Auntie Anne’s

About Auntie Anne’s

Auntie Anne’s began as a Pennsylvania farmers’ market pretzel stand in 1988 and has grown to more than 2,000 locations across over 30 countries. Known for hand-rolled soft pretzels, nuggets, pretzel dogs and lemonade, the brand entered the UK in 2003.

Operated in the UK and Ireland by master franchisee Freshly Baked Limited, the network reached 50 stores in September 2026. Its expansion has extended beyond shopping centres into railway stations and shipping-container outlets, alongside other flexible formats.

Following an extension of its master franchise agreement in 2023, the business is targeting further UK and Ireland growth, with plans for 100 additional stores by 2034. Franchise opportunities span shopping centres, travel hubs, containers, food trucks and high-street cafés, supported by a 15-day training programme and assistance with property selection, recruitment, development and marketing.

Why franchise with Auntie Anne’s

• ✓Established global soft pretzel brand with more than 2,000 locations across over 30 countries.
• ✓Growing UK and Ireland network of 50 stores, with plans for 100 additional openings by 2034.
• ✓Franchise investment starts from £135,000, with a minimum liquid capital requirement of £50,000.
• ✓Comprehensive 15-day training programme, with support for site selection, recruitment and launches.
• ✓Flexible formats include shopping centres, travel hubs, shipping containers and high-street stores.
• ✓No previous food service experience required, with single-unit and multi-unit opportunities available.

Investment breakdown

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Auntie Anne’s seeks high-footfall, visible sites in shopping centres, high streets, travel hubs and designer outlets. Formats include retail units, kiosks, shipping containers, food trucks and café-style stores. The UK team assists with property searches and site selection, drawing on landlord relationships. Minimum floor area, frontage, extraction, utilities and seating requirements have not been specified and should be confirmed during site approval.

Training and support

Auntie Anne’s provides a 15-day training programme for at least two franchisees or nominated staff, delivered at its Chesham headquarters and the new store. Training covers pretzel preparation, store operations, marketing, HR and business management, with access to a training kitchen. Franchisees receive support with site selection, recruitment, opening preparations, marketing and business planning, alongside access to established supplier relationships and potential finance assistance.

Operational requirements

Auntie Anne’s franchisees manage daily pretzel preparation, stock control, staffing, hygiene, customer service and administration. Franchisees and nominated staff must complete initial training and maintain the brand’s food quality, presentation and service standards. Operations vary across stores, kiosks, containers and mobile formats in busy retail locations. Operators must comply with UK food safety and employment regulations and participate in brand marketing activities.

Experience required

Auntie Anne’s welcomes first-time franchisees and experienced operators; previous food service or franchise experience is not required. Applicants need at least £50,000 in liquid capital, strong management and communication skills, and a customer-focused approach. Partners must complete 15 days of training, follow brand standards and work with the UK team on site selection and launch. Single-unit and multi-unit opportunities are available across the UK and Ireland.

Territory availability

Gallery