Jimmy John’s is one of America’s most recognizable sandwich chains. If you’ve ever wondered who owns Jimmy John’s, this article gives a full breakdown of its ownership, financials, and key figures. From its humble beginnings to being part of a multi-billion-dollar empire, here’s everything you need to know.
Jimmy John’s Company Profile
Jimmy John’s is a renowned American sandwich chain. It was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983. Today, it has evolved into a major fast-casual brand with global expansion and steady innovation.
Jimmy John’s Overview
Jimmy John’s Franchise, LLC operates primarily in the quick-serve restaurant industry. The first store opened on January 13, 1983, in Charleston, Illinois.
By 2024, the chain surpassed 2,600 locations in the U.S., with most stores franchised. The headquarters moved some functions to Inspire Brands’ Atlanta offices, but key operations remain in Champaign, Illinois.
Menu highlights include fresh-baked bread on-site, a simple list of signature subs, and a strong delivery service dubbed “freaky fast.” In 2025, Jimmy John’s added toasted sandwich options and a seasonal Lemon Sunshine Cookie, reflecting its focus on innovation.
Founder: Jimmy John Liautaud
James John Liautaud, born January 12, 1964, grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He attended Eastern Illinois University briefly and launched his first sandwich shop with a $25,000 loan from his father.
Initially selling subs to dorms, he paid 25 cents per sandwich and achieved $155,000 in sales in his first year.
By 1985, he bought out his father’s stake and began expanding statewide.
Major Milestones
- 1983: First store launched in Charleston, IL.
- 1985–1987: Built second and third shops in Macomb and Champaign.
- 1994: First franchise sold and first $1 million in annual sales.
- 2002: Reached 160 locations.
- 2007: Sold 33 % to Weston Presidio, hitting 500 stores.
- 2010: Celebrated 1,000th store.
- 2016: Roark Capital acquired a majority stake.
- 2019: Joined Inspire Brands via acquisition, with James North becoming brand president.
- 2024–25: Went global—opened in El Salvador and South Korea (2024), Canada (2024), UAE (May 2025).
- 2025: Launched toasted subs and Lemon Sunshine Cookie to boost innovation.
Who Owns Jimmy John’s in 2025?
Jimmy John’s is fully owned by Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Inspire Brands owns and operates several major restaurant chains across the quick-service and fast-casual segments. Jimmy John’s became part of this portfolio through an acquisition completed in October 2019.
Inspire Brands itself is a privately held company. Its majority owner and financial backer is Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm with a focus on franchise and multi-unit business models. Roark controls Inspire Brands through multiple investment funds and holds decision-making power over all portfolio companies, including Jimmy John’s.
Parent Company: Inspire Brands
Inspire Brands is one of the largest restaurant-holding companies in the world. Formed in 2018 following the merger of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, Inspire Brands has rapidly expanded its portfolio by acquiring well-known chains. These include:
- Arby’s
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Sonic Drive-In
- Dunkin’
- Baskin-Robbins
- Jimmy John’s
- Rusty Taco.
The company’s model involves centralized innovation, supply chain, marketing, and operations to drive efficiencies across its brands. Each brand operates independently in the market but shares corporate infrastructure.
For Jimmy John’s, becoming part of Inspire Brands has meant access to advanced digital tools, delivery partnerships, and expanded marketing budgets. Inspire has used its expertise to further streamline operations, expand internationally, and drive menu innovation.
Acquisition Details
In October 2019, Inspire Brands acquired 100% of Jimmy John’s in a private transaction. At the time, Jimmy John Liautaud—the founder—sold his remaining stake. This marked the end of founder control over the brand.
Prior to this deal, Roark Capital already had a majority interest in Jimmy John’s. It first invested in the company in 2016, acquiring a controlling stake directly from Liautaud and earlier investor Weston Presidio. That 2016 deal positioned Jimmy John’s for further expansion and modernization, leading up to the 2019 integration into Inspire Brands.
Jimmy John Liautaud exited the company after the Inspire acquisition, shifting to philanthropy and investment. Under new leadership, the brand maintained its identity while expanding into new markets and product categories.
Roark Capital’s Role
Roark Capital Group is the ultimate controlling entity behind Jimmy John’s, as the lead investor in Inspire Brands. Based in Atlanta, Roark specializes in businesses with recurring customer relationships and franchise models.
Roark does not manage brands directly. Instead, it supports Inspire Brands with capital, strategic guidance, and long-term growth support. Roark’s involvement has been instrumental in the scaling and transformation of Jimmy John’s over the last decade.
The firm has invested in dozens of well-known names across the foodservice, health, and wellness industries. With billions in assets under management, Roark has the resources to support global brand expansion, as seen with Jimmy John’s recent entry into Canada, the UAE, and South Korea.
Strategic Changes Post-Acquisition
Since becoming part of Inspire Brands, Jimmy John’s has undergone several strategic changes:
- Expanded international footprint: Launched in multiple countries between 2024 and 2025.
- Menu innovation: Introduced new toasted sandwich options and limited-edition items like the Lemon Sunshine Cookie.
- Operational alignment: Adopted shared services from Inspire for supply chain, digital tools, and data analytics.
- Rebranding: Refreshed store designs and digital branding to align with Inspire’s visual identity standards.
Despite these changes, Jimmy John’s has retained its core identity—fast, fresh sandwiches delivered with speed. The ownership shift has helped the company modernize and scale efficiently without compromising its core values.
Who is the CEO of Jimmy John’s?
As of 2025, James North serves as the President & CEO (Brand President) of Jimmy John’s, operating within the Inspire Brands structure. He reports directly to Paul Brown, the co-founder and CEO of Inspire Brands. Inspire Brands oversees multiple restaurant brands, including Jimmy John’s. Brown and the Inspire executive team hold ultimate leadership authority across all brands.
Role and Key Responsibilities
James North leads the strategic direction of Jimmy John’s. His responsibilities include:
- Overseeing franchise operations and company-owned units across the U.S.
- Managing marketing, supply chain, and real estate strategy.
- Strengthening relationships with the franchise community.
Under his leadership, Jimmy John’s has expanded to over 2,800 locations across 43 states, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the country.
Career Path and Promotion History
James North’s journey within the company shows extensive internal growth:
- He joined as an Assistant Manager in Champaign, Illinois.
- Advanced through roles in area management, guerrilla marketing, and real estate.
- In 2003, promoted to Chief Operating Officer, then became Company President in 2004.
- In 2019, after Inspire’s acquisition, he ascended to Brand President & CEO, reporting to Inspire’s CEO.
North is a graduate of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.
Leadership Style and Brand Impact
North is known for his deep understanding of the brand, having risen through operations and marketing. He emphasizes:
- Efficient franchisee engagement.
- Rapid, data-driven growth.
- Operational excellence and high-quality delivery.
His appointment after the 2019 acquisition signaled continuity. Inspire Brands trusted him to preserve the brand’s “freaky fast” DNA while smartly scaling operations.
Broader Inspire Brands Leadership
While James North leads Jimmy John’s, overall brand performance is guided by Inspire Brands’ executive leadership:
- Paul Brown – CEO, guiding all portfolio brands and managing broader M&A initiatives.
- Nils H. Okeson, Natalie Rothman, Raghu Sagi, and others manage legal, HR, and tech functions across brands.
Jimmy John’s leadership collaborates closely with these shared services teams to leverage corporate resources.
Previous Chief Executives
- Jimmy John Liautaud: Founder and former chairman, ran operations until circa 2016. After selling the majority stake to Roark and Inspire, he stepped down and became an advisor.
- James North: Took over as president and de facto CEO around 2019 and continues in that combined executive role.
Organizational Support at Jimmy John’s
Within Jimmy John’s executive team (approx. 17 senior leaders), James North is supported by a full C-suite including CFO, COO, CMO, VP Sales & Operations, and regional VPs. This team shapes strategy and operational execution across all levels.
Jimmy John’s Annual Revenue and Net Worth
In 2025, Jimmy John’s stands strong as a high-performing sandwich franchise. Its annual revenue of approximately $2.4 billion and strong franchise-level margins make it one of the most economically resilient brands within Inspire’s portfolio. Its stand-alone net worth, as of July 2025, is estimated to be around $2.5 billion, driven by its revenue and earning power.
2025 Annual Revenue
Jimmy John’s continues to deliver a strong financial performance as of 2025. Based on the latest estimates, the brand’s system-wide annual sales now exceed $2.4 billion, up from around $2.1 billion a year earlier. This growth is fueled by steady same-store sales and the addition of nearly 200 new locations in the past year, bringing its total count to around 2,800 outlets across the U.S. and select international markets.
Franchise Disclosure Documents reveal that a typical Jimmy John’s franchise generates average annual revenues between $935,000 and $978,000 per store. Successful units, particularly in high-traffic urban areas, can exceed $1 million in sales annually. This consistent revenue stream supports both franchisees and overall brand expansion.
The increase to $2.4 billion in system-wide sales reflects strong franchise growth and effective execution of strategies in marketing, delivery, and menu innovation.
2025 Net Worth and Brand Valuation
Jimmy John’s net worth is best understood as part of its parent company, Inspire Brands. Inspire’s valuation provides insight into how Jimmy John’s contributes to that overall value. As of mid‑2024, Inspire Brands reported system sales of $32.6 billion and manages over 33,000 restaurant locations globally.
Although Jimmy John’s does not have a standalone public valuation, its estimated net worth aligns with its share of Inspire Brands’ value. Based on proportional revenue contribution, Jimmy John’s standalone enterprise value is likely in the $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion range, though this figure is unofficial.
Jimmy John’s profitability also strengthens these numbers. Franchise-level EBITDA margins, estimated at 15–20%, suggest robust earnings potential. With the parent holding strong overall margins, Jimmy John’s adds financial resilience and growth upside to Inspire Brands’ broader platform.
Here is a 10-year historical overview showing Jimmy John’s estimated annual revenue and net worth from 2015 to 2025:
| Year | Estimated Revenue | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1.47 billion | $1.1 billion |
| 2016 | $1.52 billion | $1.3 billion |
| 2017 | $1.58 billion | $1.4 billion |
| 2018 | $1.70 billion | $1.5 billion |
| 2019 | $1.77 billion | $1.6 billion |
| 2020 | $1.62 billion | $1.4 billion |
| 2021 | $1.85 billion | $1.7 billion |
| 2022 | $2.00 billion | $1.9 billion |
| 2023 | $2.15 billion | $2.1 billion |
| 2024 | $2.30 billion | $2.3 billion |
| 2025 | $2.40 billion | $2.5 billion |
Profitability and Franchise Economics
Jimmy John’s revenue translates into healthy profitability for franchisees and the brand overall. The average profit margin sits between 15% and 20% for a typical franchised unit.
Given the $935,000–$978,000 annual revenue per store, this results in annual earnings of $140,000 to $195,000 pre-tax, depending on market and location dynamics.
Such margins support Jimmy John’s valuation and justify investment from private equity backers like Roark Capital and Inspire Brands. The earnings consistency helps support international expansions and new-product investments seen in 2025.
Brands Owned by Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s does not own any separate restaurant brands or chains. Instead, its owned entities are operational and support-focused: the franchise system, company-owned locations, commissary and logistics, digital platform, marketing group, and training division. All are focused on ensuring consistency, efficiency, and a strong brand identity across the Jimmy John’s system.
Here’s a list of the major brands owned by Jimmy John’s as of 2025:
| Entity/Division | Description | Function/Role | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise System | Network of over 2,800 franchised stores across the U.S. | Drives brand expansion through individual franchise ownership. | Owned and operated |
| Company-Owned Stores | Corporate-operated Jimmy John’s locations | Test markets for innovation, quality control, and training grounds. | Directly owned |
| Commissary and Supply Chain | In-house regional food prep and distribution network | Ensures standardized ingredients, fresh bread, and bulk supply delivery to all stores. | Internal division |
| Digital Ordering Platform | Jimmy John’s website, mobile app, POS tech, and delivery integration | Manages online orders, loyalty rewards, customer data, and app-based delivery. | Proprietary system |
| Marketing and Creative Office | In-house marketing, branding, and ad team | Handles brand image, national campaigns, social media, and promotional launches. | Internal department |
| Training and Development Division | Internal staff and franchisee education unit | Offers certifications, operations training, food safety, and franchise onboarding. | Internal division |
Franchise System
Jimmy John’s operates primarily as a franchise system. It manages relationships with thousands of franchisees across the U.S. This model allows individual owners to run their own stores under the Jimmy John’s brand while adhering to corporate standards. The company’s central team supports these franchises with training, marketing materials, supply chain coordination, and operational guidance.
Company‑Owned Stores
In addition to franchised locations, Jimmy John’s maintains a smaller set of company-owned stores. These units serve as innovation hubs and model locations. The company tests new menu items, store designs, technology platforms, and service concepts in these corporate outlets before rolling them out more broadly.
Commissary and Supply Chain Operations
Jimmy John’s has developed its own in‑house commissary system. Large bakeries supply fresh bread daily, and meat and produce are distributed through a dedicated logistics network. This entity ensures consistent product quality, freshness, and pricing across all stores. It operates several regional distribution centers that serve both franchise and corporate locations.
Digital Ordering Platform
The brand manages a proprietary digital ordering and delivery platform. It includes the Jimmy John’s website, mobile app, loyalty program, and integrations with third-party delivery services. This internal tech entity handles order processing, customer data, menu management, and delivery tracking. It is a key asset in the company’s strategy for growth and customer convenience.
Marketing and Creative Office
Jimmy John’s operates an internal marketing and creative group. This team oversees brand positioning, advertising campaigns, loyalty promotions, and social media strategy. It maintains the “freaky fast” identity and ensures consistency across media channels. The office works closely with franchisees to implement national promotions and localized campaigns.
Training and Development Division
Jimmy John’s runs its own training and development division dedicated to restaurant-level staff and franchise owners. The division offers courses in food safety, customer service, management, and marketing. It also supports leadership development programs for multi-unit franchisees and rising managers within company-managed stores.
Final Thoughts
Jimmy John’s is no longer owned by its original founder. The brand is now under the ownership of Inspire Brands, which is controlled by Roark Capital Group. This shift has allowed Jimmy John’s to scale up and remain competitive in the evolving foodservice market.
Despite changing hands, the brand continues to deliver on its promise of fast and fresh sandwiches. With a strong parent company and clear leadership, Jimmy John’s is positioned for continued growth across the U.S.
FAQs
Are Jimmy John’s individually owned?
Yes, most Jimmy John’s locations are individually owned by franchisees. The company uses a franchising model, meaning independent owners operate stores under the Jimmy John’s brand, following strict corporate guidelines.
Who is the current owner of Jimmy John’s?
Jimmy John’s is currently owned by Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant holding company. Inspire Brands acquired 100% of Jimmy John’s in October 2019.
Is Jimmy John’s franchise owned?
Yes, the brand is franchise-owned. Over 95% of Jimmy John’s stores are run by independent franchisees. The rest are corporate-owned and used primarily for training and innovation.
How much does it cost to buy a Jimmy John’s franchise?
As of 2025, the total investment to open a Jimmy John’s franchise typically ranges from $355,000 to $670,000, depending on location, buildout costs, and operational needs. The initial franchise fee is usually $35,000.
Is Jimmy John’s Coke or Pepsi?
Jimmy John’s serves Coca-Cola products in its stores. This includes Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other Coca-Cola beverages.
What celebrity owns Jimmy John’s?
No celebrity currently owns Jimmy John’s. The original founder, Jimmy John Liautaud, is no longer an owner. He sold his remaining stake during the Inspire Brands acquisition and is no longer involved in operations.
Are Jimmy John’s and Subway owned by the same people?
No, Jimmy John’s and Subway are not owned by the same company. Jimmy John’s is owned by Inspire Brands, while Subway is owned by Roark Capital Group through a separate deal finalized in 2023. Although both brands share a parent investor (Roark), they operate independently under separate entities.
Does Jimmy John’s sell their bread by itself?
Yes, Jimmy John’s offers its signature day-old bread for sale at most locations. It’s often priced under $1 and can be used for personal sandwiches or home recipes.
Are Dunkin’ and Jimmy John’s owned by the same company?
Yes, both Dunkin’ and Jimmy John’s are owned by Inspire Brands. Inspire acquired Dunkin’ in 2020 and already owned Jimmy John’s since 2019. They are managed separately but benefit from shared corporate resources.
Who started Jimmy John’s?
Jimmy John’s was founded by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois. He opened the first store at age 19 using a $25,000 loan from his father.
Is the original Jimmy John’s still open?
The original location in Charleston, Illinois, where Jimmy John’s began in 1983, is no longer in operation. However, the city still has multiple Jimmy John’s locations serving the area.
How much did Jimmy John’s sell for?
While the exact sale price was not disclosed publicly, estimates suggest that Jimmy John’s was valued at around $2 billion during its acquisition by Inspire Brands in 2019.
When did Jimmy John’s start franchising?
Jimmy John’s began franchising in 1994, over a decade after it was founded. The first franchise location opened in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Where is Jimmy John’s headquarters?
Jimmy John’s headquarters is located in Champaign, Illinois, where much of its core operations, training, and management teams are based. Some functions are also handled from Inspire Brands’ offices in Atlanta, Georgia.
Who bought Jimmy John’s?
Inspire Brands bought Jimmy John’s in 2019. Inspire is backed by Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm specializing in franchise and consumer-focused companies.
Who owns Jimmy John’s sandwiches?
The brand Jimmy John’s sandwiches and all intellectual property is owned by Inspire Brands, LLC. Individual stores are mostly franchisee-owned, but the recipes, brand identity, and operations are controlled by Inspire.
How many Jimmy John’s locations are there?
As of 2025, Jimmy John’s operates over 2,800 locations across 43 U.S. states and has started expanding internationally, including locations in Canada, the UAE, El Salvador, and South Korea.
Who is the founder of Jimmy John’s?
Jimmy John Liautaud founded the chain in 1983 in Charleston, Illinois.
Is Jimmy John’s still owned by Jimmy John?
No, Jimmy John sold his stake, and the company is now owned by Inspire Brands.
What company owns Jimmy John’s?
Inspire Brands owns Jimmy John’s. Inspire is backed by Roark Capital Group.
When did Inspire Brands acquire Jimmy John’s?
Inspire Brands acquired Jimmy John’s in October 2019.