What is the significance of July 2011 for Arby's in relation to Auntie Annes?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
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.
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, July 2011 is the month Arby's became an Affiliated Program through an acquisition. 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.
This means that Arby's became affiliated with Auntie Annes's parent company, GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands), at that time. As an affiliated program, there may be some synergies or shared resources between Auntie Annes and Arby's, although the document specifies that affiliated franchisors are not obligated to provide products or services to Auntie Annes franchisees.
Prospective franchisees should be aware of the other brands under the GoTo Foods umbrella, as this could influence the overall strategic direction of Auntie Annes. While the FDD states that these affiliated franchisors are not obligated to provide services, it is worth exploring potential collaborative opportunities or shared best practices that could benefit an Auntie Annes franchise.