AES Restaurant Group, LLC is the second-largest Arby’s franchisee with 344 locations in 20 states and is rapidly growing. AES was started in September of 2004, when John Wade left RTM, and purchased six units in three Indiana markets. AES continued to grow year-by-year, however their growth exploded in the last 7 years or so, making large portfolio purchases numerous times including; 56 units in 2018, 84 units in 2021, 25 units in 2023 and 26 more in 2024. AES has purchased more than 150 restaurants in 2025, with a recent acquisition of 115 stores from Inspire Brands announced in December 2025 further solidifying them as the second-largest franchisee in the Arby’s system. AES Group continues to be Arby’s fastest-growing franchisee, emphasizing providing fantastic food in a fast and friendly environment.