A lot of things have changed over the years along Park Avenue in Meadville.  However, one thing has remained constant since 1973.  It's the giant sign outside of Arby's Restaurant.

It's an old original.  All of the Arby's restaurants built in the 1960s and 70s had the large neon signs with the design of ten-gallon hat.  There's not many of these signs left anymore as newer, smaller, and less expensive signs have taken their place.

That was going to be the situation in Meadville.  Construction of a new Arby's restaurant is planned soon at the current site.  The new restaurant will be located in the center of the parking lot.  That means the big sign must be moved.  Arby's Corporation wanted a new sign erected for the upcoming construction. Otherwise, Arby's would have to refurbish the old sign. That would cost more than twice the money of a smaller, newer model.

A petition drive was started to keep the old sign.  One social media post urging support of the old sign received over 2700 likes this past week.  Customers love the history.

"They're ripping down too many old, old things and we need to save it, said Evelyn Deliman, of Titusville.

"I think stuff like that should be saved.  It's history.  It's part of history of the restaurant.  I think that should mean something to the company,” said Rito Heysham, of Saegertown.  

The company listened to its customers and has agreed to refurbish the old sign.  The city is working with Arby's to find the perfect spot on the property for the big sign to be moved.

Nostalgia prevails in Meadville.

"I remember my first time coming through here and thinking 'That's an awesome sign,” said Jordan Friend, of Girard.  “I think it’s awesome.”

Meadville is the busiest Arby's franchise between Rochester, NY and Pittsburgh.  Construction of the new restaurant is scheduled to begin before the end of summer.