What is the trade name under which Arby's restaurants operate, as an affiliate of 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, Arby's restaurants operate under the "Arby's®" trade name and business system. As of December 31, 2023, there were 3,413 Arby's restaurants operating in the United States, with 2,316 being franchised and 1,097 company-owned. Additionally, 200 franchised Arby's restaurants were operating internationally. Arby's became an Affiliated Program of Auntie Annes through an acquisition in July 2011 and has been franchising since 1965.
This information is relevant for prospective Auntie Annes franchisees as it provides insight into the broader network of franchise systems under GoTo Foods LLC, the parent company of Auntie Annes. Understanding the performance and presence of affiliated brands like Arby's can give franchisees a sense of the parent company's experience and resources in the franchise industry.
The FDD also mentions that predecessors and former affiliates of Arby's previously offered franchises for other restaurant concepts, including T.J. Cinnamons® stores, which have all since closed. This indicates that while affiliation can bring benefits, it also carries the risk of brand evolution or discontinuation, which is a common factor in the restaurant industry.