GoTo Foods Ignites 2025 Expansion with Record Growth and Bold Innovation

Industry Powerhouse Accelerates Growth Through Co-Branding, Market Expansion and NextGen Digital Transformation

ATLANTA – GoTo Foods, the platform company with seven iconic brands including Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, is set to drive significant growth in 2025. With 1,177 franchise agreements signed in 2024 – 578 domestically and 599 internationally – GoTo Foods has achieved four consecutive years of increased net unit growth (NUG). The company is leveraging innovative co-branding initiatives, strategic market development, and transformative digital advancements to build on this momentum and continue its trajectory as a dynamic force in the franchise industry.

“Our success in 2024 was no accident – it stemmed from bold strategies, strong franchise partnerships, and a relentless focus on innovation,” said Jim Holthouser, Chief Executive Officer of GoTo Foods. “Our platform company model fuels scalable growth by optimizing operations, maximizing efficiencies, and accelerating expansion. In 2025, we’re not just growing – we’re transforming. From pioneering co-branding to expanding in high-demand markets and reimagining the digital guest experience, we’re positioning GoTo Foods and our franchisees for even greater success.”

Unlocking New Markets Through Co-Branding
Co-branding has reshaped GoTo Foods’ footprint, specifically for Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Jamba and Carvel, unlocking new opportunities. In 2024 alone, 353 co-brand deals were signed across 173 locations in 24 states, with 49% in streetside locations – expanding beyond traditional mall formats.

“Our co-branding strategy is a key driver of our strategic growth,” said Bobby Morena, Chief Development Officer of GoTo Foods. “By leveraging cost effective real estate for multiple brands, franchisees gain unmatched opportunities to reach customers through multiple dining occasions and dayparts under one roof while streamlining operations. Our platform company provides shared resources, including technology, marketing and synergistic brand power, to keep franchisees at the forefront of the co-branding movement.”

Powering Growth: Bold Franchise Deals Drive Market Expansion
GoTo Foods’ growth is also fueled by powerhouse operators. Notable 2024 agreements include:

Husband and wife duo, Vipul and Neha Patel, have committed to expanding Schlotszky’s in the Detroit metro area with a five-unit deal.
Tony and Namit Mangat, a father-son team, have committed to build 10 new Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurants in the greater Phoenix area.
The OM Group has committed to 12 streetside Auntie Anne’s/Cinnabon co-branded locations throughout Michigan and Ohio, with three openings slated for this year.

These franchisees highlight GoTo Foods’ strong appeal to multi-unit operators. With a global NUG of +212 in 2024, the company sustained its growth trajectory, driving robust expansion both domestically and internationally.

GoTo Foods is committed to driving growth in 2025 across all seven iconic brands in its portfolio and has introduced strategic new development incentives to expand in both emerging markets and core territories, including targeted co-brand opportunities.

To support these growth ambitions, GoTo Foods is offering aggressive incentives in select emerging markets, requiring a minimum commitment of three units to qualify. Michigan, Utah, and Wisconsin are key focus areas across multiple brands, reflecting the platform company’s commitment to fostering multi-unit development, strengthening its franchise network, and driving long-term success.

Transforming the Guest Experience Through Digital Innovation

GoTo Foods is revolutionizing the franchise experience with a next-generation digital ecosystem designed to drive operational efficiency and elevate guest engagement. At the heart of this transformation is the Qu POS system, now deployed in over 1,600 locations. This unified platform seamlessly integrates self-serve kiosks, mobile ordering, and loyalty programs – enhancing speed, accuracy, and convenience for both franchisees and guests.

Beyond point-of-sale enhancements, GoTo Foods is launching NextGen digital platforms across all seven brands, inclusive of new app and website functionality with AI-driven product recommendations, frictionless payment options, and an intuitive ordering experience. Early results show a 10% increase in average check size at Moe’s and Jamba for orders placed through the app, underscoring the revenue potential for franchisees leveraging these tools.

GoTo Foods’ digital-first approach has also fueled loyalty growth, adding 4.52 million new members in 2024.

Shaping the Future: Strategic Growth & Innovation in 2025
GoTo Foods is driving strategic, scalable growth. With a forward-thinking approach, the company is adapting to market dynamics by pioneering flexible store formats – from streetside co-branded locations to compact urban models and nontraditional venues like airports and travel plazas. These innovations create sustainable, high-impact opportunities that enhance profitability potential and position franchisees for long-term success.

Recognized with multiple industry awards, including all seven brands ranking on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500® in addition to Nation’s Restaurant News Top 500 list, GoTo Foods is set for a transformative 2025.

About GoTo Foods
Atlanta-based platform company GoTo Foods (formerly known as Focus Brands) is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. As of December 29, 2024, GoTo Foods, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of over 6,900 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes and bakeries in all 50 states and over 65 countries and territories under the Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, McAlister’s Deli® and Schlotzsky’s® brand names, as well as the Seattle’s Best Coffee® brand on certain military bases and in certain international markets. The iconic GoTo Foods brands benefit from strong enterprise growth engines, including marketing, digital, technology and franchise sales & development to propel growth and brand performance. Please visit www.gotofoods.com and connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more.

###