Atlanta — Focus Brands, the parent company of the Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s® brands, is officially changing its name to GoTo Foods.
This news comes on the heels of a record development year globally with more than 1,150 signed franchise agreements and 398 store openings. These achievements have set the stage for considerable development and strong performance in fiscal year 2024.
The rebranding, announced by CEO Jim Holthouser, signals the company’s continued transformation into a platform company as it embraces its brands’ reputations as go-to choices in the restaurant industry — for franchisees and customers.
“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,” says Holthouser. “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.”
Since assuming the role of CEO in 2020, Holthouser and the company’s executive team have been on a mission to reimagine the way GoTo Foods operated. The team has prioritized the need to simplify, streamline and strengthen the company by breaking down silos and building enhanced, centralized systems and capabilities.
Since 2020, the company’s growth rate has accelerated, with system-wide sales of more than $4.2 billion and estimated retail sales from its licensing partners of $1.5 billion.
Alongside this strong performance is a prioritization on franchise development across brands. 2023 set new growth records with a focus on multi-unit growth, co-branding and non-traditional development — boasting more than 2,000 non-traditional units across the country — as well as strong international growth(expanding beyond its 2,000+ locations across more than 60 countries).
Atlanta-based GoTo Foods (formerly known as Focus Brands) is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. As of December 31, 2023, GoTo Foods, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of more than 6,700 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes and bakeries in all 50 states and over 60 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.gotofoods.com.
SOURCE: GoTo Foods