ATLANTA, Feb. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cinnabon, Inc. is poised for a year of record growth, with plans to open 315 new locations worldwide in 2014, after a banner year in 2013. Almost half of Cinnabon® domestic franchise and product growth is occurring in the travel sector: convenience, fuel, travel plazas, airports and transit stations. Adding to the increased brand footprint and consumer product rollouts, flagship Cinnabon bakeries are getting facelifts, all while adding menu offerings with fun, playful food and beverage innovations offered in smaller, more portable formats for guests to indulge in the way that's best for them.
By end of 2014, 75 percent of domestic bakeries will have the redesigned image, which positions new products front and center beside classic fresh-made bakery sweets. Storefronts now feature subway tile, espresso wood finishes, teal accents and energy efficient LED lighting. Tech upgrades include digital menu boards, which have already been retrofitted in 50 existing high-traffic locations.
An increasing number of Cinnabon products are also available on grocery and retail shelves, fueling growth in consumer packaged goods. Cinnabon recently announced a partnership with Air Wick® to introduce the Cinnabon® Classic Cinnamon Roll fragrance air fresheners nationwide. Legacy partnerships like Kellogg's® Cinnabon® Cereal and Pillsbury™ refrigerated cinnamon rolls continue to grow after many years. In addition to the more than 60 products currently available in retail, and Cinnabon branded products at Burger King® and Taco Bell® restaurants, Cinnabon fans can now find many occasions to enjoy Cinnabon® treats. They can toast Pinnacle® Cinnabon® Vodka with friends, wake up to bakery-inspired coffee with Cinnabon® Classic Cinnamon Roll K-Cup® packs for Keurig® Brewers, share Keebler® Cinnamon Roll Cookies made with Cinnabon® cinnamon and have an afternoon snack of Cinnabon® Sweet Swirls baked crisps from New York Style® Brand.
Growth for the brand will be fueled by protecting its differentiation and building relevance through innovation. In 2013, Cinnabon introduced a new product designed for on-the-go consumption called CinnaSweeties™, bite-sized doughnut treats served with cream cheese frosting for dipping. To accompany the product, Cinnabon rolled out Frosting Shots for dipping in three flavors: Original Cream Cheese, Chocolate Mocha and Cookies N' Creme with Oreo® cookie pieces.
"We are excited to surprise our guests this year with new flavors and products they aren't expecting while staying true to the classics they love," said Cole. "Consumers can look forward to innovative takes on our famous cinnamon rolls, Cinnabon Stix® and indulgent blended Chillatta™ line of beverages."
This month, Entrepreneur magazine ranked Cinnabon No. 1 in the Baked Goods - Miscellaneous category and No. 64 overall in the publication's 2014 Franchise 500® list. According to Entrepreneur , the Franchise 500® is the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking based on objective, quantifiable measures of success. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system.
Domestically, Cinnabon opened 117 franchised bakeries, with malls, travel plazas, casinos and theme parks being lead growth venues in 2013. "Our goal is to open 130 new Cinnabon locations in the U.S. in 2014," said Cole. "This provides more access to our fans' favorite indulgent treats."
A significant part of the growth plan for Cinnabon is increased international presence, despite the continued political and economic challenges faced in several overseas markets. To date, Cinnabon has 1,120 bakeries open in 54 countries around the world, with 585 bakeries in the U.S. and 561 internationally. The brand is targeting Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia for international growth in 2014.
"We had another stellar year for Cinnabon growth in international markets with 103 openings. In addition, we launched three new markets: Morocco, Mongolia and the Ukraine. Interest in the brand remains incredibly strong with nearly 700 inquiries received in the past year," said Mike Shattuck, President of FOCUS Brands International. Shattuck added that in 2014, plans call for adding 188 Cinnabon bakeries, bringing Cinnabon presence to 60 countries around the world.
About Cinnabon, Inc.
Founded in Seattle in 1985 and now based in Atlanta, Cinnabon, Inc. is the market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries. The company serves fresh, aromatic, oven-hot cinnamon rolls, as well as a variety of other baked goods and specialty beverages. Cinnabon currently operates more than 1,100 franchised locations worldwide, primarily in high traffic venues such as shopping malls, airports, train stations, travel plazas, entertainment centers and military establishments. Cinnabon is also a multi-channel licensor, partnering with other companies to provide brand licensed products at foodservice and retail venues. Visit www.cinnabon.com for more information, follow us on Twitter @Cinnabon or become a Facebook fan at http://www.facebook.com/Cinnabon .
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