At a Glance
- Founded: 1988
- Locations: 1910
- Initial Investment: $ 199K - 385K
- Headquarters: Lanchaster, PA
- Category: Food and Restaurant Specialty Specialty Foods & Beverages
From humble beginnings at a farmers market in Downingtown Pennsylvania in 1988, Auntie Anne’s® has grown to become one of the world’s most recognizable pretzel chains with more than 1,800+ locations in 48 states and more than 25 countries. Auntie Anne’s® provide training and support that includes two weeks of classes to help the new franchisee and team understand the Auntie Anne’s® menu, operations standards, and philosophy of hospitality. The program also includes on-the-job experience in a successful, high-volume Auntie Anne’s® store. There are also training programs available for managers. Auntie Anne’s® took second place on Entrepreneur’s Top Food Franchises of 2019 list in the Baked Goods category for the second year in a row! Earlier this year, Entrepreneur released their Franchise 500 list which celebrates the latest trends and evolving brands in the franchise industry.
To determine the ranking, franchise brands were evaluated on costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and ability. Entrepreneur uses the Franchise 500 scores to compile the Top Food Franchises list. The rankings confirm what Auntie Anne’s franchise owners already know: the iconic brand continues to grow even after more than 30 years in market. Over the last three years alone, Auntie Anne’s® opened more than 256 new locations in a variety of venues. Auntie Anne’s franchise owners are benefitting from the ability to sell pretzels to more people in more places. Food trucks and street-side locations are just some of the options that make it possible.