Jimmy John’s Sold: Sandwich Chain Joins Arby’s, BW3, And Sonic Brands

Sandwich chain Jimmy John’s has been acquired by Inspire Brands, the owners of Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, and Rusty Taco. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Through the purchase, Inspire will pick up more than 2,800 Jimmy John’s restaurants, giving the company more than 11,200 locations in 16 countries across its brands. Inspire said the transaction will make it the fourth-largest restaurant company in the U.S. with annual sales of more than $14 billion. Jimmy John’s had $2.1 billion in sales in 2018, CNBC reported.

“Jimmy John’s has found the ideal home at Inspire,” Jimmy John Liautaud, founder and chairman at Jimmy John’s said in a statement. “Inspire’s long-term approach, culture of innovation and commitment to helping brands grow sets it apart from the rest. I couldn’t be prouder of the company we’ve built, and I can’t wait to see what Jimmy John’s is able to accomplish under Inspire’s leadership.”

Under the deal, James North will continue to serve as president of Jimmy John’s. North will report to Paul Brown, founder and CEO of Inspire. Liautaud will step down as chairman and begin serving as an advisor of the Jimmy John’s brand.

Jimmy John’s started in 1983 in a converted garage in Charleston, Illinois. Today, it has restaurants located in 43 states.

The purchase is expected to be completed by the end of October.