Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With Cinnabon’s Minibons

Burger King and Cinnabon are teaming up to tame customer’s sweet tooth at breakfast.  By September, more than 7,000 restaurants will offer the Minibon, a tiny version of the famous Cinnabon cinnamon roll.  After several months of testing in New Jersey, New York, Chicago, Miami, and Charlotte, N.C., the new treat will be making a full scale debut.

 

2012 marks the 25^th year that Cinnabon has been producing the Minibon.  The new marketing opportunity will give devoted fans another spot to pick up their favorite sweet treat in a manageable package size.  The rolls will be priced between $1.79 and $1.99 per serving.

 

Cinnabon has not limited its efforts to Burger King.  Taco Bell introduced Cinnabon Delights, a trio of mini donuts filled with cream and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They were added as part of Taco Bell’s new breakfast platform.  Cinnabon’s President, Kat Cole, reported that the company is investing in a strong growth strategy that will include both franchising and licensing.

 

Cinnabon outlets have been located inside Schlotzsky’s delis for quite some time.  Schlotzsky’s is also owned by Focus Brands, the company which owns Cinnabon.  Burger King selected the Minibon’s as a high quality addition to their newly expanded menu at breakfast and possibly an afternoon snack. With more than 12,500 restaurants worldwide, they certainly provide a large potential audience.

 

Burger King’s new menu is the largest expansion it has made to date.  Salads, wraps, strips, smoothies, and frappe drinks have all been added with an eye to keeping up with current eating trends. Many similar items are available at competitors’ stores and it is likely that Burger King is feeling pressure to regain ground after it was surpassed by Wendy’s CO in 2011.

 

Parent company 3G acquired the chain in October 2010, and has been redesigning numerous aspects of the business.

Wendy’s Company Gets a “New” CEO

Wendy’s recently brought on new President and CEO Emil Brolick. Coming into the position on September 21st, he will receive training and advisement for the rest of the year from outgoing CEO Roland Smith.

 

Brolick is not exactly new to Wendy’s. He worked on the company’s national marketing plan in the 80s – a plan that fueled 16 consecutive years of same-store sales growth for the chain. His most recent accomplishment is helping turn Taco Bell stores around and provide more same-store sales growth for that franchise.

 

What’s Going On with Wendy’s?

 

But a new CEO at the helm isn’t the only major change going on at Wendy’s, says Wendy’s Company chairman Nelson Peltz. Brolic recently told the media that the fast-food restaurant will be re-engineering the core menu (among other things) now that it has sold Arby’s. The plan is to concentrate as much as possible on Wendy’s success.

 

A CEO Who Carries a Vision

 

Brolick worked with the Wendy’s team for 12 years, leaving in 2000 to join Yum!Brands. He also did a stint as President of A&W All American Foods and Long John Silver’s.

 

More importantly, however, was his association at Wendy’s in the last days of the 20th century. Brolick worked closely with founder Dave Thomas to provide strong consumer insights that helped strengthen and fortify the Wendy’s brand.

 

“Wendy’s is one of the most attractive growth stories in the quick-service restaurant industry,” said Brolic recently. “I am excited to be rejoining the company at such an important point…We will focus on building significant value for all stake holders.”

 

More than Just Burgers

 

Brolick’s history of success also includes a Taco Bell turnaround. As its President and Chief Concept Officer, Brolick lead the chain through five years of same-store sales and profit growth.

 

But Wendy’s new CEO isn’t just about food and profit. He is also Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

 

Outgoing CEO Smith says he looks forward to supporting Smith as Brolick continues to grow Wendy’s sales. The former Wendy’s CEO is stepping down to spend more time with his family in Georgia, he said.