The company that owns huge fast-food companies like Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sonic has added another big name to its roster: Jimmy Johns.
Inspire Brands announced the deal in a press release on Wednesday morning. Once it goes through, it will make the company the fourth-largest restaurant company in the country and have more than 11,200 restaurants in 16 countries. All the financials of the deal have not been released, but with restaurant players this big, I think we can expect it to be pretty pricey. Just think of all the Sonic tater tots I could buy...
The acquisition is expected to go through in October. Once it does, it will also involve a leadership shakeup, as Jimmy John Liautaud (who the restaurant is named for, duh) will step down as chairman and become an advisor for the company. The current Jimmy John's president James North will become the president of the Jimmy John's brand under Inspire Brands umbrella.
In the meantime, as always, I'm just trying to figure out what this means for me (and you!). Does this mean we can expect a Sonic hot dog to come with a side of sandwich wine? Would that mean a hot dog is a sandwich?? Can I eventually order a side of Arby's curly fries with my Jimmy John's Turkey Tom??? I am going to guess no, but I will continue to dream about having a side of BWW's wings with a sub...a gal can dream!
