Since what year has Arby's, an affiliated program of Carvel, been franchising?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Arby's is a franchisor of quick-serve restaurants operating under the Arby's® trade name and business system that feature slow-roasted, freshly sliced roasted beef and other deli-style sandwiches. In July 2011, Arby's became an Affiliated Program through an acquisition. Arby's has been franchising since 1965. Predecessors and former affiliates of Arby's have, in the past, offered franchises for other restaurant concepts including T.J. Cinnamons® stores that served gourmet baked goods. All of the T.J. Cinnamons locations have closed. As of December 29, 2024, there were 3,365 Arby's restaurants operating in the United States (2,286 franchised and 1,079 company-owned), including one multi-brand location. Additionally, as of December 29, 2024, there were 231 single-branded franchised Arby's restaurants operating internationally.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–24)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Arby's has been franchising since 1965. The document specifies that Arby's became an affiliated program of Carvel in July 2011 through an acquisition. This means that while Arby's is now under the same umbrella as Carvel, its franchising operations predate its affiliation.
For a prospective Carvel franchisee, this information provides insight into the broader network and affiliations that Carvel has. Knowing that Arby's has a long history in franchising, dating back to 1965, could be reassuring in terms of the stability and experience within the affiliated programs. It also indicates that GoTo Foods, the parent company, has experience with established franchise systems.
It's important to note that the FDD also mentions that predecessors and former affiliates of Arby's previously offered franchises for other restaurant concepts, including T.J. Cinnamons stores, though all of those locations have since closed. This highlights the dynamic nature of franchise systems and the potential for brands to evolve or discontinue concepts over time. The Arby's system had 3,365 restaurants operating in the United States as of December 29, 2024.