ATLANTA — Focus Brands, Inc. announced it is taking its Auntie Anne’s brand into China with the June 25 launch of its first Chinese location in Shenzhen. The debut of the hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise in Shenzhen is the first of several openings planned in the country, with additional openings set for Beijing and Shanghai, Focus Brands said.
Auntie Anne's China store“China is a key market for Auntie Anne’s, and we think our handcrafted, freshly baked and brewed products will really resonate with the country’s consumers,” said Mike Kehoe, president of international at Focus Brands. “We see enormous growth potential in China, as we know there is broad appeal for our classic pretzel and new tea offerings.”

In addition to Auntie Anne’s, Focus said it is exploring other strategic growth opportunities in China, including the introduction of Cinnabon, the company’s other baked foods concept.

Auntie Anne’s has more than 1,800 locations in 48 states and more than 25 countries.