Operations

GoTo Foods CEO declares rebranding a success

Photo: GoTo

March 9, 2026

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Two years after rebranding from Focus Brands, Atlanta-based GoTo Foods CEO Omer Gajial said unifying the company's seven foodservice brands under a single digital and technological infrastructure is yielding significant growth.

The company, which manages chains including Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon and Jamba, reported that its shift toward a shared omnichannel platform has accelerated its ability to deploy digital tools and loyalty programs across its portfolio.

"In the increasingly competitive restaurant industry today, sustained success requires an unwavering commitment to both our customers and our franchisees," Gajial said in a company press release. "At GoTo Foods, our focus on building shared capabilities that easily scale across our portfolio of brands allows us to provide consistent, elevated customer experiences."

According to company data, systemwide sales from digital channels— including loyalty programs and off-premise orders — have nearly tripled since 2019. Executives said the move toward a unified infrastructure is designed to reduce duplicative investments for franchisees while allowing for faster scaling of new technology.

Loyalty programs drive engagement

Digital engagement has become a primary driver of the company's performance. Last year, the organization added more than 4 million loyalty members.

Company data suggests that these members are significantly more valuable than non-members, visiting two to four times more frequently and spending more per transaction. The company plans to lean further into these metrics as a core component of its growth strategy.

Future outlook

The company reported strong momentum in its franchising division, securing commitments for more than 1,400 locations globally in 2025.

Looking ahead to 2026, Gajial said the company plans to deepen personalization within its loyalty programs. GoTo Foods also intends to leverage artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency and strengthen its multi-channel digital foundation.

GoTo Foods acts as the franchisor and operator for over 7,300 restaurants, cafes and bakeries, including Carvel, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli and Schlotzsky's.

Operations