Who is the Voice in Arby’s Commercials?

Who is the Voice in Arby’s Commercials?

Unmasking the Deep, Recognizable Voice That Defines Arby’s Iconic Slogan

(By Carmichael Phillip)

The Voice That Launched a Thousand Sandwiches

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Arby’s: We Have The Meats,” then you’ve been exposed to one of the most distinctive and memorable voices in modern advertising. That booming baritone isn’t just some random announcer or an anonymous voice actor. It belongs to none other than actor and comedian Ving Rhames. Known for his commanding presence in films and television, Rhames has lent his unmistakable voice to Arby’s since 2014, becoming an integral part of the fast-food chain’s identity.

Rhames’ deep and resonant delivery cuts through the noise, making Arby’s ads both memorable and effective. His work for the brand proves just how much a voice can define a campaign, turning a simple slogan into a cultural catchphrase.

Born Irving Rameses Rhames on May 12, 1959, in Harlem, New York, Ving Rhames is an award-winning actor with a career spanning more than three decades. He attended the Juilliard School for drama and honed his craft before landing roles in notable films. He gained early fame for his role as Marsellus Wallace in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994) and later became a staple in the Mission: Impossible franchise as Luther Stickell.

Rhames’ resume includes critically acclaimed performances in films such as Don King: Only in America—for which he won a Golden Globe—and Bringing Out the Dead, as well as roles in Dawn of the Dead, Con Air, and Baby Boy. Despite his extensive on-screen work, it’s his voice work with Arby’s that brought him into nearly every American living room.

In 2014, Arby’s launched a new marketing campaign centered around the slogan “We Have The Meats.” The chain was repositioning itself to emphasize its wide variety of meat-based sandwiches, moving beyond the traditional roast beef that had been its hallmark for years. They needed a voice to match the boldness of their new message—enter Ving Rhames.

According to Jim Taylor, Arby’s former Chief Marketing Officer, the brand was seeking a voice that conveyed strength, confidence, and a touch of humor. Rhames’ voice delivered all three. With his gravitas and presence, Rhames gave the slogan weight, turning it into a pop culture punchline and setting Arby’s apart from other fast-food chains.

It didn’t take long for “We Have The Meats” to become more than just a slogan—it became a meme, a catchphrase, and a badge of honor for meat lovers everywhere. Rhames’ delivery, filled with enthusiasm and a touch of comic exaggeration, helped solidify its place in advertising history.

Comedians have parodied it, fans have quoted it in viral videos, and internet culture has embraced it wholeheartedly. Without Rhames’ voice, it’s hard to imagine the slogan having the same impact.

As Rhames told Ad Age in a 2018 interview:

“I’ve done a lot of things in my career, but when I say that line, people just light up. It’s funny how a few words can really stick.”

Arby’s wanted to be different. While other fast-food brands targeted younger audiences with trendy music or cartoonish mascots, Arby’s leaned into something unique: meat as a premium product. They chose a voice that sounded regal, masculine, and definitive.

Ving Rhames brought credibility and character to the campaign. His voice suggested that Arby’s wasn’t just food—it was an experience. It gave roast beef sandwiches and smoked brisket a kind of dramatic flair, as if each meal were worthy of a movie trailer.

Moreover, Rhames’ voice helped expand Arby’s reach across demographic lines. Adults recognized him from films. Young people were drawn to the over-the-top nature of the campaign. Even those unfamiliar with his acting career couldn’t ignore the sheer confidence his voice conveyed.

Before Rhames, Arby’s marketing had been struggling with consistency. While the food had always been decent, it lacked a distinct brand identity. Rhames gave it just that.

Arby’s CMO Rob Lynch stated in a 2017 press release:

“When we cast Ving, we weren’t just looking for a voice—we were building a character. That character became the voice of Arby’s. It gave us permission to be bold, funny, and unapologetically meat-forward.”

With Rhames, Arby’s began showcasing its premium meats like pork belly, brisket, and smoked turkey with theatrical flair. Commercials often had tongue-in-cheek humor while still emphasizing quality, thanks to Rhames’ authoritative delivery.

Though best known now for Arby’s ads, Rhames has done other voice-over work. He’s lent his voice to video games (Mission: Impossible, Call of Duty) and narrated documentaries. But it’s his Arby’s work that remains most prominent in the public mind.

Interestingly, despite his voice being heard nationwide almost daily, Rhames himself rarely appears in the commercials. His physical absence only adds to the mystique, letting his voice carry the entire weight of the brand. This invisibility strategy also allows the brand to stay focused on food, not celebrity.

Voiceovers are often underappreciated in the marketing world, but Rhames’ work for Arby’s proves how crucial the right voice can be. A strong voice establishes brand personality, tone, and memorability. Rhames’ contributions demonstrate the importance of consistency and tone in long-term branding strategy.

A Nielsen study from 2020 found that brands with consistent audio signatures saw a 20% increase in recall and favorability. Arby’s is a perfect example. Thanks to Rhames, their ads are instantly recognizable even before a logo appears.

As of 2025, Ving Rhames continues to be the iconic voice of Arby’s. Despite new campaigns, menu additions, and shifting food trends, the company has remained loyal to the voice that helped define its current image.

Though there have been rumors from time to time that Arby’s might “freshen up” its advertising, public feedback overwhelmingly favors keeping Rhames as the voice. Social media posts and fan comments often express affection for his role in the brand’s identity.

For now, and likely for the foreseeable future, Ving Rhames remains the baritone behind the beef.

“We Have The Meats” may sound like a simple tagline, but behind its success lies a perfect marriage of marketing strategy and vocal talent. Ving Rhames didn’t just lend his voice—he lent his gravitas, charisma, and cinematic flair. He became the invisible star of Arby’s commercials and a key player in the brand’s renaissance.

Next time you hear that booming voice on your TV or streaming platform, remember—it’s not just a fast-food ad. It’s the sound of one of Hollywood’s most respected voices, bringing unmatched flavor to every word.

And yes, Arby’s still has the meats. Thanks, in large part, to Ving Rhames.

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