Jimmy John’s has been busy over the past year. From launching the Picklewich to introducing toasted sandwiches, celebrating new cookie flavors and bringing back Kickin’ Ranch, the brand is redefining freaky fast – especially when it comes to international growth. In January 2024, Jimmy John’s announced its international debut with franchise agreements in North America. Just over one year later, guests are enjoying Jimmy John’s sandwiches in restaurants across El Salvador, Canada, South Korea, and, as of today, the United Arab Emirates.

Jimmy John’s enters its fifth global market with the opening of four new Dubai locations in one day, marking the brand’s debut in the Middle East. The new restaurants are operated by franchisee Galadari Food & Beverage Division, an experienced restaurant operator with more than 1,000 Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ locations across the Middle East and Australia.

“Galadari is the ideal franchisee to bring the Jimmy John’s experience to the Middle East,” says Inspire President and Managing Director of International Michael Haley. “Their industry expertise, capabilities, and comprehensive understanding of the Middle East market, coupled with the strength and legacy of the Jimmy John’s brand, will facilitate a successful launch and prolonged growth in the region.”

To celebrate Jimmy John’s in the United Arab Emirates, Inspire and Galadari leadership hosted grand opening celebrations featuring a drone show, LED dancers, free sandwiches, and more as new guests delighted in Jimmy John’s for the first time.

“We believe Jimmy John’s will resonate strongly with guests in the UAE,” says Co-Chairman and Group CEO of Galadari Brothers Mohammed Galadari. “This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to bringing globally renowned brands to the region. We’re proud to partner with Inspire to introduce a concept that blends quality, speed, and consistency.”  

As a leader in fresh-made sandwiches, Jimmy John’s focus on quality ingredients, convenience, and digital innovation blends with an ease of operations that uniquely positions the brand for international growth.  While Jimmy John’s is just one year into its global journey, Inspire is no stranger to global expansion. As a multi-brand restaurant company with more than 33,000 locations worldwide, including Arby’s®, Baskin-Robbins®, Buffalo Wild Wings®, Dunkin’®, Jimmy John’s®, and SONIC®, Inspire has a robust international presence with more than 10,200 locations in nearly 60 global markets. 

The first Jimmy John’s to open outside the U.S. celebrated with a free sandwich-fueled grand opening on September 12, 2024 at Centro Comercial Plaza Luceiro in San Salvador, El Salvador. This international milestone is the catalyst for the brand’s global growth, paving the way for future openings around the world. 

Jimmy John’s entered the Asian market on October 24, 2024 with the grand opening of its restaurant in the Gangnam District at 358 Tower, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea. With an aim to recreate the authentic taste and atmosphere of Jimmy John’s in the U.S., the Korean menu features favorites like the Meatball Parmesan, Spicy Jimmy, and Turkey Tom. 

Jimmy John’s expansion into Canada on November 19, 2024 marked another step forward in its international growth journey, this time at 197 North Queen St., Etobicoke in Toronto. To celebrate the brand’s journey north, Jimmy John’s unveils a 15-sandwich Canadian menu with a lineup of new, signature sandwiches. 

Jimmy John’s expansion into the Middle East on May 19, 2025 marks its latest step forward in its global launch, now serving sandwiches in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The brand is launching its Middle East debut with four restaurant openings in one day, including Aspin Commercial Tower, The Meadows, Sahara Center, and First Avenue Mall. 

To learn more about franchising with Inspire and our brands, visit inspirebrands.com/Franchising.