History
The idea for Cinnabon emerged in 1985 after Rich Komen, majority owner of Restaurants Unlimited, observed the commercial success of T.J. Cinnamons, a bakery based in Kansas City, Missouri, that specialized in cinnamon rolls. T.J. Cinnamon's popularity prompted Komen to explore the possibility of franchising the concept on the West Coast. Komen attempted to negotiate franchising rights for T.J. Cinnamon's but was unable to secure an agreement granting exclusive rights for the region. He then explored a partnership with Mrs. Powell's, a bakery in Idaho Falls, Idaho, also known for its cinnamon rolls, but this effort too failed to result in a franchise agreement.[5][6]
Having already secured a lease for a retail space in SeaTac Mall in Federal Way, Washington, Komen and Ray Lindstrom, the then Restaurants Unlimited CEO, proceeded to develop an original bakery concept. To create their signature product, they collaborated with Jerilyn Brusseau, a baker from Seattle, who was tasked with developing a cinnamon roll recipe. The first Cinnabon bakery opened on December 4, 1985, in SeaTac Mall, now called The Commons at Federal Way.[5][6][7] Cinnabon's original business strategy emphasized a specialized focus on its signature product, cinnamon rolls, which were prominently branded as "World Famous Cinnamon Rolls" and became central to the company's brand identity.[5][6]
Cinnabon's first franchise-operated store opened in August 1986 just outside of Philadelphia at the King of Prussia Mall. Cinnabon stores today can also be found in gas stations, universities, rapid transit stations, casinos, and amusement parks.
Cinnabon was bought by AFC Enterprises, Inc. in 1998 for $65 million.[8] In 2004, AFC Enterprises, Inc., sold Cinnabon for $30.3 million to Focus Brands, Inc., which is owned by the Atlanta-based private equity firm Roark Capital Group.[9][10] The headquarters moved to Greater Atlanta in 1999.[2] In November 2020, British retail group EG Group announced a partnership with Cinnabon to open 150 branded stores in the UK over five years.[11][12] In May 2024, the UK partnership would then be transferred to EG On The Move
On October 8, 2018, Cinnabon partnered with Pizza Hut to release mini cinnamon rolls labeled "Cinnabon Mini Rolls" in Pizza Hut (also known as MiniBons outside of Pizza Hut). These cinnamon rolls continue to be available at Pizza Hut.[14] In 2020, Pizza Hut brought back the Triple Treat Box, containing two medium one-topping pizzas, five breadsticks, and ten Cinnabon Mini Rolls.
