When did Arby's become an Affiliated Program to Moe's Southwest Grill?
Moes_Southwest_Grill 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 10–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Moe's Southwest Grill's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Arby's became an Affiliated Program in July 2011 through an acquisition. This means that Arby's is under common control with Moe's Southwest Grill through private equity funds managed by Roark Capital Management, LLC. However, Arby's does not operate a Moe's Southwest Grill franchise, nor are they obligated to provide any products or services to Moe's Southwest Grill franchisees.
As an Affiliated Program, Arby's is one of several franchise systems that are part of the GoTo Foods portfolio, the indirect parent company of Moe's Southwest Grill. This affiliation allows for potential synergies and leveraging of resources across the different franchise systems, such as supply chain management and gift card programs.
Prospective franchisees should understand that while Moe's Southwest Grill is affiliated with Arby's, this does not guarantee any direct benefits or support from Arby's. The relationship is primarily at the corporate level, with GoTo Foods providing support and services to Moe's Southwest Grill franchisees. Franchisees may purchase products or services from Arby's if they choose to do so, but there is no obligation to do so.