Latest news with #GoToFoods
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
I'm the CEO of GoTo Foods. I start my day with memes and end it at a Steinway.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jim Holthouser, the CEO of GoTo Foods. It has been edited for length and clarity. The majority of my career has been in the hospitality business, making sure people feel welcome, well-fed, and taken care of. There's something deeply rewarding about creating experiences — whether it's in a hotel lobby or over a cinnamon roll. GoTo Foods is the parent company of brands like Cinnabon, Jamba, Carvel, and others you've probably grabbed lunch from before. We have more than 7,000 restaurants around the world and more on the way, including a new international expansion of Moe's Casa Mexicana into India. As CEO, my job is to ensure that everything runs smoothly, focusing on our culture and growth. I see my role as serving our people — customers, franchisees, and the 700 folks working in our headquarters. The only way I can achieve it all is with a routine that keeps me focused and steady. Structure, rhythm, and a little bit of piano every night — that's how I stay grounded. Here's what a typical day looks like for me. Business Insider's Power Hours series gives readers an inside look at how powerful leaders in business structure their workday. See more stories from the series here, or reach out to editor Lauryn Haas to share your daily routine. I don't sleep past 6:30 a.m. Even on weekends, I can't seem to sleep past 6:30. I usually set an alarm, but most mornings I'm already awake before it goes off. First thing? Coffee. Black. No cream, no sugar, no calories. Then I scroll through news summaries. I like The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger Daily, Morning Brew, the 1440 newsletter, and a few others. After that, I do something a little ridiculous but very fun: I go meme-hunting. I've got friend groups from different chapters of my life, and we send memes to each other 365 days a year. Some are political, some are just absurd. It's not about the jokes so much as it's a way to stay connected to people I care about. I work out every morning — and love my Whoop ring. I'm pretty religious about my daily workouts. Three days a week are cardio, and three are weights. I'm on the Peloton at least once a week. If I'm not listening to coach Leanne Hainsby get me through an intense session, I'm listening to 70s music. My Whoop ring is always on to measure the intensity of my workouts and stress levels. It's sometimes too much information, but I like having the data. I'm at the office by 8:30 — then I start my rounds. I don't force myself to be in the office first, but I do go every day to walk the floors of our Atlanta headquarters. I try to know people by name, and remember what they care about — whether it's their dogs, new babies, or jazz music. It's just part of showing up. I see culture as an investment. It doesn't grow passively, so I make it a point to nurture it every day. I fast until lunch, otherwise I'd eat Cinnabon every day. I've been practicing intermittent fasting for years. It's a good discipline and helps me manage my weight — especially given the line of work I'm in. When I started at this company (back when it was called Focus Brands), they warned me about something called the "Focus 15" — as in, the 15 pounds you gain in your first year. Sure enough, I gained 11. For lunch, I'm pretty predictable: grilled chicken and salad four out of five days a week. I also bring a little bag of raw veggies and a hard-boiled egg for a snack. No dips, no sauces, just straight veggies. I get teased for it all the time, but it doesn't bother me — it works. I meet weekly with my 10 direct reports — and mentor others over lunch. I've organized the company to have 10 direct reports. I meet with most of them for an hour each week. I also do regular skip-level meetings with brand heads who don't report to me directly. We'll grab a beer, lunch, have a casual chat in my office — whatever works for them. It's not about metrics; it's about getting to know each other. A lot of people here have asked me to mentor them. If someone has the guts to reach out, I'll almost always say yes. Most of the time, it's just a monthly lunch. But it's meaningful for both of us. We have a purpose statement here: We feed people potential. Whether someone stays with us for 30 years or three, I want them to walk away stronger than they came in. I plan my life in my phone's Notes app. I usually list out my entire week's worth of tasks on Friday afternoons. I know what needs to get done, what can shift, and where I've got free pockets — usually two to three hours a day — to handle the unexpected and keep stress at bay. I have about 15 lists going at any given time, and I'm always updating them with tasks I need to complete or things I need to remember. I don't use fancy project management software — just Notes on my iPhone. I'll scroll through it if I'm feeling anxious or if I haven't heard about a project in a while. It helps me stay on top of things. After the typical workday, there are more meetings. My day doesn't end until 8 or 9 at night, often because I have a lot of entertaining and after-hours meetings and activities to do. We try to stay dialed into the local political scene to develop those kinds of contacts — you never know when you're going to need them. People think CEOs are there to set strategy and pull levers from the top. But I think the job is really about serving the people around you. I mentor, check in, give recognition, and stay connected — not because it's expected, but because it matters. I play piano nearly every night. I started playing the piano when I was six, and I've never really stopped. At age 11, I was invited to study at Juilliard. I didn't do that, but playing in piano bars and nice restaurants was how I paid my way through undergrad and grad school. These days, I play for 30 minutes most evenings to decompress. When I'm focused on music, I can't think about work. I have a Steinway and record albums for a nonprofit based in Nashville called American Entertainment Works. I assign my royalties to them to help fund their cultural preservation projects. I've recorded eight albums so far — jazz, blues, classical, Gershwin — and I'm working on four more. I clear my inbox every night before bed. I'm one of those inbox-zero people. If I don't clear my email before bed, I won't sleep well. I probably get around 100 emails a day, but only 30% of them are truly important. Franchisees always get top priority. We've got over 2,000 of them, and they're the lifeblood of our company. Their messages always rise to the top. I shut things down by 8 p.m. and spend the rest of the night with my wife. Unless I'm out for work, I aim to stop working by 8 p.m. My wife and I will catch up over tea or a glass of wine — depending on the day— and maybe watch a show or the news. I aim to be asleep by 10:30 or 11 p.m. I used to function just fine on five or six hours of sleep, but I've learned to value seven.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GoTo Foods to launch Moe's Casa Mexicana in India
GoTo Foods, a US-based developer of multi-channel foodservice brands, has announced the international debut of Moe's Casa Mexicana, a reimagined concept derived from Moe's Southwest Grill. The brand is set to launch in India later in 2025 through master franchisee Unify Foodworks, which has committed to developing 45 locations by 2033. GoTo Foods said that the introduction of Moe's Casa Mexicana highlights its strategy to scale its brands globally, with 60% of its development pipeline focused outside the US. The concept has been developed using insights from over 2,000 consumers across six countries, blending Mexican flavours with locally-relevant menu adaptations and flexible real estate formats designed for growth in emerging markets. Moe's Casa Mexicana will feature a variety of formats, including full-scale, in-line, dine-in, and kiosk options. The smaller footprints and dedicated international supply chain are intended to make the concept suitable for high-density urban areas and developing markets, the company noted. The first Moe's Casa Mexicana location in India is expected to open this year. GoTo Foods is also targeting expansion in other high-potential markets, including the UK, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Based in Atlanta, GoTo Foods operates more than 6,900 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and bakeries across all 50 US states and more than 65 countries and territories under various brand names, including Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, and Schlotzsky's, as well as Seattle's Best Coffee in select military bases and international markets. GoTo Foods CEO Jim Holthouser said: "Launching Moe's Casa Mexicana marks a defining moment for GoTo Foods as we expand another iconic brand onto the global stage. "Our platform company model has already powered successful international growth for brands like Cinnabon and Auntie Anne's, and now we're applying that same proven approach to Moe's Southwest Grill.' In 2024, Focus Brands, which owned brands including Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest, and Schlotzsky's, was rebranded as GoTo Foods. "GoTo Foods to launch Moe's Casa Mexicana in India" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
JAMBA TAPS TRENDING PERSONAS FOR NEW SUMMER BUNDLES
Tomato Girls, Pilates Princesses and More Can Express Their Brightest Selves with Jamba'sLimited-Time Bundles ATLANTA, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This summer Jamba, one of the seven iconic brands within the GoTo Foods platform company, is tapping into a cultural truth: Gen Z and millennials aren't just planning a season — they're curating a narrative. With trending personas like "Tomato Girl" and "Pilates Princess" shaping everything from daily routines to drink orders, summer has become a highly intentional, personalized experience. To meet the moment, Jamba is blending data with storytelling — unveiling limited-time bundles inspired by the behaviors of top summer personas, identified in a new national survey. From this survey of nearly 2,000 Gen Z and Millennials, Jamba created four new limited-time summer bundles that correspond with viral personas – Tomato Girl, Pilates Princess, Coastal Cowgirl, & Grandmacore. "We know that today's consumers are curating their summers around fun, viral personas and we're always looking for creative ways to meet fans where they are," said Kate Morgan, Vice President Marketing, Jamba. "Our new limited-time summer bundles are a way to celebrate these identities with feel‑good flavors that match the experiences Gen Z and millennials are craving and help our fans express their brightest selves all season long." Limited-Time Bundles & Survey Insights:Starting Monday, July 28, the new summer limited-time bundles will be available nationwide at all Jamba locations while supplies last through August 31. Channel your inner summer persona and grab one while you can! Product details and insights from the survey below: Morning Market Bundle Crafted for the Tomato Girl, this bundle includes a Greens & Ginger Smoothie + a sourdough parmesan Savory Pretzel that makes a picture-perfect pair for the 23% of tomato girls most likely to photograph and post their food and drink pics on social media. This fresh duo blends garden-inspired flavors with a kick of citrus and ginger inspired by the 33% of tomato girls that prefer bright, juicy and fresh flavors. Sculpt & Sip BundleInspired by the Pilates Princess, this bundle includes a Berry Brown Sugar Oatmeal Bowl + Protein Berry Workout Smoothie to fuel your flow. The Sculpt & Sip Bundle features workout ready protein since Pilates princesses exercise the most per week, but they're welcome to try our green options as 23% are most likely to opt for clean, wellness-focused options, like green smoothies. Breezy Bundle Made for the Coastal Cowgirl, this bundle includes a Watermelon Bowl Smoothie Bowl + a Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade Over Ice to deliver sun-soaked flavor for the group that has the most pool days each summer and summery drinks per week. Cozy Core Bundle The majority of respondents identified with Grandmacore. 35% feel that smooth, indulgent and comforting food flavors best reflect their vibe. That's why this bundle Includes a Peach Perfection Smoothie + a Waffle, providing comfort with a twist. For more information on Jamba and the new limited-time bundles, please visit and connect with Jamba on TikTok (@jambajuice), Instagram (@jamba), X (@jambajuice), and Facebook (@jamba). About Jamba® Founded in 1990, Jamba is a leading global lifestyle brand that specializes in serving freshly blended fruit and vegetable smoothies, made-to-order bowls, fresh-squeezed juices and shots, as well as boosts and bites for those on the go. As of March 30, 2025, Jamba had over 770 locations across 34 U.S. states, along with presence in South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. Join Jamba rewards for special offers. For more information, visit or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or X. Media Contact: press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Jamba Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jamba® Expands Beyond Storefronts with Rapidly Growing Retail Lineup
Iconic Smoothie Brand Hits Grocery Aisles and Doorsteps with Fan-Favorite Flavors ATLANTA, June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jamba, one of the seven iconic brands within the GoTo Foods platform company, continues to expand its footprint beyond traditional storefronts through strategic retail partnerships, driven by the Retail Licensing Division at GoTo Foods. Through these partnerships, Jamba is making smoothie-inspired flavors more accessible to fans across the US and Canada. From grocery aisles to online carts, the innovative Jamba product formats meet rising demand for on-the-go options: making it easier for fans to celebrate their brightest self with Jamba anytime, anywhere. This growing portfolio now includes drink mixes, frozen smoothie kits, fruit snacks, and direct-to-consumer smoothie boxes - each designed to meet consumers where they are and offer the vibrant flavors Jamba is known for. Jamba Singles to Go! Drink Mix Sticks Launched in partnership with The Jel Sert Company, these individually wrapped drink mix sticks allow consumers to enjoy Jamba on-the-go. Available in 3 Jamba-inspired flavors, Razzmatazz®, Mango-a-Go-Go®, and Strawberries Wild®, the low-calorie packets offer 3g of energy, essential vitamins, and convenience in every sip. Now available on Amazon. Jamba At Home Smoothie Kits Jamba At Home Smoothies will soon offer a ready-to-blend solution for fans craving their favorite flavors at home. Each kit will feature pre-packed frozen fruit and new BOOSTED cubes containing functional benefits like protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. With 9-13g of protein per pack in iconic Jamba flavors like Orange Dream Machine®, Strawberries Wild®, and Razzmatazz®, these convenient, easy-to-make kits offer a quick delicious way to power your day, ideal for breakfast, post-workout, or any time in between. Jamba Fruit Flavored Snacks A few aisles down, Jamba Fruit Snacks transform smoothie-inspired flavors into chewy, melt-in-your-mouth gummies. Available in Mango-a-Go-Go™ and Strawberry Surf Rider™, these vibrant treats offer a new way to enjoy the bold, fruity taste of Jamba - no blender required. Available at grocery stores nationwide. Direct-to-Door Smoothie Innovation with Jamba x Revive Superfoods Smoothie Boxes Continuing their successful partnership, Jamba and Revive Superfoods have expanded their co-branded smoothie line with two new offerings: Raspberry Lychee and Banana Mocha. These join Tropical Strawberry and Apple Matcha to round out a four-flavor lineup of ready-to-blend, no-sugar-added smoothies delivered straight to the homes of consumers. Jamba fans now have the option to order individual, ready-to-blend smoothie cups or select the one-click Jamba box featuring the complete Jamba x Revive flavor lineup. All Jamba x Revive offerings are portioned for convenience and optimized for nutritious, flavorful enjoyment at home. More information is available at Revive Superfoods. "We're always looking for exciting, meaningful ways to grow our brands and a multi-channel approach is a powerful strategy," said Dave Mikita, President of International and Retail Channels at GoTo Foods. "We're meeting our fans where they are and making it easier than ever to enjoy Jamba, wherever life takes them." With these innovations, Jamba is rapidly redefining how and where fans engage with the brand, bringing the smoothie shop experience to grocery aisles, freezers, pantries, and doorsteps nationwide. About Jamba® Founded in 1990, Jamba is a leading global lifestyle brand that specializes in serving freshly blended fruit and vegetable smoothies, made-to-order bowls, fresh-squeezed juices and shots, as well as boosts and bites for those on the go. As of March 30, 2025, Jamba had over 770 locations across 34 U.S. states, along with presence in South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. Join Jamba rewards for special offers. For more information, visit or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or X. About GoTo Foods Atlanta-based platform company GoTo Foods LLC (formerly known as Focus Brands) is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. As of March 30, 2025, GoTo Foods, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of over 6,900 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes and bakeries in all 50 states and over 65 countries and territories under the Auntie Anne's®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, Moe's Southwest Grill®, McAlister's Deli® and Schlotzsky's® brand names, as well as the Seattle's Best Coffee® brand on certain military bases and in certain international markets. The iconic GoTo Foods brands benefit from strong enterprise growth engines, including marketing, digital, technology and franchise sales & development to propel growth and brand performance. Please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. GoTo Foods is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition, and the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience for the second consecutive year. View source version on Contacts Media Contact Kalia Beard, GoTo Foods Director Retail Channels Licensing PR – press@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Jamba ® Expands Beyond Storefronts with Rapidly Growing Retail Lineup
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jamba, one of the seven iconic brands within the GoTo Foods platform company, continues to expand its footprint beyond traditional storefronts through strategic retail partnerships, driven by the Retail Licensing Division at GoTo Foods. Through these partnerships, Jamba is making smoothie-inspired flavors more accessible to fans across the US and Canada. From grocery aisles to online carts, the innovative Jamba product formats meet rising demand for on-the-go options: making it easier for fans to celebrate their brightest self with Jamba anytime, anywhere. This growing portfolio now includes drink mixes, frozen smoothie kits, fruit snacks, and direct-to-consumer smoothie boxes - each designed to meet consumers where they are and offer the vibrant flavors Jamba is known for. Jamba Singles to Go! Drink Mix Sticks Launched in partnership with The Jel Sert Company, these individually wrapped drink mix sticks allow consumers to enjoy Jamba on-the-go. Available in 3 Jamba-inspired flavors, Razzmatazz®, Mango-a-Go-Go®, and Strawberries Wild®, the low-calorie packets offer 3g of energy, essential vitamins, and convenience in every sip. Now available on Amazon. Jamba At Home Smoothie Kits Jamba At Home Smoothies will soon offer a ready-to-blend solution for fans craving their favorite flavors at home. Each kit will feature pre-packed frozen fruit and new BOOSTED cubes containing functional benefits like protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. With 9-13g of protein per pack in iconic Jamba flavors like Orange Dream Machine®, Strawberries Wild®, and Razzmatazz®, these convenient, easy-to-make kits offer a quick delicious way to power your day, ideal for breakfast, post-workout, or any time in between. Jamba Fruit Flavored Snacks A few aisles down, Jamba Fruit Snacks transform smoothie-inspired flavors into chewy, melt-in-your-mouth gummies. Available in Mango-a-Go-Go™ and Strawberry Surf Rider™, these vibrant treats offer a new way to enjoy the bold, fruity taste of Jamba - no blender required. Available at grocery stores nationwide. Direct-to-Door Smoothie Innovation with Jamba x Revive Superfoods Smoothie Boxes Continuing their successful partnership, Jamba and Revive Superfoods have expanded their co-branded smoothie line with two new offerings: Raspberry Lychee and Banana Mocha. These join Tropical Strawberry and Apple Matcha to round out a four-flavor lineup of ready-to-blend, no-sugar-added smoothies delivered straight to the homes of consumers. Jamba fans now have the option to order individual, ready-to-blend smoothie cups or select the one-click Jamba box featuring the complete Jamba x Revive flavor lineup. All Jamba x Revive offerings are portioned for convenience and optimized for nutritious, flavorful enjoyment at home. More information is available at Revive Superfoods. "We're always looking for exciting, meaningful ways to grow our brands and a multi-channel approach is a powerful strategy,' said Dave Mikita, President of International and Retail Channels at GoTo Foods. 'We're meeting our fans where they are and making it easier than ever to enjoy Jamba, wherever life takes them.' With these innovations, Jamba is rapidly redefining how and where fans engage with the brand, bringing the smoothie shop experience to grocery aisles, freezers, pantries, and doorsteps nationwide. About Jamba ® Founded in 1990, Jamba is a leading global lifestyle brand that specializes in serving freshly blended fruit and vegetable smoothies, made-to-order bowls, fresh-squeezed juices and shots, as well as boosts and bites for those on the go. As of March 30, 2025, Jamba had over 770 locations across 34 U.S. states, along with presence in South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia. Join Jamba rewards for special offers. For more information, visit or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or X. About GoTo Foods Atlanta-based platform company GoTo Foods LLC (formerly known as Focus Brands) is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. As of March 30, 2025, GoTo Foods, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of over 6,900 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes and bakeries in all 50 states and over 65 countries and territories under the Auntie Anne's®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, Moe's Southwest Grill®, McAlister's Deli® and Schlotzsky's® brand names, as well as the Seattle's Best Coffee® brand on certain military bases and in certain international markets. The iconic GoTo Foods brands benefit from strong enterprise growth engines, including marketing, digital, technology and franchise sales & development to propel growth and brand performance. Please visit and connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. GoTo Foods is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, the most definitive 'employer-of-choice' recognition, and the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience for the second consecutive year.
