Worldwide pretzel chain opens first Canadian store just in time for Canada Day
NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 30, 2008) - Auntie Anne's(R) Pretzels, best known for its hand-rolled soft pretzels, will have Canadians in a twist on Canada's 141st birthday with the opening of its first Canadian franchise in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Auntie Anne's(R) store in Niagara Falls brings the chain's worldwide presence to over 950 locations in 16 countries.
"We are thrilled to bring Auntie Anne's(R) delicious, freshly baked soft pretzels into Canada in time for Canada Day," said Mark Rollins, Vice President, integriCO, the master franchise holder for Auntie Anne's Pretzels in Canada. "Auntie Anne's has experienced great success around the world and it's time Canada had an opportunity to experience these unique pretzel snacks."
Auntie Anne's(R) pretzels come in a wide range of flavours, each rolled with a signature pretzel-perfect knot and freshly baked in store. For example, guests can enjoy the simplicity of the classic Original or venture out with a Sour Cream & Onion or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel. Dipping sauces are available to pair with pretzel selections.
Following the Rollins family's strong tradition of social responsibility, the chain is also marking its foray into the Niagara Falls community with a $5,000 donation to Niagara Nutrition Partners, a local charity that provides school-based nutrition programs across the Niagara region.
"This donation marks our first formal outreach activity in the region and we couldn't think of a better way than supporting a group that does so much important work with children in the area," added Rollins. Along with building homes and managing a number of nursing homes and retail sites, the Rollins family founded Journey's End Hotels, building it into Canada's largest hotel chain.
Grand opening celebrations take place at Auntie Anne's(R) new location at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort in the Galleria Mall starting today, June 30th and will continue until July 4th. Auntie Anne's(R) will provide guests with some "must-see" activities, including contortionist Aidan Orange and Niagara Falls Mayor Ted Salci. Aidan, who has performed on Late Night with David Letterman, will attempt to twist his body into a "human pretzel" in honour of Auntie Anne's(R) pretzel-perfect knot, while Mayor Salci will get "hands on" in a giant pretzel pulling ceremony.
Auntie Anne's(R) also serves Pretzel Stix, Pretzel Dogs, and their signature lemonade. In addition to Canada, the Pennsylvania-based franchisor's stores are located in the U.S., South Korea, Honduras, Greece, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, England, and Taiwan.
About Auntie Anne's(R)
Auntie Anne's, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based franchisor that supports over 950 Auntie Anne's(R) Pretzels locations worldwide. The concept mixes, twists and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection in full view of customers. Auntie Anne's(R) is committed to pretzel perfection by guaranteeing you will love its pretzels or they will replace it with one that you do. For more information, please visit www.auntieannescanada.ca or www.auntieannes.com.
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