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Inspire closes on Sonic acquisitionInspire closes on Sonic acquisition

Deal lifts Arby’s-Buffalo Wild Wings parent to $12B in annual sales

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

December 7, 2018

2 Min Read
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Inspire Brands Inc. on Friday closed on its $2.3 billion acquisition of Sonic Corp., bringing a fourth brand into its portfolio and lifting its annual sales to more than $12 billion, the company said.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Sonic to the Inspire family,” said Paul Brown, CEO of Atlanta-based Inspire, parent to the Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco brands, in a statement.

Oklahoma City-based Sonic has more than 3,600 drive-in restaurants in 45 states and about $4.4 billion in annual systemwide sales, making it the largest brand in Inspire’s portfolio.

Inspire now spans 8,300 owned and franchised restaurants, including more than 3,400 quick-service Arby’s restaurants with $3.7 billion in annual systemwide sales. Buffalo Wild Wings has more than 1,250 casual-dining units and about $3.9 billion in annual systemwide sales. The company also owns the 26-unit quick-service Rusty Taco brand, acquired with its $2.9 billion Buffalo Wild Wings deal completed in February.

“Sonic and its franchisees have created one of the most successful and distinctive brands in the restaurant industry,” Brown said. “We look forward to helping further drive innovation and long-term growth at Sonic and across our growing family of brands.”

In November, 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.”

Related:Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings new parent Inspire Brands debuts

“Inspire’s commitment to strategic investments and culture of collaboration will significantly benefit our guests, team members and franchisees,” San Pedro said. “As part of the Inspire family of brands, Sonic is positioned for growth and to continue our 65-year track record of success.”

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).

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected] 

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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