Mankato, Minn. — Focus Brands®, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, will debut McAlister’s Deli in Minnesota with a 10-unit franchise agreement, alongside a tri-brand franchise agreement that will bring Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon and Jamba to Mankato.
Behind the signings are seasoned restaurateurs and husband-and-wife team, Steve and Dani Wegman. The duo owns multiple food concepts around the greater Mankato area.
Ready to introduce McAlister’s Deli in the state of Minnesota, the Wegmans are set to open their first location at 1860 Adams St. in Mankato in early 2024. Target markets for additional locations include Albert Lea, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Faribault, New Ulm, Northfield, Owatonna and Rochester, among others. All 10 restaurants are projected to be open and operating over the next 5 years.
“These development efforts contribute to the incredible growth and momentum of the McAlister’s Deli brand,” says Mike Freeman, chief brand officer of McAlister’s Deli. “Opening in Minnesota is a significant milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in the North and expand West with reason and purpose, sustainably.”
The tri-brand Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon and Jamba location is expected to debut in Mankato at 1600 Warren St., across from the Minnesota State University campus, in early 2024.
“We’ve seen immense success with several of our other concepts on or near the U of M Mankato Campus, and have full confidence this tri-brand location will follow suit,” says Dani Wegman. “Not only will we be able to employ college students, but they’re also our primary customer. The key benefit of this tri-brand location is convenience. Having these brands together in one location makes them far more accessible than they are individually and leads to an expansive menu with something for everyone.”
Atlanta-based Focus Brands® is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. As of June 25, 2023, Focus Brands, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of more than 6,600 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes and bakeries in all 50 states and over 60 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.focusbrands.com.
SOURCE: Focus Brands®