Global franchise group that includes the Cinnabon, Jamba Juice and Auntie Anne’s chains reports ‘record breaking’ number of franchise agreements in 2021, citing digital innovation, brand collaborations and non-traditional stores as key parts of its growth strategy
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Focus Brands highlighted the strong performance of its Cinnabon franchise in the Middle East
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Focus Brands sold a ‘record breaking’ 561 franchises in 2021, with more than 175 outlets opened in the US and Canada, the Atlanta-based company has reported.
Focus said digital technology to promote convenience and takeaway sales alongside brand collaborations had been key parts of its US growth strategy. This included deals to launch 33 Jamba and Auntie Anne's co-brandED locations across the US and ten co-branded Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s stores in New York city.
Non-traditional stores, including ghost kitchens, travel hub kiosks and convenience store locations, also played a key role, with 972 non-traditional units open throughout the US and an additional 270 locations in the pipeline, Focus said.
Internationally, Focus said it had sold more than 225 commitments for expansion and opened more than 215 stores in 2021. The franchise group highlighted the strong performance of its Cinnabon franchise in the Middle East, which opened its first drive-thru in the region in Egypt and
signed a deal with Innovative Union Company to open 130 new stores in Saudi Arabia within five years. Cinnabon currently operates more than 1,600 franchise locations worldwide.
“Each of our brands have adjusted well to meet the evolving expectations of the guest, and strategic modifications and digital-forward solutions have helped us maintain a strong position in each respective category. As we begin 2022, we remain focused on targeted expansion in new and existing markets and are always looking for the right opportunities to help our seven brands excel,” said Focus Brands CEO, Jim Holthouser.
Atlanta-based Focus Brands is the franchisor and operator of more than 6,000 restaurants, cafés, ice cream stores, and bakeries in the US, Puerto Rico and over 50 countries worldwide. It comprises the Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli and Schlotzsky's brands, as well as Seattle's Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets.