What was the net change in the number of total Cinnabon outlets during 2023?
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, the net change in the number of total Cinnabon outlets during 2023 was an increase of 18 locations. At the start of 2023, there were 956 total outlets, and by the end of the year, this number had increased to 974. This indicates overall growth in the Cinnabon franchise system during that year.
Breaking down the numbers further, the FDD indicates that franchised outlets increased by 23, while affiliate-owned outlets decreased by 5 during 2023. This suggests that while the franchise system as a whole grew, there was a slight contraction in the number of company-owned stores. This could be due to a strategic decision by Cinnabon to focus more on franchising and less on direct operation of stores.
For a prospective franchisee, this information is valuable in understanding the growth trajectory of Cinnabon. The net increase in total outlets suggests a healthy and expanding brand. However, the decrease in affiliate-owned stores could also signal a potential shift in business strategy that franchisees should be aware of. It would be prudent for potential franchisees to inquire about the reasons behind the change in affiliate-owned stores and Cinnabon's future plans for company-owned versus franchised locations.