U.S. chain Cinnabon finds its Aussie home

Nick Hall

Iconic American bakery-franchise, Cinnabon is on its way down under following an announcement Carl’s Jr. Australian franchisor, the Bansal Group has secured the rights.

Founded in Seattle in 1985, Cinnabon quickly became a household name in its home country, buoyed by the popularity of its Classic Cinnamon Roll.

Gaurav Bansal, Bansal Group co-owner said the latest announcement has garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from Cinnabon fans, with location requests already steaming in.

“Cinnabon is one of the most beloved brands in the world, and its cinnamon scrolls are world-famous, so we’re so delighted to bring them to Australia,” said Bansal.

“We knew there would be a strong market for Cinnabon in Australia, but we’re already amazed by the fan base around the country begging us to open in their city and their huge love for this brand.”

The Queensland-based franchise company is the perfect group to develop the Cinnabon brand in Australia, after successfully launching fellow U.S. franchise chain Carl’s Jr. one year ago.

Since then, Bansal Group has expanded its Carl’s Jr. portfolio rapidly, opening six freestanding locations across South-East Queensland, with a seventh opening slated for later this month.

“There’s a lot involved with every opening, so we’re doing our homework and will only open stores when we’ve found a great location, but the plan is to open 50 stores in the next three years,” says Bansal.

“Our home is in South East Queensland, so of course our first location will be there later this year, and we hope to follow that with a Sydney store.”

The announcement coincides with the first anniversary of Bansal Group’s Carl’s Jr. Australian venture, with the franchise group launching a celebratory event at its flagship outlet in Redbank Plains this weekend.