Major mergers and acquisitions have been shaking things up in the fast food world, signaling change for real estate investors. Fast-food chains are increasingly on the menu for private equity firms, a boon for real estate landlords operating in the space. Inspire Brands, a holding company controlled by private equity firm Roark Capital, bought the drive-in chain Sonic in September for US$2.3 billion. Inspire already owned Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. Luxembourg-based JAB, which holds a collection of U.S.-based coffee chains, recently acquired Pret a Manger for just shy of US$2 billion.