Arby’s is a well-known fast food chain famous for its roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and a variety of tasty menu options. But while Arby’s is a standout in its own right, many people don’t know that it also owns several other restaurant brands.
Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio, allowing it to offer more food choices to customers and increase its market presence.
In this article, we will explore the different restaurants that Arby’s owns. We will look at how these brands are linked to Arby’s, what makes each one unique, and how they all fit together under the same parent company. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of Arby’s restaurant empire.
Introduction to Arby’s
Arby’s was founded in 1964 by Forrest and Leroy Raffel in Boardman, Ohio. The name “Arby’s” comes from the initials “R.B.” for “roast beef,” as the Raffel brothers originally wanted to create a restaurant that specialized in roast beef sandwiches. Arby’s quickly became popular, and today, it operates thousands of locations worldwide, known for its signature sandwiches and diverse menu items.
In 2018, Arby’s parent company, Inspire Brands, was created. Inspire Brands is a larger restaurant group that manages several fast food and casual dining chains, making Arby’s one of the key players in the group’s portfolio. Over time, Arby’s has expanded its reach and influence by acquiring other restaurant brands, allowing it to grow in both variety and scale.
Inspire Brands: The Parent Company of Arby’s
Inspire Brands was formed in 2018 when Arby’s merged with the Buffalo Wild Wings brand. The merger created a new parent company with a strong presence in the restaurant industry. Since then, Inspire Brands has acquired several other restaurant chains, making it one of the largest multi-brand restaurant groups in the world. Today, Arby’s is not only known for its iconic roast beef sandwiches, but it also owns other major restaurant brands that cater to different types of dining experiences.
Brands Owned by Arby’s (Inspire Brands)
1. Buffalo Wild Wings
Overview
Buffalo Wild Wings, also known as B-Dubs, is a popular sports bar and casual dining chain known for its wide variety of chicken wings, appetizers, and beers. The restaurant’s atmosphere is perfect for sports lovers, with TVs broadcasting live games and a fun, energetic environment.
Acquisition
In 2018, Arby’s parent company, Inspire Brands, acquired Buffalo Wild Wings. This acquisition helped Arby’s diversify its offerings, moving from fast food to a more casual dining experience. With the addition of Buffalo Wild Wings, Inspire Brands gained a powerful presence in the casual dining sector.
What Makes Buffalo Wild Wings Unique?
Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its huge selection of wing sauces and seasonings, ranging from mild to extremely hot. The brand also offers an extensive menu of sides, salads, and burgers. Its focus on sports and a vibrant atmosphere makes it a great place for people to gather and enjoy food while watching their favorite games.
2. Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts)
Overview
Dunkin’ is one of the largest coffee and donut chains in the world. Known for its coffee, donuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches, Dunkin’ has a massive fan base. It is especially popular in the United States, where people grab their morning coffee and snacks from Dunkin’ on a regular basis.
Acquisition
In 2020, Inspire Brands acquired Dunkin’, marking another major expansion for the company. With Dunkin’ in its portfolio, Inspire Brands was able to enter the breakfast and coffeehouse market, tapping into a broader consumer base.
What Makes Dunkin’ Unique?
Dunkin’ has become a morning staple for many people, offering fast, affordable, and delicious coffee and breakfast options.
The brand’s donuts are a highlight, but it is its wide variety of flavored coffees and customizable drinks that keep customers coming back.
3. Jimmy John’s
Overview
Jimmy John’s is a popular American sandwich chain known for its fresh, fast, and high-quality sandwiches. The company prides itself on using fresh ingredients and delivering orders quickly, which is why it has earned a loyal following.
Acquisition
In 2021, Inspire Brands acquired Jimmy John’s, adding another fast-casual option to its collection of restaurants. Jimmy John’s focuses on sandwiches, but it has developed a niche for offering a wide selection of subs that are fast, fresh, and convenient.
What Makes Dunkin’ Unique?
Jimmy John’s is known for its simple and straightforward menu. The chain offers a variety of sandwiches made with fresh vegetables, meats, and bread, all served quickly and efficiently. Its motto, “Freaky Fast,” is a testament to its commitment to quick service.
4. Arby’s
Overview
Of course, Arby’s is one of the standout brands in Inspire Brands’ portfolio. Known for its roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and unique menu offerings, Arby’s has been a staple of American fast food for decades. Its slogan, “We Have The Meats,” highlights the restaurant’s focus on meat-based sandwiches, which sets it apart from other fast food chains.
Arby’s Signature Menu
Arby’s is best known for its roast beef sandwiches, but it also offers a variety of other options such as chicken sandwiches, turkey, and even fish. The menu frequently features limited-time offers and seasonal items, which helps keep things fresh and exciting for customers.
5. Sonic Drive-In
Overview
Sonic Drive-In is a fast food chain that stands out for its unique drive-in dining experience. Customers can order from their car using an intercom, and food is brought out to them by carhops. Sonic is known for its wide variety of burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and drinks, including its famous slushes.
Acquisition
In 2018, Sonic Drive-In became part of the Inspire Brands family. Sonic’s unique model and diverse menu brought a new dimension to the company’s fast food offerings.
What Makes Sonic Unique?
Sonic is famous for its extensive drink menu, which includes a variety of slushes, milkshakes, and sodas. The chain also offers a large selection of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and sides. Its drive-in format allows customers to enjoy food in the comfort of their cars, making it an iconic American fast food experience.
6. Rusty Taco
Overview
Rusty Taco, a smaller chain compared to the others in the Inspire Brands portfolio, is a fast-casual restaurant known for its tacos and casual dining atmosphere. Rusty Taco focuses on offering flavorful tacos made with fresh ingredients and unique toppings.
Acquisition
In 2019, Inspire Brands acquired Rusty Taco, expanding its influence in the fast-casual dining sector. Rusty Taco offers a more relaxed dining experience compared to the other brands in the portfolio.
What Makes Rusty Taco Unique?
Rusty Taco’s menu centers around its signature tacos, which are filled with fresh ingredients such as beef, chicken, and fish.
The chain has built a loyal following by offering delicious and affordable tacos with a variety of flavors.
How Do These Brands Fit Together?
All the brands owned by Arby’s (through Inspire Brands) complement each other by offering a diverse range of dining experiences. Arby’s focuses on fast food, while brands like Buffalo Wild Wings and Jimmy John’s provide casual and fast-casual dining options. Dunkin’ adds a breakfast and coffeehouse element to the portfolio, while Sonic and Rusty Taco offer unique formats and flavors in the fast food world.
By owning a wide variety of restaurant brands, Arby’s is able to cater to a broad audience, ensuring that no matter what type of dining experience a customer is looking for, there is something for everyone under the Inspire Brands umbrella.
Conclusion
Inspire Brands has strategically expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of restaurant chains, each offering something unique to the dining experience. From fast food to casual dining, these brands help Arby’s and its parent company appeal to a diverse set of consumers. Whether you are in the mood for a quick sandwich, a plate of wings, or a coffee break, Inspire Brands has the perfect restaurant for you. By owning these various brands, Arby’s has solidified its position as a leading force in the restaurant industry.
Related topics:
- Are Snack Wraps Back at Mcdonald’s?
- When Is The KFC Gravy Burger out in 2025?
- How Much Does The Average Little Caesars Franchise Make?