Auntie Annes
Auntie Anne's offers fresh baked soft pretzels and lemonade in retail shops, known for their hand-dipped pretzel tradition. Operating in the quick-serve food industry, they also co-brand with Cinnabon and Jamba locations.
About Auntie Annes
Auntie Anne's is an American franchised chain of pretzel shops founded by Anne F. Beiler and her husband, Jonas, in 1988. Auntie Anne's serves products such as pretzels, dips, and beverages. They also offer Pretzels & More Homemade Baking Mix for those who want to make their pretzels at home. The chain has more than 1,200 stores around various locations, such as in shopping malls and outlet malls, as well as non-traditional retail spaces including universities, parking/rest areas, airports, train stations, travel plazas, amusement parks, and military bases. Their slogan as of 2025 is "Get Twisted".
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Auntie Annes franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a traditional Shop (a 'Full Shop') ranges from $156,175 to $638,300. This includes $35,659 to $59,042 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates [p.2]. For a Shop within a temporary stand in a farmers' market, a concession trailer, or a food truck (a 'Concession Shop'), the total investment is $115,225 to $356,300, including $10,659 to $34,042 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates [p.2]. For a Shop in a location co-branded with a Cinnabon® franchise (a 'Cinnabon Co-Branded Shop'), the total investment is $406,175 to $971,700, including $71,159 to $119,942 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates [p.2]. For a Shop in a location co-branded with a Jamba® franchise (a 'Jamba Co-Branded Shop'), the total investment is $460,375 to $1,133,000, including $71,227 to $125,369 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates [p.2].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee varies based on the type of shop. For a Full Shop, it is $35,500; for a Concession Shop, it is $10,500; for a Cinnabon Co-Branded Shop, it is $66,000 ($30,500 to Cinnabon and $35,500 to the franchisor); and for a Jamba Co-Branded Shop, it is $71,000 ($35,500 to Jamba and $35,500 to the franchisor). This fee is nonrefundable once the agreement is signed. [p.28, p.51]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The franchisee must pay a recurring, non-refundable royalty fee as specified in Schedule A. Additionally, there are required advertising contributions, though specific amounts are not detailed in these excerpts. [p.272]
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD does not detail the length of the initial franchise agreement or the renewal process beyond mentioning potential restrictions on operating a similar business during the term of the franchise [p.4].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
You can sell or transfer your franchise, but it requires giving advance notice to the franchisor and submitting requested information. The transferee must also meet certain conditions, pay a 10% transfer fee of the initial franchise fee, and sign specified agreements. The franchisor may withhold consent for reasonable grounds. [p.6][p.196]
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement if there is good cause, which includes the failure of the franchisee to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and not curing such failure after being given written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure, which cannot exceed 30 days [p.203].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
You do not receive an exclusive territory. However, if you operate a Co-Branded Shop in a Streetside Location, you will have a limited protected rights area known as an 'Area of Protection,' where the franchisor commits to not establishing another Co-Branded Shop with the same combination of brands within that area during the term of the agreement. [p.78]
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides management training through a program that can be conducted online, at certified training locations designated by them, or other authorized locations. For subsequent shops, if certain conditions are met, the franchisor may allow you to provide some of the Management Training Program yourself. Additionally, the franchisor remains responsible for providing all required support and services under the Franchise Agreement, even though these responsibilities can be delegated to affiliates like AA. [p.62, p.73, p.76]
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor does not share specific financial performance or earnings information beyond what is included in Item 19 of the FDD. According to [p.96], other than in this Item 19, the franchisor does not make additional representations about a franchisee's future financial performance or the past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets and authorizes no such representations from its employees or representatives either orally or in writing.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to produce and sell Auntie Anne's products in conjunction with Jamba® products if operating a Jamba Co-Branded Shop. For Full Shops and Concession Shops, you can sell a range of Auntie Anne's products. You may have to purchase or lease certain items from the franchisor or a limited group of suppliers they designate; these items might be more expensive than those available elsewhere [p.4].