Arby’s Owner Swoops In & Purchases Jimmy John’s

Who’s got the meats from Jimmy John’s Sandwiches? It would appear the equity firm that owns Arby’s now does, according to multiple reports and Crain’s. Roark Capital Group has swooped into purchase a majority stake in the sandwich chain that debuted in 1983 near the campus of the Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

The Atlanta-based firm has 2,500 locations across the country. Besides Arby’s, Roark also holds stakes in Corner Bakery, Cinnabon and Wingstop, Crain’s noted. They also own a scant stake locally in Naf Naf Grill.

Controversial founder Jimmy John Liautaud will continue as the company’s chairman, according to multiple reports. Liautuad has threatened to move the company out of Illinois due to what he perceived as unfriendly business practices. There’s also the matter of his hunting trips and a very bizarre practice of requiring delivery drivers and sandwich makers to sign non-compete contracts. A federal lawsuit over that policy against the company is pending.

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