Auntie Anne's Pretzels 'Rolls' into Fort Bliss with Fresh Location

Online, June 7, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Auntie Anne's, the franchisor of the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel chain, has expanded its presence into El Paso, TX with the opening of a store location at Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss. Local franchise partner, Milap Maniar, opened the new unit in mid-April, making it the gourmet snack brand's first military base location.

A resident of El Paso for roughly 10 years, Maniar will drive the local pretzel business with his wife, Bijal. Likewise, he will draw from his entrepreneurial experience as a Cinnabon franchise owner and from his 20 years of experience in the retail industry to help operate the business. The new Auntie Anne's is located in the heart of Freedom Crossing, a one-of-a-kind shopping center home to retail shops, restaurants and a movie theater.

"It's truly an honor for me to bring Auntie Anne's to Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss and serve the members of our military and their families," said Maniar. "Already, it's been so rewarding to share some of life's simple pleasures, like gourmet pretzels, to a deserving community like this one."

The Auntie Anne's at Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss, El Paso's flagship Auntie Anne's location, is best known for mixing, twisting, and baking pretzels to golden brown perfection in full view of guests. Auntie Anne's Pretzels are available in a variety of flavors including Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Almond, Garlic, Pepperoni, and Sour Cream and Onion. Pretzel Nuggets offer a more portable option for pretzel lovers on the go, and the Pretzel Dog is a popular lunch item.

The new unit marks a significant milestone for the iconic soft pretzel company whose growth plans include considerable focus in the development of locations in supplementary non-traditional venues. Recognizing an opportunity to further expand the brand's appeal in locations outside the shopping mall, Auntie Anne's can now be found in non-traditional venues including entertainment centers, colleges and universities, large retailers, and transportation sites such as airports, train stations, and travel plazas.

In November 2010, Auntie Anne's was acquired by FOCUS Brands Inc.®, the franchisor and operator of over 2,200 Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Schlotzsky's®, and Moe's Southwest Grill® locations. For more information about the Auntie Anne's franchise opportunity and to view franchise partner testimonials, visit www.auntieannesfranchising.com.

ABOUT AUNTIE ANNE'S
An award-winning franchise system, Auntie Anne's is consistently ranked number one in the category of hand-rolled soft pretzels by Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, has received the World-Class Franchise® honor (the most prestigious award in franchising) for the past five years, and high rankings from Franchise Business Review's 2009, 2010, 2011 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards. Auntie Anne's is best known for mixing, twisting, and baking pretzels to golden brown perfection in full view of guests. Auntie Anne's Inc. is headquartered at 48-50 West Chestnut Street in Lancaster, Pa. 17603.

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