What is the significance of the affiliation between Nothing Bundt Cakes and Cinnabon?
Nothing_Bundt_Cakes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ated Franchise Programs
Through control with private equity funds managed by Roark Capital Management, LLC, we are affiliated with the following franchise programs ("Affiliated Programs"). None of these affiliates operate a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise.
GoTo Foods Inc. ("GoTo Foods") is the indirect parent company to seven franchisors, including: Auntie Anne's Franchisor SPV LLC ("Auntie Anne's"), Carvel Franchisor SPV LLC ("Carvel"), Cinnabon Franchisor SPV LLC ("Cinnabon"), Jamba Juice Franchisor SPV LLC ("Jamba"), McAlister's Franchisor SPV LLC ("McAlister's"), Moe's Franchisor SPV LLC ("Moe's"), and Schlotzsky's Franchisor SPV LLC ("Schlotzsky's"). All seven GoTo Foods franchisors have a principal place of business at 5620 Glenridge Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 and have not offered franchises in any other line of business.
Auntie Anne's franchises Auntie Anne's® shops that offer soft pretzels, lemonade, frozen drinks, and related foods and beverages. In November 2010, the Auntie Anne's system became affiliated with GoTo Foods through an acquisition. Auntie Anne's predecessor began offering franchises in January 1991. As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,182 franchised and 11 affiliate-owned Auntie Anne's shops in the United States and 815 franchised Auntie Anne's shops outside the United States.
Carvel franchises Carvel® ice cream shoppes and is a leading retailer of branded ice cream cakes in the United States and a producer of premium soft-serve ice cream. The Carvel system became an Affiliated Program in October 2001 and became affiliated with GoTo Foods in November 2004. Carvel's predecessor began franchising retail ice cream shoppes in 1947. As of December 31, 2024, there were 336 franchised Carvel shoppes in the United States and 39 franchised Carvel shoppes outside the United States.
Cinnabon franchises Cinnabon® bakeries that feature oven-hot cinnamon rolls, as well as other baked treats and specialty beverages.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–19)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Nothing Bundt Cakes FDD, Nothing Bundt Cakes is affiliated with Cinnabon through private equity funds managed by Roark Capital Management, LLC. Specifically, both Nothing Bundt Cakes and Cinnabon fall under the umbrella of GoTo Foods Inc., which is the indirect parent company to both franchisors. This means that while Nothing Bundt Cakes and Cinnabon are separate franchise systems, they share a common ownership structure at the private equity level. None of these affiliates operate a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise.
For a prospective Nothing Bundt Cakes franchisee, this affiliation could mean several things. First, there may be opportunities for shared resources or best practices between the franchise systems, although the FDD does not explicitly state this. Second, the financial stability and experience of Roark Capital Management could provide a level of security and expertise to Nothing Bundt Cakes. Finally, the franchisee should be aware that while Nothing Bundt Cakes is responsible for fulfilling the franchise agreement, the parent company structure could influence strategic decisions.
The FDD specifies that none of the affiliated franchisors are obligated to provide products or services to Nothing Bundt Cakes franchisees. However, franchisees may choose to purchase products or services from these affiliated franchisors if they wish. As of December 31, 2024, Cinnabon had 1,002 franchised and 28 affiliate-owned 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.
It is important to note that the affiliation does not guarantee any specific benefits or advantages for Nothing Bundt Cakes franchisees. The FDD is clear that Nothing Bundt Cakes is responsible for its obligations under the franchise agreement, regardless of who performs the services on its behalf. Prospective franchisees should conduct their own due diligence to understand the implications of this affiliation and how it might impact their business.