All Brands Owned by Roark Capital

What does Roark Capital own?
Roark Capital owns a portfolio of consumer and business services companies generating approximately $100 billion in annual system revenue. Through Inspire Brands, it owns Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and Sonic. It owns Subway directly. Through GoTo Foods, it owns Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, Jamba, Carvel, and Schlotzsky's. It also owns CKE Restaurants (Carl's Jr., Hardee's), Dave's Hot Chicken, Driven Brands, ServiceMaster, Massage Envy, Primrose Schools, Purpose Brands (Anytime Fitness, Orangetheory), and Parts Town Unlimited.

Is Roark Capital publicly traded?
No, Roark Capital is a privately held private equity firm. The firm is owned by its partners, led by founder and managing partner Neal Aronson. However, Inspire Brands, Roark's restaurant holding company, confidentially filed for an IPO in May 2026, which would make a portion of the portfolio publicly traded.

Who founded Roark Capital?
Roark Capital was founded in 2001 by Neal Aronson in Atlanta, Georgia. Aronson previously co-founded U.S. Franchise Systems, a hotel franchising company. He named the firm after Howard Roark, the protagonist of Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead.

Where is Roark Capital headquartered?
Roark Capital is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The firm has been based in Atlanta since its founding in 2001 and has not relocated its headquarters.

How much does Roark Capital have in assets under management?
Roark Capital manages $41 billion in assets as of mid-2026, according to the firm. The firm's most recent SEC Form ADV filing reports approximately $34.2 billion in regulatory assets under management, with the difference attributable to co-investment vehicles and other arrangements outside the regulatory filing scope.

How many restaurant locations does Roark Capital control?
Roark Capital controls roughly 80,000 restaurant locations worldwide. This includes Subway (approximately 37,000), Inspire Brands (33,300-plus), GoTo Foods (7,100-plus), and CKE Restaurants (approximately 3,800), plus Dave's Hot Chicken and other holdings. That total is nearly double McDonald's approximately 45,356 locations.

What was Roark Capital's largest acquisition?
The Dunkin' Brands acquisition in 2020 was Roark's largest deal at $11.3 billion including assumed debt. The Subway acquisition in 2023 was the second-largest at approximately $9.6 billion, making it the third-largest U.S. restaurant transaction on record. Both deals significantly increased the firm's leverage.