American soft pretzel chain Auntie Anne’s is set to open its first outlet in Nepal on November 21, at Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Bouddha, Kathmandu.
The brand is entering the Nepali market through a partnership between its parent company, GoTo Foods, and local distributor JGI Distribution Private Limited. The partners plan to open more outlets in the country in the coming months.
The first outlet will be located on the fourth floor of Bhatbhateni's Food Park and will operate from 10am to 9pm.
Its menu will include freshly baked pretzels in Original, Jalapeño, Cinnamon Sugar, Almond and Pepperoni varieties. Other offerings will include Pretzel Dogs, Pretzel Stix, Mini Pretzel Dogs, dipping sauces and beverages.
The drinks menu will feature lemonade in Original, Peach, Mango and Strawberry varieties, along with hot and cold coffee.
“We are delighted to introduce its freshly baked pretzels and signature experience to Nepal,” said Raj B Shah, managing director of JGI Distribution. He said the Bouddha outlet was the first of several locations the company hoped to develop in the country.
Steven Yang, senior vice-president for Asia-Pacific at GoTo Foods International, said Nepal marked a step in the company's international expansion plans. He said the company was looking forward to expanding the brand through its partnership with JGI Distribution.
Auntie Anne’s was founded in the United States in 1988 and is known for its hand-rolled soft pretzels. Its arrival adds to JGI Distribution's portfolio of international food brands, which already includes Cinnabon and Carvel.
JGI Distribution is part of Jawalakhel Group of Industries, a Nepali consumer goods company with more than 55 years of experience in manufacturing, distribution and brand development.
Atlanta-based GoTo Foods, formerly known as Focus Brands, operates and franchises more than 7,100 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops and bakeries across 70 countries and territories, according to the company.
