Cinnabon has announced the signing of a historic deal to open 130 Cinnabon locations across Saudi Arabia. The brand has signed the deal with an existing franchisee, Innovative Union Company (IUC), which already operates 120 Cinnabon locations across the country. It will become the single largest Cinnabon franchisee in the world with 250 locations to its name once the additional 130 units are built.
This represents Cinnabon’s single largest franchise deal since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The strong performance of the brand over the last 18 years encouraged IUC to deepen its relationship with the Focus Brands’ owned brand.
“We’re thrilled to partner with IUC to expand Cinnabon’s footprint across KSA,” said Beto Guajardo, president of Focus Brands International, a division of Focus Brands LLC.
“At a time of revolutionary development for Saudi business owners, we are confident that IUC is set-up to provide the financial tools, resources and support for budding entrepreneurs to operate a successful franchise business.”
Despite the challenges raised by the pandemic, IUC saw a strong increase in third-party delivery, with more and more consumers wanting easy access to Cinnabon, further validating IUC’s investment in the brand. The first new location under the most recent development deal opened its doors earlier this week in the Alawali District in the Dan Plaza Makkah, one of the largest retail and entertainment malls in Mecca.
IUC has secured partnerships to assist franchisees with the resources required for success. They recently joined forces with the Saudi Social Bank to help fund Cinnabon business owners and guide emerging entrepreneurs to financial independence. In accordance with new government sanctions, the Saudi Social Bank will provide a two-year interest-free loan to individuals returning to work and opening their own businesses.
“We’re passionate about Cinnabon and driving entrepreneurship in KSA. We really want to help prospective business owners accomplish their dreams,” said Mohammad Alohaly, sub-franchise general manager of IUC.
“We’re looking forward to increasing Cinnabon’s footprint and accessibility throughout the region. More importantly, we’re excited to bring employment opportunities to a growing number of eligible professionals who are looking to enrich their careers and achieve financial prosperity.”
Cinnabon also opened its first drive-thru location in the Middle East, read more here
