Auntie Anne’s UK master franchisee has signed a contract extension with the “potential for 90 new stores”.
Focus Brands and long-standing master franchisee Freshly Baked has previously said it is aiming to hit the 50-store landmark next year in the UK.
The bakery chain recently opened its 38th store in the UK, outside Dalston Kingsland station in East London, offering its range of pretzels, original lemonade, and barista-made coffee.
The American franchised chain of pretzel shops was founded in 1988 and arrived in the UK in 2003.
Focus Brands’ senior vice president, managing director EUMEA & LATAM, Sean Wooden, said, ”I’m pleased to announce Focus Brands LLC and our long standing master franchise Freshly Baked Ltd have just signed a new contract extension with the potential of adding an additional 90 stores to the UK Auntie Anne’s portfolio!
”The brand is in excellent hands with Robert , Max and Antony and all their franchises”, he added.
Last month, Auntie Anne’s UK and Ireland reported sales on track to reach over £12m this year, representing a 10% increase compared to 2022.
For 2024, Auntie Anne’s has unveiled a ”dynamic branding update”, part of Focus Brands’ global growth strategy to accelerate and grow the brand.
The rebrand includes an evolved look, logo, uniforms, and menu, which are designed to embody “boldness, playfulness, and authenticity”, according to the brand.
Auntie Anne’s store designs have also undergone a transformation in line with this refresh, and the brand will continue with refurbishments over the next 12 months, alongside new store openings.
