FOCUS Brands, Inc., franchisor and operator of over 5,000 bakeries, ice cream shops, restaurants, and cafes, today announced a milestone in the company’s international growth, with openings of the 600th store for two of its iconic brands, Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon . The 600th Auntie Anne’s opened in Jakarta, Indonesia in June, and will be followed by the opening of the 600th Cinnabon in Saudi Arabia later this year. These milestones mark the continued strategic expansion of FOCUS Brands’ global portfolio, with more than 1,400 international locations, including Cinnabon, Carvel, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Auntie Anne’s.
“We’re proud to announce the 600th international store openings for two of our popular brands that have enjoyed rapid growth in international markets,” says Steve DeSutter, CEO of FOCUS Brands. “These opening milestones underscore the strength of our brands and our demonstrated ability to grow our global footprint with our strong dedicated franchise network. The exceptional awareness of our brands, the enthusiasm of our franchisees, menu innovation and local customization has enhanced our core menu and has been a key to our success.”
Auntie Anne’s first international location as well as its 600th location opened in Indonesia in 1995 and June this year, respectively. The first Auntie Anne’s store outside the United States opened in Jakarta 22 years ago, when a young Indonesian couple who studied in the US found the Auntie Anne’s taste irresistible and wanted to bring the treat back to their home. Since then, the brand expanded in several markets in the region with South Korea being its largest international market with more than 190 store locationss.
Cinnabon’s first international store opened in 1988 at White Oaks Mall in Canada. Since then, the brand expanded in several markets around the world. The upcoming 600th opening in Saudi Arabia will add to the brand’s portfolio in its largest market outside the United States.
FOCUS Brands’ franchised locations currently enjoy international presence in 60 countries, including locations in the Caribbean, Central & Southern America, Middle East & South Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The company has already opened more than 100 new international locations this year.