Want to learn about the latest and greatest news from each of our delicious brands? Then please visit:

• AuntieAnnes.com
• Carvel.com
• Cinnabon.com
• Moes.com
• Schlotzskys.com

Download FOCUS Brands’ Media Kit

FOCUS Brands Inc. Welcomes John Barber as Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales
Atlanta, GA (June 8, 2011) – FOCUS Brands announced today that it has hired John Barber as Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales. The 25-year veteran will oversee new business development for Carvel® Ice Cream, Cinnabon®, Seattle’s Best Coffee®, Schlotzsky’s®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels. Barber brings over twenty-five years of franchise sales, marketing, purchasing, and operations experience in various industries and executive positions.
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FOCUS Brands Inc. Names Gary Bales as Chief Concept Officer
Atlanta, GA (January 19, 2011) – FOCUS Brands Inc., the franchisor and operator of more than 3,300 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants and cafes, announced today that Gary Bales has also been named Chief Concept Officer. In addition to his role as President of Carvel, Gary will now oversee Creative Services, Supply Chain and all Brand Licensing initiatives for both Consumer and Foodservice.
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Kat Cole Promoted to President of Cinnabon
Atlanta, GA (January 10, 2011) – FOCUS Brands Inc., the franchisor and operator of more than 3,300 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants and cafes, announced today that Kat Cole has been named President of Cinnabon, Inc., the 25-year-old market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries with more than 770 locations worldwide.
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Roark Capital Portfolio Company FOCUS Brands® Completes Purchase of Auntie Anne's®
Atlanta, GA (November 8, 2010) – FOCUS Brands, an affiliate of Roark Capital, announced today that it has completed the purchase of Auntie Anne's, the franchisor of the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel chain. Auntie Anne’s is headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., and has nearly 1,100 stores in 44 states and 21 countries.
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Cinnabon Names Kat Cole as Chief Operating Officer
Atlanta, GA (October 20, 2010) – Cinnabon, Inc., the market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries with more than 770 locations worldwide, announced today that Kat Cole has been named Chief Operating Officer. The former Vice President of Training and Development for Hooters of America, Inc. will join Cinnabon to lead the 25-year old franchise organization in achieving maximum Guest satisfaction, efficiency and growth.
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Roark Capital Portfolio Company FOCUS Brands® to Acquire Auntie Anne’s®
Atlanta, GA (October 8, 2010) Roark Capital, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, announced today that one of its portfolio companies, FOCUS Brands, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Auntie Anne’s, the franchisor of the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel chain. Headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., Auntie Anne’s has nearly 1,100 stores in 44 states and 21 countries. The transaction is expected to close later this fall.
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FOCUS Brands Inc.® Names Gary Bales as President of Cinnabon
Atlanta, GA (July 14, 2009) FOCUS Brands Inc., the franchisor and operator of over 2,200 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants and cafes, announced today that Gary Bales will be appointed President of Cinnabon when current president Geoff Hill joins parent company Roark Capital Group as Vice President on January 1, 2010. FOCUS Brands consists of Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Schlotzsky’s®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Seattle’s Best Coffee® International. Gary will be assuming Geoff’s role in addition to his existing role as President of Carvel.
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FOCUS Brands Inc.® Names Russ Umphenour as President and CEO
Atlanta, GA (Nov 10, 2008) FOCUS Brands Inc. announced today that Russ Umphenour has been named President and CEO. Former Chief Executive Steve Romaniello has been named Chairman of the Board, and joins Roark Capital Group as Managing Director and a member of the private equity firm’s Investment Committee.
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Moe’s Southwest Grill® Names Paul Damico as Brand President
Atlanta, GA (May 6, 2008) FOCUS Brands® announced today that Paul Damico has been named brand president of Moe’s Southwest Grill®, the fast growing fast-casual restaurant best known for its flavorful Southwestern fare served in a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
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Schlotzsky’s® Names Kelly Roddy Brand President
Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX (December 10, 2007) – FOCUS Brands® announced today that Kelly Roddy has been named brand president of Schlotzsky’s, the choice quick-casual restaurant for the highest-quality sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and soups with over 360 locations nationwide.
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FOCUS Brands and Roark Capital Complete Purchase of Moe’s Southwest Grill
Atlanta, GA (August 30, 2007) – FOCUS Brands, an Atlanta-based franchisor and affiliate of Roark Capital, announced today that certain of its subsidiaries have completed the previously announced purchase of substantially all of the assets of Moe’s Southwest Grill, a fast-casual restaurant chain with 360 locations in 34 states and the District of Columbia, from Raving Brands. Recently ranked in Restaurant Hospitality magazine as one of the “Top Ten Growth Chains That Sizzle”, Moe’s offers fresh Southwest favorites, including burritos, quesadillas, and fajitas in a fun, family-oriented atmosphere.
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FOCUS Brands to Acquire Moe’s Southwest Grill
Atlanta, GA (April 11, 2007) – FOCUS Brands, an Atlanta-based franchisor, announced today that through a subsidiary, it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Moe’s Southwest Grill, a fast-casual restaurant chain offering fresh Southwest favorites, including burritos, quesadillas, and fajitas, in a quirky, fun atmosphere from certain affiliates of Raving Brands.
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Roark Capital Group Acquires Schlotzsky’s, Ltd.
Atlanta, GA (November 21, 2006) – Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, announced today the acquisition of Schlotzsky’s, Ltd. Schlotzsky’s is a quick casual restaurant chain offering made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, and pizza. Founded in 1971 as the home of the Original™ toasted sandwich and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Schlotzsky’s has approximately 365 franchised and company-owned locations generating $210 million of system-wide revenues throughout the United States and six foreign countries.
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FOCUS Brands Opens New Carvel Ice Cream or Cinnabon Location Every Two Days; International Expansion to Reach 36 Countries with New Development Agreements
Atlanta, GA (July 31, 2006) – FOCUS Brands, the franchisor and operator of over 1,300 ice cream stores, bakeries, and cafes under the brand names Carvel®, Cinnabon®, and the franchisor of Seattle’s Best Coffee® on military bases and in certain international markets, announces mid-year results of 100 new store openings throughout the U.S., Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. In addition, the company signed individual franchise agreements for 75 domestic locations; development agreements for eight new international markets including Aruba, Bonaire, Colombia, Curacao, Cyprus, Greece, South Africa, and St. Maarten/St. Martin; and four expanded development agreements in Mexico, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Territories.
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Roark Capital Group Completes Purchase of Cinnabon® and Seattle’s Best Coffee® International; FOCUS Brands is Introduced
Atlanta, GA (November 4, 2004) – Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, announced today that its affiliate, FOCUS Brands Inc., has completed the purchase of Cinnabon and Seattle’s Best Coffee International from AFC Enterprises. The two brands combine with Carvel Corporation, a leading provider of premium soft serve ice cream and ice cream cakes, to form FOCUS Brands Inc.
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Disclaimer: The releases contained on this page may contain dated information. Readers are cautioned that the releases on this page are maintained here solely for the purposes of providing historical background about FOCUS Brands, its business and product offerings. As the releases may contain dated information, they should not be relied upon as providing accurate or current information. FOCUS Brands disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any of the information contained in any of the releases on this page, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.