Franchise Deep Dive: Auntie Anne's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: October 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://development.focusbrands.com/auntie-annes/   

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 1,900+  

REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $148,575 and $572,10  

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): $707,259

Auntie Anne's is an American franchise of pretzel shops that specializes in freshly baked soft pretzels. It is particularly famous for its hand-rolled pretzels, which come in various flavors such as original, cinnamon sugar, almond and garlic. In addition to pretzels, they often offer pretzel dogs, pretzel nuggets and a variety of dipping sauces.

How Many Auntie Anne's Locations Are There?

Auntie Anne's began in 1988 when founder Anne Beiler bought a stand in a Downingtown, Pennsylvania farmers market. After some experimentation, "Auntie" Anne created her famous pretzels. A second location opened in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, that same year, before the brand began franchising shortly after in 1989. 

By 1992, Auntie Anne’s was already celebrating its 100th store opening in Granite Run Mall in Media, Pennsylvania. In 1995, the brand’s first train station location opened at Penn Station in New York City. Auntie Anne’s was acquired in 2010 by Atlanta franchisor Focus Brands, a portfolio company of private equity firm Roark Capital. 

Today, Auntie Anne’s has grown to over 1,900 stores, with locations popular in malls and airports worldwide, including over 600 international locations. 

What Is Auntie Anne's Business Model?

Key elements of the Auntie Anne’s business model include:

• Premium Products: Operationally simple menu features fresh baked flavors and refreshing beverages
• Flexible Footprint:: Perfect for high-traffic, non-traditional venues like college campuses, airports, tourism destinations and shopping malls. Stores are also available in streetside locations with drive-thru capabilities.
• Innovation: Technological and culinary innovation for customers that “keep ‘em coming back for more” 
• Business or Baking: Expert real estate support, franchise training and advice from dedicated business consultants
• Access to Suppliers: Purchasing power of a supply chain that encompasses 50 states and over 55 countries
• Crafted Marketing Solutions: Resources to help franchisees create a local marketing plan

How Much Can Auntie Anne's Franchise Owners Make?

The average net sales for fiscal year 2022 were $707,259. 

How Much Does It Cost To Open Auntie Anne's?

To open an Auntie Anne’s, franchisees must have a minimum liquid capital of $120K and a $300K minimum net worth. The estimated total investment ranges between $148,575 and $572,100. 

What Is the Franchise Fee for Auntie Anne's?

The franchise fee ranges from $10,500-$35,500, according to Entrepreneur. 

Who Is the Leadership of Auntie Anne's (Focus Brands)?

• Jim Holthouser — CEO 
• Guillermo Cremer — Chief People Officer
• Mike Dixon — Chief Financial Officer
• Dawn Ray — SVP, Corporate Communications and Public Relations
• Brian Krause — Chief Development Officer
• Sarah Powell — EVP, General Counsel and Secretary
• Nandu Gandhi — Chief Technology and Data Officer
• Urvi Patel — SVP, Customer Experience and Engagement

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Auntie Anne's?

• Start an Auntie Anne’s Franchise in 2023
• Auntie Anne's to Elevate Its Food Truck Game
• Auntie Anne's Takes on Beer: 'Is Butter a Carb?'
• Pretzel History: Company Information
• Newsroom 

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