The restaurant giant has signed agreements to open over 50 dual and tri-brand locations in the coming year.
Atlanta-based Focus Brands is the franchisor and operator of more than 6,400 restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops and bakeries with brands such as Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzky’s included in their portfolio.
Focus Brands is note-worthy for pioneering the concept of dual branding and to date, the group has opened more than 175 dual-branded units with at least 65 more in various stages of development.
Currently, four dual-brand concepts have been identified by Focus Brands, with one called Cinnabon Swirl, which brings together Cinnabon and Carvel. The first Cinnabon Swirl store is set to open early this year.
Brian Krause, Chief Development Officer at Focus Brands, said: “Dual branding is the future of our brands, especially on the specialty side of the business. There will always be a place in malls, but there is an immense amount of growth opportunity in streetside venues, and, by dual branding, there is more opportunity for enhanced revenue.”
