving you a number to call: 1-855-MEAT-HLP. This is a Vegetarian Support Hotline. When your nose betrays you and alerts the rest of your senses to find and devour this sweet meat, please call 1-855-MEAT-HLP. You will receive the support you need to resist this gateway meat and get tips on how to avoid temptation. Delicious. Sizzling. Temptation.

Be strong. We're here for you.

Sincerely,
Arby's

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