Since when has Cinnabon offered franchises?
Cinnabon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We have offered Cinnabon® franchises since April 2017.
Cinnabon LLC ("CLLC"), a Georgia limited liability company that shares our principal business address, is an indirect subsidiary of GoTo Foods. CLLC was originally incorporated as Cinnabon, Inc., a Washington corporation and converted to a Georgia limited liability company, Cinnabon LLC, on December 28, 2015. CLLC is our predecessor and offered Cinnabon® franchises from
1990 to 1994 and from March 1999 to April 2017. Since 2003, CLLC has owned the master franchise rights to sub-franchise Seattle's Best Coffee® franchises on military bases in the United States and internationally in 8 countries. As of December 31, 2023, there were 178 franchised Seattle's Best Coffee® cafes, all of which were located outside of the United States. Other than these franchises, CLLC has not offered franchises in any other line of business. CLLC became affiliated with GoTo Foods in November 2004 as a result of an acquisition.
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Cinnabon Franchise Disclosure Document, Cinnabon Franchisor SPV LLC has offered Cinnabon franchises since April 2017. However, the brand's predecessor, Cinnabon LLC (CLLC), offered Cinnabon franchises from 1990 to 1994 and again from March 1999 to April 2017.
This indicates that the Cinnabon franchise system has experienced changes in its corporate structure over time. The current franchisor, Cinnabon Franchisor SPV LLC, took over the franchising responsibilities in April 2017. Before this, Cinnabon LLC was responsible for offering franchises. The brand has a long history of offering franchises, with a brief pause in the mid-1990s.
For a potential franchisee, this information highlights the importance of understanding the history and evolution of the franchise system. While the current franchisor has been in place since 2017, the Cinnabon brand has a longer franchising track record through its predecessor. This could be a positive sign, as it demonstrates the brand's staying power and experience in the franchise industry. However, it would be prudent for a prospective franchisee to investigate the reasons behind the change in franchisors and any potential impact on the franchise system.
It is also worth noting that Cinnabon LLC owns the master franchise rights to sub-franchise Seattle's Best Coffee franchises on military bases, which could present additional opportunities or considerations for franchisees interested in non-traditional locations. As of the end of 2023, there were 178 franchised Seattle's Best Coffee cafes located outside of the United States.