GoTo Foods Paves the Way for 2025 with Record Franchise Growth and Digital Transformation
In an impressive display of growth and innovation, GoTo Foods, the parent company of some beloved brands like Auntie Anne's®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, and more, has announced ambitious plans for 2025. Building on a successful 2024, during which the company inked 1,177 franchise agreements — 578 domestically and 599 internationally — GoTo Foods is poised for an exciting expansion. The company has maintained a streak of four consecutive years of increased net unit growth (NUG), reflecting its dynamic approach to the franchise industry.
"Our notable achievements in 2024 are a reflection of our bold strategies and robust franchise relationships, along with a strong commitment to innovation," stated Jim Holthouser, CEO of GoTo Foods. He emphasized that the company’s unique platform model allows for optimized operations and accelerated growth. “In 2025, we are focusing not just on expanding our footprint but on transforming our business through initiatives like co-branding and enhancing our digital customer engagement."
GoTo Foods has successfully leveraged co-branding to redefine its market presence. The past year alone saw the signing of 353 co-brand deals across 173 locations in 24 states — with nearly half of these being street-side establishments rather than traditional mall locations. This co-branding strategy is becoming a key element of their growth. According to Bobby Morena, Chief Development Officer, "By utilizing shared real estate for multiple brands, our franchisees can maximize customer reach across various meal occasions and streamline their operations together. Our model supports franchisees with shared resources across technology, marketing, and brand synergy, keeping them competitive in the market."
The strategic shift towards co-branding is evident in notable franchise agreements made in 2024. For instance, the Patel couple is set to open five new Schlotzsky's locations in the Detroit metro area, while a father-son duo plans to establish ten Moe's Southwest Grill restaurants in Phoenix. These expanding franchises symbolize the increasing appeal of GoTo Foods to multi-unit operators, further propelling the company’s growth trajectory.
To fuel its growth strategy, GoTo Foods is also introducing new development incentives specifically targeting key regions like Michigan, Utah, and Wisconsin. This initiative requires a minimum commitment of three units and aims to facilitate multi-unit development that strengthens the franchise network for long-term success. By seizing opportunities in emerging markets, GoTo Foods is carving a path for sustainable and scalable growth across all seven iconic brands in its portfolio.
As GoTo Foods embarks on this ambitious growth journey, it is also committed to enhancing guest experiences through an advanced digital ecosystem. A significant milestone is the deployment of the Qu POS system, which integrates various functionalities like self-service kiosks, mobile ordering, and loyalty programs in over 1,600 locations. These innovations not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance customer engagement.
Furthermore, GoTo Foods is rolling out NextGen digital platforms for all its brands, featuring intuitive functionalities that include AI-driven recommendations and seamless payment options. Early results indicate a notable increase in average check sizes, particularly at Moe's and Jamba, suggesting significant revenue potential as franchisees leverage these digital tools.
GoTo Foods is adapting its growth strategies to align with market dynamics by offering flexible store formats, including compact urban models and streetside co-branded locations. This innovative approach is designed to create impactful opportunities that enhance profitability for franchisees. The company has already received accolades, with all seven brands featured in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500® and Nation’s Restaurant News Top 500 list, validating their strategic direction.
As GoTo Foods looks forward to 2025, its combination of expansive growth, innovative branding strategies, and a commitment to digital excellence positions it as a formidable player in the franchise industry, poised to achieve significant milestones in the years to come.
"Our notable achievements in 2024 are a reflection of our bold strategies and robust franchise relationships, along with a strong commitment to innovation," stated Jim Holthouser, CEO of GoTo Foods. He emphasized that the company’s unique platform model allows for optimized operations and accelerated growth. “In 2025, we are focusing not just on expanding our footprint but on transforming our business through initiatives like co-branding and enhancing our digital customer engagement."
Co-Branding: A Game Changer
GoTo Foods has successfully leveraged co-branding to redefine its market presence. The past year alone saw the signing of 353 co-brand deals across 173 locations in 24 states — with nearly half of these being street-side establishments rather than traditional mall locations. This co-branding strategy is becoming a key element of their growth. According to Bobby Morena, Chief Development Officer, "By utilizing shared real estate for multiple brands, our franchisees can maximize customer reach across various meal occasions and streamline their operations together. Our model supports franchisees with shared resources across technology, marketing, and brand synergy, keeping them competitive in the market."
The strategic shift towards co-branding is evident in notable franchise agreements made in 2024. For instance, the Patel couple is set to open five new Schlotzsky's locations in the Detroit metro area, while a father-son duo plans to establish ten Moe's Southwest Grill restaurants in Phoenix. These expanding franchises symbolize the increasing appeal of GoTo Foods to multi-unit operators, further propelling the company’s growth trajectory.
Targeting Expansion in Emerging Markets
To fuel its growth strategy, GoTo Foods is also introducing new development incentives specifically targeting key regions like Michigan, Utah, and Wisconsin. This initiative requires a minimum commitment of three units and aims to facilitate multi-unit development that strengthens the franchise network for long-term success. By seizing opportunities in emerging markets, GoTo Foods is carving a path for sustainable and scalable growth across all seven iconic brands in its portfolio.
Digital Innovation at the Core of Transformation
As GoTo Foods embarks on this ambitious growth journey, it is also committed to enhancing guest experiences through an advanced digital ecosystem. A significant milestone is the deployment of the Qu POS system, which integrates various functionalities like self-service kiosks, mobile ordering, and loyalty programs in over 1,600 locations. These innovations not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance customer engagement.
Furthermore, GoTo Foods is rolling out NextGen digital platforms for all its brands, featuring intuitive functionalities that include AI-driven recommendations and seamless payment options. Early results indicate a notable increase in average check sizes, particularly at Moe's and Jamba, suggesting significant revenue potential as franchisees leverage these digital tools.
Looking Ahead to 2025
GoTo Foods is adapting its growth strategies to align with market dynamics by offering flexible store formats, including compact urban models and streetside co-branded locations. This innovative approach is designed to create impactful opportunities that enhance profitability for franchisees. The company has already received accolades, with all seven brands featured in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500® and Nation’s Restaurant News Top 500 list, validating their strategic direction.
As GoTo Foods looks forward to 2025, its combination of expansive growth, innovative branding strategies, and a commitment to digital excellence positions it as a formidable player in the franchise industry, poised to achieve significant milestones in the years to come.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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