Restaurant giant Focus Brands changing its name to GoTo Foods

Focus Brands has renamed itself. 

The parent company of Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAlister’s Deli and Schlotzsky’s has changed its name to GoTo Foods. The change comes on the heels of a record development year globally in 2023, with more than 1,150 signed franchise agreements and 398 store openings.

GoTo Foods said the name change reflects its continued transformation into a platform company as it embraces its brands’ reputations as “go-to”  choices in the restaurant industry —  for franchisees and customers. 

“To unlock future opportunities with brand franchisees, and ultimately consumers, it has become more important than ever to have a name that conveys and powers the strength, affection, and craveability of the seven iconic brands in our portfolio today,” said CEO Jim Holthouser. 

In 2023, the company reported double-digit year-over-year growth in adjusted EBITDA and loyalty acquisition. A streamlined in-house supply chain resulted in the rationalization of hundreds of SKUs across brands and the company’s paid media spend more than doubled the previous year. Its consumer packaged goods licensing continued to grow with the rollout of 10 new launches, driving revenue and strengthening brand awareness beyond brick-and-mortar locations.  

Since 2020, the company’s growth rate has accelerated, with system-wide sales of more than $4.2 billion. It also has a growing licensing business that generated another $1.5 billion in sales.

 “We’re a company comprised of powerful, well-loved brands,” added Holthouser. “We’ve made strategic investments and set the foundation for a bright future ahead. Timing was right to unveil a new name that communicates a dynamic, innovative organization with positive momentum while bringing together our company and our brands and inspiring those we serve.”

 As of Dec. 31, 2023, GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands)  through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of more than 6,700 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes, and bakeries in all 50 states and over 60 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.