Discover the Success Story of Jimmy John Liautaud, Founder of the Gourmet Sandwich Chain • Net Worth

Name:Jimmy John Liautaud
Net Worth:$ 1.7 billion
Source of Wealth:Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich
Born:January 12, 1964
Age:
Country:USA
Wife:Leslie Liautaud
Children:Spencer Liautaud, Lucy Liautaud, Freddy Liautaud
Residence:Chigaco, Illinois, USA
Private Jet:Bombardier Global 5000 (N83JJ, N83FF)
YachtRock It

Who is Jimmy John Liautaud?

Jimmy John Liautaud is a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, most notably known for founding Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, a popular sandwich restaurant chain. Born in January 1964, Liautaud opened his first sub shop in Charleston in 1983, just after graduating high school.

Key Takeaways

  • Jimmy John Liautaud is the founder of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, a major sandwich chain in the U.S.
  • He started the business in 1983 and expanded it significantly, using a franchise model.
  • Liautaud sold a majority share of his company in 2016 and the remaining shares in 2019 to Inspire Brands.
  • He is a philanthropist, supporting various causes, and also a car enthusiast with a notable collection.
  • Liautaud’s net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion, and he owns multiple private jets and a yacht named “Rock It.”

The Success of Jimmy John’s

Over the years, Liautaud has grown his company into a beloved brand with over 2,500 stores across the United States, making it one of the largest sandwich restaurant chains in the world. Liautaud’s vision and determination have played a significant role in the success of the company, and his legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs around the world.

The Jimmy John’s Franchise Model

One of the most unique features of  the chain is its franchise model, where franchisees pay 6% of their sales in royalties and 4.5% in advertising fees as a franchise cost to Liautaud’s franchise. The initial investment to become a franchisee is around $350,000, of which $30,000 is an initial fee. The success of this model has allowed the company to grow rapidly and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

Inspire Brands Acquisition

In 2016, Liautaud sold a majority share in the company to Roark Capital, but he continued to own 35% of the company until 2019. That year, the chain was sold to Inspire Brands in a transaction valued at $3 billion, and Liautaud stepped down as chairman of the company.

Philanthropy and Controversy

Aside from his success in business, Liautaud is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has donated his time and money to various causes, including the Folds of Honor Foundation, dental clinics, schools, and community organizations. In 2016, the Liautaud Family Foundation was founded, which donated $200,000 to a nursery for families in crisis.

In addition to his philanthropy work, Liautaud is also an avid car collector. He owns seven Ferraris, including the rare LaFerrari, and drives with a license plate that reads “SUBDUDE”. However, Liautaud has also faced controversy, particularly in 2015 when photos of him posing with dead big game animals such as rhinoceros, leopards, and elephants surfaced on Twitter. Liautaud quickly explained that the photos were over 10 years old and that he had stopped hunting big African game.

Car Collection

Liautaud is a car collector who owns 7 Ferraris, including the rare LaFerrari. He drives with a license plate that reads “SUBDUDE”.
Overall, Liautaud’s story is one of hard work, determination, and success. His dedication to his craft and passion for giving back have made him a role model for entrepreneurs and philanthropists alike. With a net worth estimated at more than $1.7 billion, Liautaud’s legacy is sure to inspire generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

How much did  Liautaud sell for?

In 2016 he sold 65% of his company to Roark Capital, and in 2019 he sold all shares to Inspire Brands. The deal was valued at $3 billion.

Who owns Jimmy John’s now?

The franchise chain is now owned by Inspire Brands. Inspire Brands is a privately-held, multi-brand restaurant company that was founded in 2018 by Paul Brown. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is focused on acquiring and growing successful restaurant brands. Inspire Brands is the parent company of several well-known restaurant chains, including Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Rusty Bucket Restaurant, Jimmy Johns, and Tavern.

Where does the owner of Jimmy John’s live?

Liautaud was born in Illinois. He owns a relatively modest house there. He also owns a house in Chicago. He and his wife Leslie also own a summer house in Key Largo, Florida.

Does Liautaud own a yacht?

Yes, he is the owner of the Feadship yacht ROCK.IT.  The yacht is listed for sale, asking $65 million. He is rumored to be building a larger yacht.

How Much is Liautaud worth?

His net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion. He sold his company in 2019 for $3 billion, but he had already sold a large part of the shares in 2016.

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Leslie Liautaud

Leslie Liautaud


Jim and Leslie Liautaud

Leslie Liautaud

His wife Leslie Liautaud is an author. She has written several novels and thrillers.  Such a BLACK BEAR LAKE (2014). And the psychological thriller BUTTERFLY PINNED (2017).

10 Facts about James John Liautaud you probably didn’t know

1 He planned to open a hot-dog stand but the investments were too high.

2 He switched to sandwiches with just a refrigerator, a meat slicer, an oven.

3 He started in 1983 and began franchising in 1994.

4 There are now 2,500 Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich shops.

5 In 2016 he sold a majority share to Roark Capital.

6 His net worth is now US$ 1.7 billion.

7 His yacht was delivered in 2014 by Dutch builder Feadship.

8 The yacht’s name is a reference to his work ethics: rock it!

9 His yacht is listed for sale as he is building a larger yacht.

10 He owns at least 3 private jets: N83FF, N15UB, 215UB, and a helicopter N83JJ.


He is the owner of the Feadship yacht Rock It.

The Rock It yacht, delivered by Feadship in 2014, is a masterpiece of design by Sinot Yacht Design. This stunning 198-foot vessel boasts a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, as well as two powerful MTU engines that enable her to reach a top speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots. With a range of 5,300 nautical miles, the Rock It is perfect for long journeys.

He listed the superyacht for sale, asking $65 million. There are rumors that he is building a larger yacht.

The Rock It Yacht is a 60-meter (198 ft) yacht built by Feadship in 2014, designed by Sinot Yacht Design.

The yacht accommodates 10 guests in 5 cabins and has a crew of 13 in 6 cabins.

It features a semi-dynamic positioning autopilot system, a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, and MTU engines, reaching speeds up to 21 knots.

“Rock It” has luxurious amenities, including custom-made furniture and a Jeff Koon sculpture, with an interior designed by Sinot Yacht Design.

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