Focus Brands, which owns brands including Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest and Schlotzsky’s, has been rebranded as GoTo Foods.
The announcement was made by the company’s CEO Jim Holthouser at the company’s biennial brand franchisee conference.
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The strategic move comes after the company experienced a record development year, signing 1,150 new franchise agreements and opening 398 new stores.
Holthouser has been associated with the company as its CEO since 2020.
Under his leadership, the company’s system-wide sales have exceeded $4.2bn and estimated retail sales from licensing partners have reached $1.5bn.
This brings the total retail sales of the brand portfolio to $5.7bn.
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By GlobalDataIn 2023 the company set new growth records by focusing on multi-unit growth, co-branding and nontraditional development.
It now operates 2,000 nontraditional units across the US and has seen strong international growth with 2,000 further locations in 60 countries.
Holthouser said: “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 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.
“We’re a company comprised of powerful, well-loved brands. We’ve made strategic investments and set the foundation for a bright future ahead. The timing was right to unveil a new name that communicates a dynamic, innovative organisation with positive momentum while bringing together our company and our brands and inspiring those we serve.”
In May 2023, Focus Brajds appointed Dave Mikita as president of its international and retail channels.
The company also named Nathan Louer as the new chief brand officer of its smoothie and café brand, Jamba.
