Focus Brands is seeking franchisees to develop its Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s brands in China as part of its international growth strategy.

Founded in 1985, Cinnabon is a cinnamon roll bakery with 580 outlets in 52 countries. Auntie Anne’s, founded in 1988, is a soft-pretzel chain with more than 530 locations in 29 countries.“China is a priority market for us based on consumer insight research that shows our freshly baked products have a broad appeal,” says Focus Brands International president Nicolas Boudet.

“Both brands have received numerous industry accolades, with Cinnabon being named a top-five quick-service brand in Technomic’s Millennials’ Favorite Chains report. Auntie Anne’s was recognised as a Top 50 limited-service restaurant brand by QSR Magazine.

This year Cinnabon has opened 64 international locations with plans to add more than 70 next year. Auntie Anne’s has opened 89 international outlets this year and aims for 100 more next year.

Other Focus Brands franchises include Carvel, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s.

Based in Atlanta, Focus Brands runs more than 1300 franchised ice-cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes outside the US. It grew its total international system-wide sales by 10.5 per cent last year.

Founded in Seattle, Cinnabon has more than 1200 franchised locations worldwide, primarily in high-traffic venues such as shopping malls, airports, train stations, travel plazas, entertainment centres and military establishments.

At its more than 1600 locations internationally, Auntie Anne’s mixes, twists and bakes pretzels all day long in full view of guests.