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Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon parent company Focus Brands rebrands to GoTo FoodsAuntie Anne’s and Cinnabon parent company Focus Brands rebrands to GoTo Foods

The Atlanta-based restaurant company is undergoing a ‘brand evolution,’ signaling its transformation into a platform company

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

February 20, 2024

2 Min Read
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This change will be the start of a new era of growth for the company.GoTo Foods

Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, and Jamba parent company Focus Brands announced Tuesday morning the company’s rebranding to GoTo Foods. GoTo Foods’ new name and identity represents its “continued transformation into a platform company,” and will also be the start of a new era of growth and change for the Atlanta-based foodservice company.

The rebranded name is based on the company’s reputation as the “go-to choices” in the restaurant industry, both for franchisees and consumers. The former Focus Brands had a record-breaking year in 2023, with 1,150 signed franchise agreements and 398 store openings during the fiscal year.

“To unlock future opportunities with brand franchisees, and ultimately consumers, it has become more important than ever to have a name that conveys and powers the strength, affection, and craveability of the seven iconic brands in our portfolio today,” GoTo Foods CEO Jim Holthouser said in a statement. “GoTo Foods represents a no-limits vision that is firmly rooted in reality as we embrace the power of our platform company and look to a future with endless possibilities.”

GoTo Foods looks to continue focusing on multi-unit growth, co-branding, and nontraditional development strategies moving forward, as these strategies were ramped up in the past several years. Most recently, GoTo Foods has ramped up its partnership strategy, particularly with Cinnabon, which just announced a partnership with Wendy’s for a Cinnabon pull-apart breakfast item, and with Subway, which has added both Cinnabon churros and Auntie Anne’s pretzels to its new footlong snack category.   

Related:Wendy’s teams with Cinnabon for new breakfast menu item

“We’re a company comprised of powerful, well-loved brands,” Holthouser said in a statement. “We’ve made strategic investments and set the foundation for a bright future ahead. Timing was right to unveil a new name that communicates a dynamic, innovative organization with positive momentum while bringing together our company and our brands and inspiring those we serve.”

Contact Joanna at [email protected]

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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