Inspire Brands Expands Its QSR Empire

sonic drive-in

Arby’s parent Inspire Brands has closed on its $2.3 billion acquisition of Sonic Corp., bringing a fourth chain into its family of QSR brands and lifting its annual sales to more than $12 billion.

Sonic has more than 3,600 drive-in restaurants in 45 states and about $4.4 billion in annual systemwide sales. The Oklahoma City chain is now the largest brand in Inspire’s 8,300-unit portfolio, which also includes Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco.

In November, Atlanta-based Inspire announced Claudia San Pedro would lead the Sonic brand as president, a role she had held since January. On Friday, Cliff Hudson, former chairman and CEO, stepped down to serve as a senior adviser to Sonic until March 2019 “to help ensure a smooth transition.”

Inspire Brands is majority-held by affiliates of Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group, which also owns CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. (parent of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.), Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and Focus Brands Inc. (franchisor of Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s).

RELATED CONTENT

Fatburger

Fatburger Warms Up to More Sunshine State Plans

The brand, part of the FAT Brands family, initially returned to the state in June 2023.

handshake 1200x800 1

Ojeda USA Adds 3 Rep Firms

The refrigeration solutions provider adds Access Partners, Curate and DJ Marketing to its network.

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

TRENDING NOW

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -