LA GRANDE — La Grande has got the meats.

The new Arby’s restaurant at 2602 Island Ave. opened on Thursday, July 20. Kerry Aughenbaugh, the director of operations at RB American Group, which is part of the Flynn Restaurant Group, said the community reception has been incredible.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” he said. “There’s been nothing but good. We made the right decision to come to La Grande.”

From city personnel to local contractors, Aughenbaugh said the restaurant has had a great experience with everyone involved with the project.

He added that there has been a great reaction from residents about the opening. People started lining up July 19. The first 25 customers in line on opening day each were given 52 free sandwich VIP cards, which means one free sandwich a week.

Part of what drew Flynn Restaurant Group to La Grande was the community, according to Aughenbaugh.

“We love to be a part of communities,” he said.

Aughenbaugh said it is important for Flynn Restaurant Group to give back to the community. The company does this in multiple ways, including the Make-a-Difference campaign. Once a year the company donates to local charities.

The company is also getting ready to launch a back-to-school program to get kids excited about education.

Aughenbaugh said another important aspect of giving back to the community is through jobs. There are many people within upper management who have never had another job outside of Arby’s.

“We start careers,” he said.

The general manager — Nicole Campbell — moved to La Grande a few months ago. She has family in Boise, Idaho, and in Washington, Aughenbaugh said, making La Grande the perfect place for her to live.

The plan is to staff the La Grande location with about 50 employees, according to Aughenbaugh. There will be 27 trainers with the team for the first three weeks and then the local team will be off to the races.

Both Aughenbaugh and the area director are only a short drive away as well — living in Boise and the Tri-Cities, respectively.