Jimmy John's

Jimmy John Liautaud launched this sandwich chain in Champaign, Illinois, during 1983 after his father dared him to start a business instead of enlisting in the military. The first location sold hot dogs before pivoting to submarine sandwiches to cut operational costs. That shift established the core model of fresh ingredients and rapid service that defines the brand today.

Roark Capital Group took a majority stake in 2016, then sold the entire company to Inspire Brands in 2019. This acquisition placed Jimmy John's alongside other major fast food chains like Arby's and Sonic Drive-In within a larger corporate portfolio. Despite the change in ownership, the company kept its headquarters in Champaign and maintained a franchise-heavy structure where independent owners run daily operations.

The menu centers on hand-rolled subs and wraps delivered with a speed the company calls "freaky fast." Popular items include the Uncle John's Club, the French Dip, and the Vito. Customers can order through a mobile app that supports contactless payment and a rewards program offering a free sandwich after an initial qualifying purchase. [edit]