It's about the people

“It’s not about the pretzels, it’s about the people.” Wise words from Auntie Anne herself, words I’ve learned to embrace over the past 15 years. I’ve had the chance to roll a lot of pretzels, to learn so much, to grow so much, to make mistakes, to have fun, and to enjoy just about every second along the way. I’ve really loved just about every moment of this crazy journey. Anyone in the restaurant business knows this: It gets in your blood! You can’t just turn it off. And no two days are ever alike. And how many times have we heard about a situation, shook our heads and said “you can’t make this [stuff] up!”?!?

At the end of this year, I’m sad/excited/insert-just-about-every-emotion-possible-here to be leaving an incredible team of dedicated, hard-working professionals who are total rock stars and will take this amazing little pretzel company to the next level. I’ll be cheering Team Auntie Anne’s along from the sidelines. I can’t possibly attempt to thank every person who made a difference in my life over the past 15 years, I’d surely forget someone because there are just so many incredible people.

To my Auntie Anne’s franchisees: thank you for all you’ve done for Auntie Anne’s. You all have so much passion, purpose, and perspective and I’ve learned from each of you, thank you for teaching me. Thank you for speaking up and sharing your voice. To those who have helped make me better with gentle coaching, you know who you are, thank you. You all are the voice of the brand and your commitment to each other and to the brand is second to none.

To my Auntie Anne’s colleagues: Where do I begin? Better than the best isn’t even adequate. I deeply care for and love each and every one of you and your impact on my life and my family’s life has been immeasurable. You are my extended crazy pretzel family. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your incredible work ethic, for your focus on our franchisees, and for your commitment to make this brand better, every single day.

To my Focus Brands Family: Thank you for welcoming Auntie Anne’s into your folds 10 years ago. I’m so grateful for all I’ve learned from all of you and for all the best practices, idea sharing, and more.

To Liz and Jay Scott and the uber committed team at Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: Thank you for teaching me about how to have true passion. I hope an end to pediatric cancer is near. Until then, you have my never-ending support. #GiveBack

To the countless vendors, partners, landlords, and everyone else whose path I’ve had the privilege to cross in the past 15 years: Thank you! You all do so much to help our franchisees day in and day out and I’m grateful.

To my amazing husband: Thank you for indulging me 15 years ago when I told you I was going to have to change our 'life plan' because something special was happening at Auntie Anne's and I had to be part of it. Thank you for supporting me every step of the way. Thank you for being you.

What’s next? I’m going to take a bit of a breather and collect my thoughts. I’m working on some opportunities and I’ll be ready to share as soon as I have some details ironed out. Until then, I'm #ForeverAPretzelGirl filled with #PretzelLove.