When did Arby's start franchising, as an affiliate of Moe's Southwest Grill?
Moes_Southwest_Grill Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
or Arby's, have not offered franchises in any other line of business.
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
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 10–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 FDD, Arby's has been franchising since 1965. In July 2011, Arby's became an Affiliated Program through an acquisition. This means that Arby's became affiliated with Moe's Southwest Grill's parent company, GoTo Foods, at that time.
This affiliation means that while Arby's and Moe's Southwest Grill are under the same corporate umbrella, they operate as separate franchise systems. A Moe's Southwest Grill franchisee will not directly interact with or be managed by Arby's. However, the franchisee might benefit from the shared resources and expertise within the GoTo Foods portfolio.
It's important to note that the FDD specifies that none of the affiliated franchisors are obligated to provide products or services to a Moe's Southwest Grill franchisee. However, a franchisee may choose to purchase products or services from these affiliated franchisors if they wish. This provides some potential opportunities for collaboration or shared resources, but it is not a requirement.