Jimmy John's was founded in 1983 by Jimmy John Liautaud in Charleston, Illinois. Initially, the shop was created as an alternative to joining the military, and it began with just four sandwiches on the menu. The proximity to Eastern Illinois University and the introduction of sandwich delivery helped the business thrive. In 1985, Jimmy John bought out his father's interest, and by 1993, the first franchise was launched in Wisconsin. The company is known for its commitment to freshness, with bread baked throughout the day and ingredients prepared daily on-site. Jimmy John's menu has expanded over the years, but its focus on "Freaky Fast" service and high-quality ingredients has remained a cornerstone of its brand. The company grew rapidly, opening over 1,000 locations by 2010, and was acquired by Inspire Brands in 2019.