Cinnabon

Cinnabon is a globally recognized American bakery chain famous for its signature cinnamon rolls. The brand was founded on December 4, 1985, by Rich Komen and his son Greg Komen of Restaurants Unlimited, with the first location opening in the SeaTac Mall in Seattle, Washington. To create the perfect recipe, they collaborated with baker Jerilyn Brusseau, testing over 200 variations before settling on the iconic "World Famous Cinnamon Roll."

While the brand originated in the United States, its manufacturing and supply chain are international. A key ingredient is Makara Cinnamon, a proprietary blend sourced specifically from cassia trees in the tropical forests of Indonesia. The actual baking occurs fresh on-site at over 1,800 franchised locations across more than 50 countries, including malls, airports, and travel hubs. Additionally, licensed Cinnabon-branded products found in grocery stores are manufactured through various third-party partnerships globally.

Ownership of the brand has transitioned through several major entities. In 1998, it was acquired by AFC Enterprises, which later sold it in 2004 to Focus Brands. In early 2024, Focus Brands officially rebranded as GoTo Foods. As of 2026, Cinnabon remains a core brand under GoTo Foods, which is itself owned by the private equity firm Roark Capital Group based in Georgia, USA.