What is the significance of the Arby's franchising start date in 1965 in relation to Auntie Annes?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
for Arby's, have not offered franchises in any other line of business.
Arby's is a franchisor of quick-serve restaurants operating under the Arby's® trade name and business system that feature slow-roasted, freshly sliced roasted beef and other deli-style sandwiches. In July 2011, Arby's became an Affiliated Program through an acquisition. Arby's has been franchising since 1965. Predecessors and former affiliates of Arby's have, in the past, offered franchises for other restaurant concepts including T.J. Cinnamons® stores that served gourmet baked goods. All of the T.J. Cinnamons locations have closed. As of December 31, 2023, there were 3,413 Arby's restaurants operating in the United States (2,316 franchised and 1,097 company-owned) and 200 franchised Arby's restaurants operating internationally.
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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, Arby's is an affiliated program of Auntie Annes through their parent company, GoTo Foods. Arby's has been franchising quick-serve restaurants since 1965. This indicates that GoTo Foods has experience with established franchise systems.
The FDD states that in July 2011, Arby's became an Affiliated Program through an acquisition. This means that GoTo Foods acquired Arby's, adding it to their portfolio of franchise brands. The fact that Arby's has a long history of franchising suggests that GoTo Foods has experience managing and supporting mature franchise systems.
For a prospective Auntie Annes franchisee, this affiliation with Arby's and GoTo Foods could be seen as a positive. It suggests that Auntie Annes benefits from the resources, expertise, and established infrastructure of a larger organization with a proven track record in the franchise industry. However, the FDD also notes that none of the affiliated franchisors are obligated to provide products or services to Auntie Annes franchisees, but franchisees may purchase products or services from them if they choose.