The culinary landscape continues to evolve with exciting new acquisitions that bring beloved treats to a wider audience. In a significant industry move, Craveworthy Brands has acquired Kinnamōns Cinnamon Rolls on March 11, 2025, adding this gourmet cinnamon roll concept to its impressive portfolio of 16 brands. Founded in 2022 by former NFL defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and Portland restaurateur Micah Camden, Kinnamōns has quickly gained recognition for its artisanal approach to the classic cinnamon roll. Craveworthy CEO Gregg Majewski noted that this acquisition responds to the increasing consumer demand for high-quality, handcrafted baked goods in today’s market.
The Story Behind Kinnamōns’ Rise to Pastry Fame
Kinnamōns has carved out a unique space in the competitive bakery landscape with its commitment to quality and authentic flavors. The name itself carries cultural significance, derived from the Greek word “kinámōmon,” meaning cinnamon – a thoughtful nod to the ancient spice at the center of their signature offerings. Since its founding in 2022, the brand has focused on creating an elevated cinnamon roll experience that goes beyond the standard mall fare.
What sets Kinnamōns apart is their dedication to locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations that change with the seasons. Their menu features innovative options like Caramel Apple Pie, Maple Bacon, and Cookies and Cream – each handcrafted with attention to detail. Each morning, fresh buns emerge from their ovens, filling their storefronts with that irresistible aroma that has customers lining up before doors open.
According to Ndamukong Suh himself, “Kinnamōns is an art form and an experience that brings people together in the community.” This philosophy has guided the brand’s development, creating spaces where pastry lovers gather to enjoy both the rolls and the carefully curated coffee program featuring espresso and flavored coffees that complement their baked goods perfectly. The brand has quickly developed a loyal following in Oregon, with fans often traveling significant distances for their cinnamon roll fix.
Despite the rising costs affecting many bakeries across the country, Kinnamōns has maintained its commitment to quality while building a sustainable business model. Their approach of focusing on a single specialty item done exceptionally well has proven successful in a competitive market where consumers increasingly value authenticity and craftsmanship over mass production. Industry-wide cost challenges haven’t stopped their momentum.
Expansion Plans Under Craveworthy’s Ownership
With the acquisition by Craveworthy Brands, Kinnamōns is poised for significant national expansion beyond its current Oregon locations. The brand currently operates multiple sites throughout Oregon, including a popular location in Beaverton and a presence in Portland’s Moda Center, where sports fans can enjoy their signature rolls during events. These existing locations have served as successful test markets, demonstrating the concept’s appeal across different settings.
Craveworthy’s expertise in scaling food concepts will now power a comprehensive franchise program designed to bring Kinnamōns to new markets across the United States. Their established infrastructure in operations, marketing, and supply chain management will provide crucial support to ensure consistency as the brand grows. This structured approach to expansion aims to maintain the quality and character that has made Kinnamōns successful while making it accessible to new audiences.
“We’re looking for franchise partners who share our passion for exceptional quality and customer experience,” explained Gregg Majewski, Craveworthy’s CEO. The brand is particularly targeting locations in major metropolitan areas and high-traffic retail centers where their premium cinnamon rolls can attract food enthusiasts. This expansion strategy aligns with current 2025 dessert trends showing increased consumer interest in premium versions of nostalgic treats.
For potential franchisees interested in joining the Kinnamōns family, the company has developed comprehensive training programs and marketing support systems. The franchise model has been designed to be accessible to entrepreneurs with various levels of restaurant experience, with Craveworthy providing guidance on everything from site selection to staff training. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their information for consideration as the brand begins this exciting new chapter.
Craveworthy Brands’ Growing Food Empire
The acquisition of Kinnamōns represents just one piece of Craveworthy Brands’ ambitious growth strategy in the food service industry. With this latest addition, their portfolio now encompasses 16 diverse restaurant concepts, ranging from casual dining to specialized dessert offerings. This diversification allows the company to capture different market segments while leveraging shared resources and expertise across brands.
Among their notable holdings is Dirty Dough Cookies, another specialty dessert concept that has gained popularity for its unique layered cookie creations. They’ve also recently taken on the role of managing partner and investor in Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, bringing another celebrity-backed food concept into their fold. The basketball legend’s venture joins Kinnamōns as part of a growing trend of athlete-led food businesses that leverage star power to drive initial interest while delivering quality products that ensure repeat customers.
The Kinnamōns deal was particularly substantial as it included additional concepts – BAE’s Fried Chicken and Fat Kitty Ramen – further enhancing Craveworthy’s presence in diverse food categories. This acquisition strategy demonstrates the company’s comprehensive approach to building a restaurant portfolio with complementary concepts that can share resources. Craveworthy continues to focus on brands with strong identities and loyal customer bases, making Kinnamōns an ideal addition to their collection.
For restaurant entrepreneurs looking to grow their concepts, Craveworthy’s model provides valuable insights into successful scaling strategies. Their approach emphasizes maintaining brand integrity while implementing standardized operational procedures that allow for efficient expansion. Those in the food service industry would do well to study their business development techniques, particularly for specialty food concepts that require consistent execution across multiple locations.
Ndamukong Suh: From NFL Star to Culinary Entrepreneur
Ndamukong Suh’s journey from NFL defensive powerhouse to successful food business investor represents a fascinating career evolution. While many professional athletes struggle to find meaningful ventures after their playing days, Suh has methodically built an impressive portfolio of restaurant investments that showcase his business acumen. Kinnamōns represents just one facet of his growing culinary empire that spans multiple concepts and cuisine styles.
His restaurant holdings include stakes in Blue Sushi Sake Grill, the upscale Neapolitan pizza concept Pizzana, and BAE’s Fried Chicken – each offering distinct dining experiences while maintaining a commitment to quality and authenticity. This diverse approach to restaurant investment demonstrates Suh’s understanding of different market segments and dining trends. His partnership with experienced restaurateur Micah Camden on Kinnamōns brought together sports star visibility with proven food industry expertise.
“I’ve always been passionate about creating experiences that bring joy to people’s lives,” Suh has noted when discussing his restaurant ventures. This philosophy aligns perfectly with Kinnamōns’ mission of creating products that evoke emotion and build community connections. Suh joins other sports figures like Shaquille O’Neal in the food investment space, though his hands-on approach to concept development sets him apart in the industry.
For fans of the NFL star and aspiring food entrepreneurs alike, Suh’s journey provides valuable lessons in leveraging personal brand while creating authentic food experiences. His continued involvement with his restaurant concepts, even after the Craveworthy acquisition, speaks to his long-term vision for building sustainable businesses rather than simply lending his name to quick ventures. If you have a standout dessert recipe that might catch the eye of investors like Suh, consider submitting it for feature consideration on platforms that showcase innovative culinary creations.
The Future of Artisanal Desserts in the Quick-Service Space
The Kinnamōns acquisition highlights a significant shift in the dessert landscape, where artisanal quality meets scalable business models. Consumers increasingly seek out specialized dessert experiences that offer something beyond what they could make at home, creating opportunities for concepts that focus on perfecting a single item. This trend has given rise to numerous specialty shops dedicated to cookies, doughnuts, and now cinnamon rolls – each elevating a simple treat through careful preparation and premium ingredients.
Market research indicates that modern consumers are willing to pay premium prices for desserts that deliver on both quality and experience. Kinnamōns has capitalized on this by creating an immersive sensory experience around their cinnamon rolls, from the visual appeal of their unique glazes to the aromatherapy of freshly baked goods paired with quality coffee. This multi-sensory approach creates memorable experiences that drive customer loyalty and social media sharing.
Looking ahead, industry analysts predict continued growth in the specialized dessert sector, with concepts that can balance artisanal quality with operational efficiency positioned to thrive. Craveworthy’s investment in Kinnamōns reflects confidence in this segment of the market and provides the infrastructure needed to maintain quality while scaling. This approach to growth could serve as a blueprint for other specialty dessert concepts looking to expand beyond regional markets.
The continued success of Kinnamōns as it expands nationally will depend on maintaining the quality standards and unique character that made it successful in Oregon, while adapting to regional preferences in new markets. With Craveworthy’s resources and Suh’s continued involvement with the brand, Kinnamōns appears well-positioned to join the ranks of specialty dessert concepts that have successfully made the leap from local favorite to national presence, bringing their special take on the classic cinnamon roll to pastry lovers across America.