SONIC Drive-In

What began as a vision to invigorate great brands and fuel their long-term growth has blossomed into one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States. The journey of Inspire Brands officially commenced in February 2018, born from the strategic merger of Arby's Restaurant Group and Buffalo Wild Wings. This foundational move was driven by a clear and ambitious goal: to build a restaurant company unlike any other, one that could bring together a portfolio of distinct, yet complementary, brands and amplify their individual strengths through collective power. Co-founded by the visionary leadership of Paul Brown and Neal Aronson of Roark Capital Group, Inspire was established on the principle of fostering collaboration and shared success. The initial portfolio, which also included the burgeoning Rusty Taco chain, set the stage for a period of rapid and strategic expansion, all guided by the core idea of being a partner of choice for franchisees, employees, and the communities served.

The narrative of Inspire Brands is one of calculated growth and strategic acquisitions, each move carefully designed to enhance its diverse family of restaurants. The company's growth trajectory accelerated significantly with a series of high-profile acquisitions that have become landmarks in the food service industry. In late 2018, the iconic SONIC Drive-In, America's largest drive-in chain, was welcomed into the fold. This was followed by the acquisition of Jimmy John's in 2019, a brand renowned for its 'Freaky Fast' service. The most transformative acquisition came in late 2020 with the addition of Dunkin' Brands, bringing the beloved Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins into the Inspire family. This move solidified Inspire's position as a powerhouse, with a portfolio that now spans across various dayparts and consumer preferences. Today, with over 32,000 restaurants across more than 60 countries, Inspire Brands continues its journey, driven by a commitment to innovation, a shared technology platform, and a culture that inspires memorable experiences for millions of guests worldwide every day.