Did Arby's, an affiliate of Cinnabon, previously offer franchises for T.J. Cinnamons stores?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 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 29, 2024, there were 3,365 Arby's restaurants operating in the United States (2,286 franchised and 1,079 company-owned), including one multi-brand location. Additionally, as of December 29, 2024, there were 231 single-branded franchised Arby's restaurants operating internationally.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Cinnabon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Arby's, now an affiliate of Cinnabon, did have predecessors and former affiliates that offered franchises for other restaurant concepts, including T.J. Cinnamons stores, which served gourmet baked goods. However, all T.J. Cinnamons locations have since closed. As of December 29, 2024, Arby's operated 3,365 restaurants in the United States, with 2,286 being franchised and 1,079 company-owned, including one multi-brand location. Additionally, there were 231 single-branded franchised Arby's restaurants operating internationally as of the same date.
This historical context is relevant to prospective Cinnabon franchisees as it illustrates the evolution and diversification of brands within the parent company's portfolio. It shows that the parent company, through its affiliates, has experience with various restaurant concepts, including baked goods, which could provide a degree of insight and expertise relevant to the Cinnabon franchise. However, the closure of all T.J. Cinnamons locations may also suggest potential challenges in the gourmet baked goods sector.
While Arby's is an affiliate, the FDD specifies that affiliated franchisors are not obligated to provide products or services to Cinnabon franchisees. However, franchisees may choose to purchase products or services from these affiliated franchisors. This information helps a prospective franchisee understand the broader network of brands associated with Cinnabon and the potential, but not guaranteed, synergies that may exist.