Established
2010
Franchise Units
12
Minimum Investment
$173,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$269,500
Home Based
No
Description
Cinnaholic is a rapidly expanding vegan cinnamon roll bakery franchise that has redefined indulgence with a healthier twist. Founded in 2010 in Berkeley, California, by Shannon and Florian Radke, Cinnaholic offers made-to-order, gourmet cinnamon rolls that are 100% vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and cholesterol-free. Customers can customize their rolls with a variety of frostings and toppings, creating a unique dessert experience. The brand gained national attention after appearing on ABC's "Shark Tank," propelling its growth across the United States.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Unique Market Positioning: Cinnaholic stands out in the bakery industry by offering a fully vegan menu, catering to the growing demand for plant-based options.
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Customizable Offerings: With over 20 frosting flavors and numerous topping choices, Cinnaholic provides a personalized dessert experience, encouraging repeat business.
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Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's appearance on "Shark Tank" significantly boosted its visibility and credibility, attracting a loyal customer base.
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Proven Business Model: Cinnaholic's franchise system has been refined to support franchisees in achieving operational success and profitability.
Background
- Established: 2010
- First Unit Franchised: 2015
- Founders: Shannon and Florian Radke
- Franchised Units: 12
- Company-Owned Units: 0
- States Registered In: All U.S. states except Hawaii (HI), South Dakota (SD), and North Dakota (ND)
- Canada Franchises: No
- International Franchises: Yes
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
- Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Bakery & Desserts
The Cinnaholic story began in Berkeley, California, where Shannon and Florian Radke set out to create a vegan treat that tasted even better than the traditional version. Their commitment to quality and "roll-your-own" customization quickly turned the small shop into a local legend.
The brand's trajectory changed forever in 2014 after appearing on Shark Tank, where they received a deal offer. This national exposure sparked a franchising boom. Today, the brand is owned by Cinnaholic Franchising, LLC, and continues to expand rapidly across major US metropolitan areas, maintaining its reputation as a leader in the plant-based dessert sector.
Support Training
Cinnaholic provides a comprehensive "recipe" for business success, ensuring you aren't baking alone.
Pre-Launch Support: You’ll receive expert guidance on site selection and lease negotiation. The team helps ensure your location has the right foot traffic and demographic profile.
Initial Training: Franchisees undergo an intensive training program. This covers everything from the "secret" dough-making process to back-end POS management.
Operational Support: You’ll have access to a dedicated operations consultant to help streamline your workflow and maintain brand standards.
Marketing & Grand Opening: The corporate team provides a "Grand Opening" playbook designed to create lines out the door on day one. Ongoing support includes professionally designed social media assets, national PR campaigns, and seasonal menu innovation.
Academic/Continuous Learning: Access to an online portal with training videos and manuals for staff onboarding, ensuring your team is always up to speed.
Ideal Candidate
Cinnaholic isn't just looking for investors; they are looking for "Roll Models." The ideal candidate typically fits the following:
The Passionate Entrepreneur: You don’t have to be a vegan, but you must be passionate about the brand’s mission of providing high-quality, inclusive treats.
Business Savvy: Previous experience in retail, hospitality, or general management is highly preferred. You should understand how to read a P&L statement and manage a small team.
Community Minded: Cinnaholic thrives when the owner is active in the local community—think school fundraisers, local events, and local social media engagement.
Financial Capability: Candidates should have a strong credit profile and the required liquid capital to see the project through the first 6–12 months of operation.
Location Preference: Ideal for high-traffic "lifestyle centers," trendy urban districts, or busy suburban shopping hubs with strong "dinner-and-a-movie" crowds.
Financial Detail
- Cash Investment: $50,000
- Total Investment: $173,000 – $269,500
- Minimum Net Worth: $250,000
- Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Ad Fund: 2% (not collected yet)
- Average Number of Employees: 6–10
- Item 19: Yes
- SBA Approved: Yes
- Passive Ownership: Yes
- Home-Based: No
- B2B: No
- Master Franchise Opportunities: No
- Veteran Discount: Yes
- Special Discount Programs: 10% off franchise fees