Focus Brands CEO Jim Holthouser on the future of the company's concepts

What happens when you mix ice cream and cinnamon rolls? We’re about to find out.

This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast Deeper Dive features Jim Holthouser, CEO of the Atlanta-based brand operator Focus Brands, which operates Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, McAlister’s Deli, Schlotzski’s, Jamba and Moe’s.

He discusses the status of these brands and the company’s plans for them. He talks about the future of development in and out of the mall. And he talks about the potential for McAlister’s to become a $1 billion brand.

But Holthouser also talks about Swirl, a concept Focus is developing that combines Cinnabon and Carvel in a new type of co-branding arrangement.

In addition, I talk about the future of restaurant IPOs, franchisee optimism, and why tipping culture will never change.