"We are delighted by the way customers have taken to our pretzels," says Robert Burns, Auntie Anne's Master Franchisor for UK and Ireland. "The product is quite unique and we find that once customers have tried the product for the first time they are converted.

"Introducing a relatively new product to the UK consumer is not always easy but we have been delighted by the response. This has given us the confidence to grow the business nationwide through sub-franchising and our three new stores in Birmingham, Croydon and Derby are the first of a major expansion programme. "It is an exciting time for Auntie Anne's and we are really looking forward to developing Auntie Anne's into a nationwide chain and a nationally recognised brand."