Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, Focus Brands
Cinnabon operates 580 international locations in 52 countries.

ATLANTA — Focus Brands Inc. has announced plans to expand its Cinnabon and Auntie Anne's brands as part of an aggressive international growth strategy. The company is currently seeking qualified franchisees to develop these brands in China.

Cinnabon operates 580 international locations in 52 countries, and Auntie Anne's has more than 530 locations in 29 countries. Focus Brands, which operates more than 1,300 franchised ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants and cafes outside of the United States, grew its total international system wide sales by 10.5% in 2015.

Nicolas Boudet, Focus Brands
Nicolas Boudet, president of Focus Brands International

“Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s are well-known American brands that enjoy a passionate consumer following wherever they operate,” said Nicolas Boudet, president, 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 close of 2016, Cinnabon will open 64 new international locations with plans to open more than 70 new locations in 2017. Auntie Anne’s will open 89 new international locations by the end of the year with plans to open an additional 100 new locations in 2017.

Auntie Anne's pretzels, Focus Brands
Auntie Anne’s will open 89 new international locations by the end of the year.

“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,” Mr. Boudet said.