In 2023, how many affiliate-owned Cinnabon outlets were closed or otherwise ceased operation, resulting in a net decrease?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets At The Start Of The Year | Outlets At The End Of The Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 910 | 929 | +19 | |
| Franchised | 2023 | 929 | 952 | +23 |
| 2024 | 952 | 1002 | +50 | |
| 2022 | 25 | 27 | +2 | |
| Affiliate-Owned | 2023 | 27 | 22 | -5 |
| 2024 | 22 | 28 | +6 | |
| 2022 | 935 | 956 | +21 | |
| Total Outlets | 2023 | 956 | 974 | +18 |
| 2024 | 974 | 1030 | +56 |
Source: Item 20 — Outlets and Franchisee Information (FDD pages 104–113)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, in 2023, the number of affiliate-owned Cinnabon outlets decreased by 5. At the start of 2023, there were 27 affiliate-owned outlets, which decreased to 22 by the end of the year.
This decrease in affiliate-owned outlets indicates that more outlets closed or ceased operation than were opened during that year. For a prospective franchisee, this could signal potential challenges or shifts in the company's strategy regarding its own stores versus franchised locations. It is important to note that while the total number of franchised Cinnabon outlets increased in 2023, the affiliate-owned side experienced a net loss.
Potential franchisees should investigate the reasons behind this decrease. Understanding whether these closures were due to poor performance, strategic decisions to refranchise, or other factors is crucial. This information can provide insights into the overall health and direction of the Cinnabon brand and its corporate-level operations.