Arby’s finalized its purchase of Buffalo Wild Wings in a deal worth $2.9 billion dollars this week, and the newly renamed Inspire Brands is already weighing other potential acquisitions to expand its reach. “We believe there’s an opportunity to create a portfolio of brands that span all types of restaurant occasions,” CEO Paul Brown told Cheddar. The Arby’s/Buffalo Wild Wings deal showcases Inspire Brands’ strategy of bringing fast-casual chains and fast-food chains under one roof. One thing Brown is looking for: a well-established brand with a dedicated following. “We like brands that have distinct places in the marketplace,” he said, noting that both Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings fulfill a unique space in the restaurant industry. Brown became CEO of Arby’s in 2013, overseeing a big transformation within the company. The company reported record sales in 2016 under Brown’s leadership. Investors hope he can have the same effect on Buffalo Wild Wings, which has faced a slowdown in recent years. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/ceo-of-inspire-brands-on-arbys-acquisition-of-buffalo-wild-wings).

Share:
More In Business
Al Sharpton to lead pro-DEI march through Wall Street
The Rev. Al Sharpton is set to lead a protest march on Wall Street to urge corporate America to resist the Trump administration’s campaign to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The New York civil rights leader will join clergy, labor and community leaders Thursday in a demonstration through Manhattan’s Financial District that’s timed with the anniversary of the Civil Rights-era March on Washington in 1963. Sharpton called DEI the “civil rights fight of our generation." He and other Black leaders have called for boycotting American retailers that scaled backed policies and programs aimed at bolstering diversity and reducing discrimination in their ranks.
A US tariff exemption for small orders ends Friday. It’s a big deal.
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Southwest Airlines’ new policy will affect plus-size travelers. Here’s how
Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers to pay for an extra seat in advance if they can't fit within the armrests of one seat. This change is part of several updates the airline is making. The new rule starts on Jan. 27, the same day Southwest begins assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can pay for an extra seat in advance and later get a refund, or request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the new policy, refunds are still possible but not guaranteed. Southwest said in a statement it is updating policies to prepare for assigned seating next year.
Load More