Operations

Inspire doubles down on first Buffalo Wild Wings-Jimmy John’s co-brand

Source: Buffalo Wild Wings

August 12, 2026

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Inspire Brands is expanding its co-branding strategy with the Aug. 18 opening of its first Buffalo Wild Wings GO and Jimmy John's location at 5241 69th St. E in Palmetto, Florida. The unit is owned and operated by Quality Foods Restaurant Group, which operates three other Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in Florida.

Inspire said Palmetto was a natural fit for the concept, citing strong sports and game-day activity within Manatee County. The region also ranks among the nation's fastest-growing areas.

Co-branding isn't new to the restaurant industry. Yum Brands has combined KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell locations for years. But the strategy is gaining traction as operators pair complementary concepts in a single footprint to share operating costs, maximize real estate, better utilize staff and give customers more menu options.

Atlanta-based Inspire has been experimenting with several co-branded combinations, including Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins, Baskin-Robbins and Jimmy John's, and Dunkin' and Arby's. A Jimmy John's-Dunkin' location is scheduled to open in San Antonio in early 2027.

Buffalo Wild Wings in Champaign, Illinois, has more than 1,400 restaurants across nine global markets, including its off-premise-focused Buffalo Wild Wings GO concept. Jimmy John's has more than 2,800 restaurants across six global markets.