The Atlanta-based franchise group operates over 7,100 quick-service restaurant, bakery and coffee chains across 70 markets globally
US franchise group GoTo Foods has appointed former Albertsons executive Omer Gajial as its new CEO.
GoTo Foods currently franchises more than 7,100 restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops and bakeries across its fast-casual portfolio, which comprises the Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s brands. The group also operates the Seattle’s Best Coffee brand on a handful of international US military bases.
Gajial joins the Atlanta-based group amid a multi-year transformation programme, which saw it rebrand from Focus Brands in February 2024 and ramp up the rollout of dual and tri-branded stores in the in a bid to increase multi-unit franchise growth and profitability.
In a press release, Gajial said scaling efficiencies and driving franchise profitability remain two of his key priorities, alongside product innovation and enhancing customer experience.
“I am thrilled to join GoTo Foods and lead this incredible family of brands into its next chapter of growth. These brands have a rich legacy of delighting customers worldwide, and I look forward to working alongside our talented team and franchisees to build on that success,” he said.
Gajial succeeds Jim Holthouser, who is retiring after nearly six years in the role. Holthouser was the driving force behind GoTo Foods’ rebrand and focus on co-branded outlet growth, modernised store designs and new markets. Since the start of 2025, GoTo Foods has unveiled a new convenience-focused store design for Auntie Anne’s in the US, a dual-branded Cinnabon and Carvel concept, ‘Cinnabon Swirl’, and a 45-unit master franchise agreement for Moe’s Southwest Grill in India.
Despite some setbacks in key markets, including dozens of Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon closures in the US and a full market exit for Cinnabon in the UK, GoTo Foods is set for sustained outlet growth after signing over 1,100 franchise agreements across its portfolio in 2024, including 353 dual-branded sites. GoTo Foods currently has a presence across 70 markets globally.
