Does Cinnabon license independent third parties to operate Seattle's Best Coffee franchises in the United States, as an affiliated program to Hardees?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
hoppes outside the United States.
Cinnabon franchises Cinnabon® bakeries that feature oven-hot cinnamon rolls, as well as other baked treats and specialty beverages. It also licenses independent third parties to operate domestic and international franchised Cinnabon® bakeries and Seattle's Best Coffee® franchises on military bases in the United States and in certain international countries, and to use the Cinnabon trademarks on products dissimilar to those offered in Cinnabon bakeries. In November 2004, the Cinnabon system became affiliated with GoTo Foods through an acquisition. Cinnabon's predecessor began franchising in 1990. As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,002 franchised and 28 affiliate-owned Cinnabon bakeries in the United States, 1,040 franchised Cinnabon bakeries outside the United States, and 193 franchised Seattle's Best Cof
Source: Item 1 — The Franchisor and any Parents, Predecessors, and Affiliates (FDD pages 9–22)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Cinnabon does license independent third parties to operate Seattle's Best Coffee franchises. Specifically, Cinnabon licenses these franchises on military bases within the United States, as well as in certain international countries.
Cinnabon is an affiliated program to Hardees through GoTo Foods. As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,002 franchised and 28 affiliate-owned Cinnabon bakeries in the United States, 1,040 franchised Cinnabon bakeries outside the United States, and 193 franchised Seattle's Best Coffee units outside the United States.
For a prospective Hardees franchisee, this means that while Hardees itself may not directly offer coffee franchises, its affiliated company Cinnabon does, particularly on military bases. This could present opportunities for cross-promotional activities or partnerships in certain locations where both Hardees and Cinnabon/Seattle's Best Coffee are present.