2010
80
$241,000
$40,000
$527,000
No
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.
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.
Customizable Offerings: With over 20 frosting flavors and numerous topping choices, Cinnaholic provides a personalized dessert experience, encouraging repeat business.
Strong Brand Recognition: The brand's appearance on "Shark Tank" significantly boosted its visibility and credibility, attracting a loyal customer base.
Proven Business Model: Cinnaholic's franchise system has been refined to support franchisees in achieving operational success and profitability.
Established Year & Founders:
Cinnaholic was founded in 2010 in Berkeley, California by Shannon and Florian Radke. The Radkes were passionate about creating a dessert experience that was not only indulgent but also 100% vegan, catering to the rising demand for plant-based foods.
Franchise Journey:
Cinnaholic began franchising in 2014, rapidly expanding across the United States. Since then, it has grown into a recognizable brand with approximately 80 franchise units. Its unique concept and dedication to quality helped the company gain national attention, including a feature on ABC’s “Shark Tank”, which boosted its credibility and popularity.
Brand Concept & Positioning:
Cinnaholic positions itself as the first gourmet vegan cinnamon roll bakery. Every cinnamon roll is made-to-order and customizable with over 20 frosting flavors and a wide variety of toppings. This unique offering differentiates Cinnaholic in the bakery and quick-service restaurant industry, appealing to both vegan and non-vegan customers seeking healthier dessert options.
Ownership & Headquarters:
The company remains privately held and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Radkes continue to actively oversee brand development and franchise support, ensuring the company’s values and quality standards are maintained across all locations.
Market Presence in the USA:
Cinnaholic has expanded its footprint across multiple states, with franchise units in cities including Atlanta, San Antonio, Des Moines, and more. The brand thrives in high-traffic urban areas and suburban retail centers, targeting a broad demographic of dessert lovers, health-conscious consumers, and families.
Industry Category:
Cinnaholic operates within the bakery and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry, with a strong focus on vegan and customizable dessert offerings. Its innovative approach has allowed it to capture a niche yet rapidly growing segment of the food market: plant-based indulgence.
Company History & Brand Journey:
2010: Founded in Berkeley, CA.
2014: Began franchising.
2015-2020: Expanded nationally, reaching major markets in the USA.
2021-Present: Continued growth with approximately 80 units; the brand receives attention for its health-conscious yet indulgent menu and franchise opportunities.
Cinnaholic provides comprehensive, structured support and training to ensure franchisees are fully equipped to run a successful business. Their program is designed to cover pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing support.
Before opening a new franchise, Cinnaholic assists with:
Site Selection & Evaluation: Helping franchisees choose locations with high foot traffic, visibility, and accessibility.
Lease Negotiation & Build-Out Guidance: Support in negotiating favorable lease terms and designing store layouts according to brand standards.
Equipment & Supplier Recommendations: Guidance on sourcing equipment and approved suppliers for consistent quality.
Initial Business Setup: Assistance with permits, licensing, and compliance with local regulations.
Cinnaholic ensures franchisees and their staff receive hands-on training:
On-Site Training: Typically includes 90 hours of practical, in-store training, focusing on daily operations, customer service, and food preparation.
Classroom Training: Around 10 hours of classroom instruction, covering business management, financials, and marketing strategies.
Menu Preparation: Training on creating all menu items, maintaining quality, and customizing orders efficiently.
Operations Manual: Franchisees receive a detailed operations manual covering every aspect of running the bakery.
On-Site Launch Assistance: Cinnaholic provides support during the grand opening to ensure smooth operations.
Marketing Launch Plan: Help with local advertising, promotional events, and social media campaigns to generate initial traffic.
Field Support Representatives: Regular visits from corporate representatives to provide guidance, answer questions, and ensure compliance with brand standards.
Online Resources: Access to a franchise portal with marketing materials, operational updates, and training videos.
Customer Service & Operations Assistance: Ongoing support for troubleshooting operational issues and improving store performance.
Marketing & Advertising: National and local marketing strategies, digital campaigns, and promotional guidance to drive consistent sales.
Continuous Learning Opportunities: Workshops, webinars, and refresher courses for franchisees and staff.
Community Engagement Guidance: Strategies to build local partnerships, increase brand visibility, and engage with the community effectively.
Summary:
Cinnaholic’s structured support system ensures franchisees have the knowledge, tools, and resources to successfully open, operate, and grow their bakery. From initial site selection to ongoing operational support, Cinnaholic minimizes risk while maximizing franchisee success.
Cinnaholic seeks passionate, driven, and business-savvy individuals who are committed to operating a successful, customer-focused vegan dessert bakery. The ideal franchisee aligns with the brand’s values, understands the foodservice industry, and has the resources and mindset to grow their business.
Business Mindset: Franchisees should have a strong entrepreneurial drive, with a willingness to learn and execute the proven Cinnaholic business model.
Decision-Making Skills: Ability to make informed operational, financial, and marketing decisions.
Leadership & Team Management: Experience in hiring, training, and leading a team to deliver consistent customer service and operational excellence.
Interest in Vegan & Plant-Based Foods: Appreciation for Cinnaholic’s mission to offer indulgent yet healthy vegan desserts.
Customer-Centric Approach: Commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and creating a welcoming bakery environment.
Community Engagement: Enthusiasm for building relationships with local communities through events, promotions, and partnerships.
Investment Readiness: Ability to meet the total initial investment required ($241,000 – $527,000) and sustain operational costs until profitability.
Financial Management: Comfort with budgeting, managing cash flow, and understanding the financial aspects of running a franchise.
Preferred Experience: Background in retail, foodservice, hospitality, or management is advantageous but not mandatory.
Learning Orientation: Open to following standardized operational procedures and leveraging corporate support for business growth.
Local Market Knowledge: Ideally resides near the franchise location or is willing to relocate, with an understanding of local market dynamics.
Hands-On Involvement: Willingness to be actively involved in day-to-day operations, especially during the launch phase.
Long-Term Vision: Committed to growing the business sustainably and maintaining brand standards.
Summary:
The ideal Cinnaholic franchisee is a motivated, business-minded individual with a passion for vegan foods and customer satisfaction, equipped with the financial capacity and commitment to run a thriving franchise. By combining personal dedication with Cinnaholic’s structured support system, franchisees are positioned for long-term success in the fast-growing plant-based dessert market.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $241,000 – $527,000 |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $150,000 – $350,000 (depending on location and size) |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $60,000 – $120,000 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Marketing Budget / Initial Marketing Costs | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Expected Average Annual Revenue per Unit | ~$375,000 |
| Break-Even Time | 2 – 3 years (depending on location, management, and market conditions) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store sales, catering, online orders, special promotions & events |
| Minimum Investment Requirement | $241,000 |
| Franchise Units (USA) | Approximately 80 locations |
Notes:
Costs vary based on location, store size, lease terms, and local market conditions.
Revenue and ROI are estimates based on historical data from existing franchise units.
Franchisees benefit from Cinnaholic’s ongoing support, marketing, and operational training, which can significantly impact profitability and growth.
