From Cinnabon to Carvel: How GoTo Foods is Driving Global Growth

Dave Mikita is the President of International and Retail Channels at GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands). He joins Natalie on the podcast to discuss how GoTo Foods has grown to become the world’s #2 food & beverage licensor and what the company has in store for the future. They explore:

• Beyond buying power, what are the benefits for franchise partners? Dave discusses how GoTo Foods provides support on consumer insights, site selection, supply chain, new product development, menu innovation and more.
• How the GoTo Foods franchise model differentiates overseas.
• Bricks and mortar reinvention – how GoTo Foods is repurposing its QSR and fast-casual places. 
• The symbiotic relationship between bricks & mortar locations and licensed retail products on grocery shelves.
• How to drive global growth while remaining locally relevant (from offering rolls with less sugar in Cinnabon Japan to cream cheese-filled pretzel sticks at Auntie Anne’s in Hong Kong!)

GoTo Foods is the owner of seven iconic brands: Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s. For more, visit: www.gotofoods.com

Bio

Dave Mikita is the President of International and Retail Channels at GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands). In his role, Dave leads both the Company’s Retail Channels business as well as its International Franchise business unit. The company’s Retail Channels business, currently ranked as the #2 Food & Beverage Licensor in the world, drives over $1.5 billion in retail revenue globally, and the International Franchise business includes over 2,000 franchised locations operating in 60+ countries. Prior to this role, Dave served as the President of Retail Channels, bringing over 20 years of operations, marketing and business development experience in both Retail and Foodservice Industries. Dave has been at GoTo Foods (previously Focus Brands) since 2012, assuming increasing levels of responsibility within the Retails Channels team, and in 2017, he assumed complete responsibility for all functions of the business unit while leading the group to double-digit growth. Before GoTo Foods, Dave held leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, and several early-stage, high growth businesses. Dave received his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and his Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Virginia. He resides in Atlanta with his wife and three children. 

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn

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