Auntie Anne’s new store format is officially here, and it’s serving more than just pretzels, it’s serving a whole fresh identity.
The pretzel chain that basically owned every mall food court in America is now ditching the traditional vibe and going full-on modern. That’s right, Auntie Anne’s is rolling out a bold new store design with updated branding, a sleeker pretzel logo (yes, they’re dropping the halo!), and a fresh digital-first experience meant to keep up with younger crowds.
The move is part of a major revamp led by GoTo Foods, formerly known as Focus Brands, which also owns chains like Cinnabon, Carvel, and Moe’s Southwest Grill. With Gen Z and Millennials being more tech-savvy and aesthetic-driven than ever, Auntie Anne’s is stepping up to stay relevant. Over 150 stores are scheduled for remodels this year, and the results are looking crisp. Think vibrant blues, playful design elements, and a total vibe shift that still keeps the brand’s heart intact.
To make things more visual for you, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing at Auntie Anne’s:
Auntie Anne’s New Store Format-Quick Reference Table
Feature | Old Version | New Update (2025) |
---|---|---|
Logo | Classic pretzel with a halo | Sleeker pretzel design without halo |
Store Design | Traditional mall food court layout | Modern aesthetic with vibrant blues and playful design elements |
Digital Integration | Static menu boards | Streamlined digital menu layouts |
Order Pickup | Standard counter service | Dedicated mobile order pickup zones |
Kitchen Visibility | Full kitchen view | Maintained and emphasized |
Target Demographic | Broad/mixed audience | Gen Z and Millennials |
Remodel Rollout | N/A | 150+ stores scheduled for redesign this year |
Ownership | Auntie Anne’s (part of Focus Brands) | Auntie Anne’s under GoTo Foods (rebranded from Focus Brands) |
Global Reach | Over 2,000 locations worldwide | Continues with expansion and rebranding |
Founded | 1988 | Legacy retained with modern twist |
What’s Poppin’ With the New Design?
- Auntie Anne’s is targeting younger audiences with vibrant colors, sleek menus, and real-time snack visibility.
- They’re keeping it classic but ditching outdated visuals like the old halo logo.
- Stores will now include dedicated mobile order pickup zones, huge win for on-the-go snacking.
- You can still watch your pretzels being twisted and baked through an open kitchen setup.
- This move is all about adaptability and cultural relevance, according to GoTo Foods execs.
Michael Freeman, President of Brands at GoTo Foods, summed it up perfectly: “Our bold new look, featuring vibrant blues, playful twists and a sleek logo, signifies a major evolution in our visual identity, ensuring we remain culturally relevant and enticing to our target Gen Z and Millennial demographics.” That says it all.
Founded in 1988, Auntie Anne’s has always been about pretzels with a show, watching the dough spin, twist, and bake behind the glass is basically part of the snacking experience. And with this redesign, they’re making sure that show still fits the times. The brand is currently active in over 2,000 locations across the US and globally, and this fresh look is just another step in keeping that momentum alive.
At a time when many traditional food court staples are fading, Auntie Anne’s isn’t just hanging on, they’re flipping the script. This isn’t just a rebrand; it’s a full glow-up aimed at making pretzels feel fresh, Instagrammable, and snackable again. Whether you’re there for a cinnamon sugar fix or that salty classic with cheese dip, the experience just got a whole lot cooler.

Source:https://themusicessentials.com/news/you-wont-recognize-auntie-annes-after-this-rebrand/