Latest news with #JimHolthouser
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.
CNN
08-04-2025
- Business
- CNN
Cinnabon's new store is made for Gen Z
Cinnabon is facing an existential threat as it turns 40: How does a chain that's become synonymous with the food court evolve when fewer malls are being built? GoTo Foods, Cinnabon's parent company, isn't looking too far for a solution. Next month, Cinnabon is opening a first-of-its-kind location with sister brand Carvel that mashes up Cinnabon's hot and gooey cinnamon rolls with Carvel's ice creams for a selection of desserts. 'We took this concept to a very broad swath of consumers early on (and we) got this ringing endorsement from about 80% of the US population,' Jim Holthouser, CEO of GoTo Foods, told CNN. The concept is largely aimed at attracting Gen Z and Millennial eaters, who 'definitely have a desire for unique indulgent experiences.' He describes the indulgence as 'little treat culture,' a reference to a popular social media trend among younger consumers purchasing small, affordable sweets or items as a reward for mundane daily tasks. The menu at 'Cinnabon Swirl' is designed for the TikTok audience, where unique foods are often brought to the top of people's algorithms and become viral sensations. GoTo Foods hopes it will draw in customers as mall foot traffic has stagnated in recent years and traditional food courts have disappeared in favor of more upscale options. For starters, there's the 'Bonini,' a cinnamon roll warmed in a panini press, sliced in half and filled with ice cream. Then there's the 'Cinnabon Swirl Sundae,' which features the sweet center of a cinnamon roll as its base and topped with soft serve ice cream. Rounding out the menu are ice cream sandwiches served with Cinnabon-inspired cookies and Carvel-influenced toppings, like sprinkles or cookie bits. A small selection of Carvel and Cinnabon staples served at their standalone locations — cakes, ice cream and cinnamon rolls — are also on sale. GoTo Foods franchises their brands, which also includes Auntie Anne's, Jamba, and Schlotzsky's. Pitching owners to invest in an unproven concept is often met with hesitancy. However, 'Cinnabon Swirl' was an instant hit, Holthouser said. 'We really had no problem signing people up, which is a little unusual,' he admitted. 'Usually when new brands are birthed, a lot of owners are going to sit on the sidelines to make sure that things kind of work out the way they think.' The first 'Cinnabon Swirl' opens in May in Oregon, with another three opening by the end of this year in Peoria, Arizona; Kennesaw, Georgia; and Pasadena, California. An additional 30 locations are slated to open in 2026. Unlike other mashups, most recently Dine Brands' Applebee's-IHOP restaurant, the Carvel brand wasn't included in the name, although its colors and logos are featured in the store. The concept 'leads with' Cinnabon 'simply because that's most known to consumers,' with Cinnabon having about 2,000 locations globally. That massively dwarfs Carvel's roughly 400 stores, which are predominantly in the US northeast, Holthouser said. GoTo Foods has built up its portfolio with smaller, niche brands that largely depend on foot traffic, attracting customers as they are out shopping or traveling. That means the economics of their restaurants are not as sustainable as standalone locations. One way it's trying to solve that problem is by opening more co-branding locations, emulating the success it's seen with plugging Auntie Anne's into Jamba and Cinnabon locations. For example, an Auntie Anne's 'works all day long in a mall,' but it doesn't make enough money to 'justify the rents' of a standalone location, Holthauser said. But when an Auntie Anne's together with a Cinnabon or Jamba is combined, profitability improves. 'If I want to keep these brands going, keep the stories going and be able to serve consumers, I've got to find other ways of building distribution for these brands,' Holthouser admitted. Experimenting with dual-branded locations is a focus for GoTo Foods, with the goal being to 'drive efficiencies and unit-level productivity by focusing on best sellers at each chain,' noted David Henkes, a senior principal at Technomic, a restaurant research firm. 'I'd liken it to a greatest hits compilation from both chains — taking the things that work best and removing menu items that perhaps don't resonate as much,' he told CNN. Both Cinnabon and Carvel could use a jolt of sugar, too: Cinnabon sales declined 0.5% last year and Carvel slipped 6.5%, according to data from restaurant research firm Technomic. (GoTo Foods is privately held and doesn't release financial information). The rise of dual locations has 'seemingly caught fire,' Henkes said, pointing to the Applebee's-IHOP concept that first opened in Texas with plans for a dozen more to open in the coming months. 'The idea is to bring the strengths of two brands under one roof and hope that 1 plus 1 equals 3 (or at least 2.5), generating a bit more incrementally in revenue while hopefully reducing the cost structure,' Henkes said.
CNN
08-04-2025
- Business
- CNN
Cinnabon's new store is made for Gen Z
Cinnabon is facing an existential threat as it turns 40: How does a chain that's become synonymous with the food court evolve when fewer malls are being built? GoTo Foods, Cinnabon's parent company, isn't looking too far for a solution. Next month, Cinnabon is opening a first-of-its-kind location with sister brand Carvel that mashes up Cinnabon's hot and gooey cinnamon rolls with Carvel's ice creams for a selection of desserts. 'We took this concept to a very broad swath of consumers early on (and we) got this ringing endorsement from about 80% of the US population,' Jim Holthouser, CEO of GoTo Foods, told CNN. The concept is largely aimed at attracting Gen Z and Millennial eaters, who 'definitely have a desire for unique indulgent experiences.' He describes the indulgence as 'little treat culture,' a reference to a popular social media trend among younger consumers purchasing small, affordable sweets or items as a reward for mundane daily tasks. The menu at 'Cinnabon Swirl' is designed for the TikTok audience, where unique foods are often brought to the top of people's algorithms and become viral sensations. GoTo Foods hopes it will draw in customers as mall foot traffic has stagnated in recent years and traditional food courts have disappeared in favor of more upscale options. For starters, there's the 'Bonini,' a cinnamon roll warmed in a panini press, sliced in half and filled with ice cream. Then there's the 'Cinnabon Swirl Sundae,' which features the sweet center of a cinnamon roll as its base and topped with soft serve ice cream. Rounding out the menu are ice cream sandwiches served with Cinnabon-inspired cookies and Carvel-influenced toppings, like sprinkles or cookie bits. A small selection of Carvel and Cinnabon staples served at their standalone locations — cakes, ice cream and cinnamon rolls — are also on sale. GoTo Foods franchises their brands, which also includes Auntie Anne's, Jamba, and Schlotzsky's. Pitching owners to invest in an unproven concept is often met with hesitancy. However, 'Cinnabon Swirl' was an instant hit, Holthouser said. 'We really had no problem signing people up, which is a little unusual,' he admitted. 'Usually when new brands are birthed, a lot of owners are going to sit on the sidelines to make sure that things kind of work out the way they think.' The first 'Cinnabon Swirl' opens in May in Oregon, with another three opening by the end of this year in Peoria, Arizona; Kennesaw, Georgia; and Pasadena, California. An additional 30 locations are slated to open in 2026. Unlike other mashups, most recently Dine Brands' Applebee's-IHOP restaurant, the Carvel brand wasn't included in the name, although its colors and logos are featured in the store. The concept 'leads with' Cinnabon 'simply because that's most known to consumers,' with Cinnabon having about 2,000 locations globally. That massively dwarfs Carvel's roughly 400 stores, which are predominantly in the US northeast, Holthouser said. GoTo Foods has built up its portfolio with smaller, niche brands that largely depend on foot traffic, attracting customers as they are out shopping or traveling. That means the economics of their restaurants are not as sustainable as standalone locations. One way it's trying to solve that problem is by opening more co-branding locations, emulating the success it's seen with plugging Auntie Anne's into Jamba and Cinnabon locations. For example, an Auntie Anne's 'works all day long in a mall,' but it doesn't make enough money to 'justify the rents' of a standalone location, Holthauser said. But when an Auntie Anne's together with a Cinnabon or Jamba is combined, profitability improves. 'If I want to keep these brands going, keep the stories going and be able to serve consumers, I've got to find other ways of building distribution for these brands,' Holthouser admitted. Experimenting with dual-branded locations is a focus for GoTo Foods, with the goal being to 'drive efficiencies and unit-level productivity by focusing on best sellers at each chain,' noted David Henkes, a senior principal at Technomic, a restaurant research firm. 'I'd liken it to a greatest hits compilation from both chains — taking the things that work best and removing menu items that perhaps don't resonate as much,' he told CNN. Both Cinnabon and Carvel could use a jolt of sugar, too: Cinnabon sales declined 0.5% last year and Carvel slipped 6.5%, according to data from restaurant research firm Technomic. (GoTo Foods is privately held and doesn't release financial information). The rise of dual locations has 'seemingly caught fire,' Henkes said, pointing to the Applebee's-IHOP concept that first opened in Texas with plans for a dozen more to open in the coming months. 'The idea is to bring the strengths of two brands under one roof and hope that 1 plus 1 equals 3 (or at least 2.5), generating a bit more incrementally in revenue while hopefully reducing the cost structure,' Henkes said.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cinnabon is trying to avoid extinction with the help of TikTok and ice cream
Cinnabon is facing an existential threat as it turns 40: How does a chain that's become synonymous with the food court evolve when fewer malls are being built? GoTo Foods, Cinnabon's parent company, isn't looking too far for a solution. Next month, Cinnabon is opening a first-of-its-kind location with sister brand Carvel that mashes up Cinnabon's hot and gooey cinnamon rolls with Carvel's ice creams for a selection of desserts. 'We took this concept to a very broad swath of consumers early on (and we) got this ringing endorsement from about 80% of the US population,' Jim Holthouser, CEO of GoTo Foods, told CNN. The concept is largely aimed at attracting Gen Z and Millennial eaters, who 'definitely have a desire for unique indulgent experiences.' He describes the indulgence as 'little treat culture,' a reference to a popular social media trend among younger consumers purchasing small, affordable sweets or items as a reward for mundane daily tasks. The menu at 'Cinnabon Swirl' is designed for the TikTok audience, where unique foods are often brought to the top of people's algorithms and become viral sensations. GoTo Foods hopes it will draw in customers as mall foot traffic has stagnated in recent years and traditional food courts have disappeared in favor of more upscale options. For starters, there's the 'Bonini,' a cinnamon roll warmed in a panini press, sliced in half and filled with ice cream. Then there's the 'Cinnabon Swirl Sundae,' which features the sweet center of a cinnamon roll as its base and topped with soft serve ice cream. Rounding out the menu are ice cream sandwiches served with Cinnabon-inspired cookies and Carvel-influenced toppings, like sprinkles or cookie bits. A small selection of Carvel and Cinnabon staples served at their standalone locations — cakes, ice cream and cinnamon rolls — are also on sale. GoTo Foods franchises their brands, which also includes Auntie Anne's, Jamba, and Schlotzsky's. Pitching owners to invest in an unproven concept is often met with hesitancy. However, 'Cinnabon Swirl' was an instant hit, Holthouser said. 'We really had no problem signing people up, which is a little unusual,' he admitted. 'Usually when new brands are birthed, a lot of owners are going to sit on the sidelines to make sure that things kind of work out the way they think.' The first 'Cinnabon Swirl' opens in May in Oregon, with another three opening by the end of this year in Peoria, Arizona; Kennesaw, Georgia; and Pasadena, California. An additional 30 locations are slated to open in 2026. Unlike other mashups, most recently Dine Brands' Applebee's-IHOP restaurant, the Carvel brand wasn't included in the name, although its colors and logos are featured in the store. The concept 'leads with' Cinnabon 'simply because that's most known to consumers,' with Cinnabon having about 2,000 locations globally. That massively dwarfs Carvel's roughly 400 stores, which are predominantly in the US northeast, Holthouser said. GoTo Foods has built up its portfolio with smaller, niche brands that largely depend on foot traffic, attracting customers as they are out shopping or traveling. That means the economics of their restaurants are not as sustainable as standalone locations. One way it's trying to solve that problem is by opening more co-branding locations, emulating the success it's seen with plugging Auntie Anne's into Jamba and Cinnabon locations. For example, an Auntie Anne's 'works all day long in a mall,' but it doesn't make enough money to 'justify the rents' of a standalone location, Holthauser said. But when an Auntie Anne's together with a Cinnabon or Jamba is combined, profitability improves. 'If I want to keep these brands going, keep the stories going and be able to serve consumers, I've got to find other ways of building distribution for these brands,' Holthouser admitted. Experimenting with dual-branded locations is a focus for GoTo Foods, with the goal being to 'drive efficiencies and unit-level productivity by focusing on best sellers at each chain,' noted David Henkes, a senior principal at Technomic, a restaurant research firm. 'I'd liken it to a greatest hits compilation from both chains — taking the things that work best and removing menu items that perhaps don't resonate as much,' he told CNN. Both Cinnabon and Carvel could use a jolt of sugar, too: Cinnabon sales declined 0.5% last year and Carvel slipped 6.5%, according to data from restaurant research firm Technomic. (GoTo Foods is privately held and doesn't release financial information). The rise of dual locations has 'seemingly caught fire,' Henkes said, pointing to the Applebee's-IHOP concept that first opened in Texas with plans for a dozen more to open in the coming months. 'The idea is to bring the strengths of two brands under one roof and hope that 1 plus 1 equals 3 (or at least 2.5), generating a bit more incrementally in revenue while hopefully reducing the cost structure,' Henkes said. Sign in to access your portfolio
