Does Auntie Annes own any shops?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
We have offered Auntie Anne's® franchises since April 2017. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1,156 franchised Shops in the United States and 817 franchised Shops operating outside the United States. We do not own any Shops. As of December 31, 2023, our affiliate, Auntie Anne's LLC ("AA"), owned and operated 11 Shops in the United States.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 10–24)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, Auntie Anne's Franchisor SPV LLC, the franchisor, does not own any shops. As of December 31, 2023, there were 1,156 franchised shops in the United States and 817 franchised shops operating outside the United States.
However, the FDD states that Auntie Anne's LLC (AA), an affiliate of Auntie Annes, owned and operated 11 shops in the United States as of December 31, 2023. AA is an indirect subsidiary of GoTo Foods.
This distinction is important for prospective franchisees to understand. While Auntie Annes itself focuses on franchising, its affiliate, AA, participates directly in shop operations. This could provide AA with valuable insights into the business that could benefit the franchise system. However, it also means that a franchisee may be competing with an affiliate of the franchisor.