Inspire Brands opens digital innovation centre in India

Inspire Brands’ portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and SONIC Drive-In outlets globally | Photo credit: Inspire Brands

US hospitality group Inspire Brands has opened a new innovation centre in Hyderabad to drive growth for its food and beverage brands in India and the wider South Asia region.  
 

Inspire Brands currently operates more than 800 Baskin-Robbins stores in India and ‘surrounding markets’, alongside 21 Dunkin’ outlets and seven Buffalo Wild Wings locations. 

The innovation centre will ‘build capabilities’ in areas including data science and analytics, digital, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and automation, according to Inspire Brands. 

The Atlanta-based hospitality group added that ‘innovation fueled by the Hyderabad site’ will also help drive the growth of Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins and Buffalo Wild Wings in India. 

Dunkin’ is operated in India by local franchise group Jubilant FoodWorks Limited (JFL), which is promoting the brand to the country’s younger coffee consumers through sleeker store designs and a revamped coffee menu. 

In November 2022, JFL unveiled a new 'brand overhaul’ to reflect its goal of becoming a ‘young-at-heart, go-to coffee destination’. The franchisee is also introducing an improved coffee menu across its 21 stores, featuring a range of cold espresso beverages. 

“We’re excited to expand our global presence and capabilities. A leader in technology innovation and talent, India is the ideal place to expand our network to help power our 32,000 restaurants worldwide. Our Hyderabad-based team members will play an important role in developing and deepening capabilities to fuel long-term growth for our brands,” said Raghu Sagi, Chief Information Officer, Inspire Brands. 

Inspire Brands’ hospitality portfolio includes more than 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and SONIC Drive-In outlets globally. 

The group was formed in 2018 when fast food sandwich restaurant chain Arby’s acquired Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco. It then purchased sandwich delivery company Jimmy John’s in 2019 before acquiring Dunkin’ Brands, comprising coffee and donut chain Dunkin’ and ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins, in December 2020.