FOCUS Brands Inc announced plans to grow the presence of its Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s brands as part of an aggressive international growth strategy and is seeking qualified franchisees to develop these iconic global brands in China.

Founded in 1985, Cinnabon is the market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries, currently operating 580 international locations in 52 countries. Auntie Anne’s, founded in 1988, is the world’s largest soft pretzel chain with over 530 locations in 29 countries. FOCUS Brands, which operates over 1,300 franchised ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafés outside of the U.S., grew its total international system wide sales by 10.5 percent in 2015.

“Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s are well-known American brands that enjoy a passionate consumer following wherever they operate,” says Nicolas Boudet, president of FOCUS Brands International. “We are excited to continue the global growth of these brands and China is a priority market for us based on consumer insight research that shows broad appeal of our freshly baked products.”

By the end of 2016, Cinnabon will open 64 new international locations with plans to open over 70 new locations in 2017. Auntie Anne’s will open 89 new international locations by the end of 2016 with plans to open an additional 100 new locations in 2017.

“Prospective international franchisees can benefit from the built-in recognition that these brands enjoy and the world-class support system that FOCUS Brands offers, while at the same time owning and operating a business in their own country,” says Boudet.