TOP 10 "MISTAKES" THAT CINNABON MADE THAT FUELLED GROWTH
Greg Komen, Cinnabon
We are excited to have Greg Komen as our Keynote Speaker. Greg’s full bio is below. In keeping with our theme to celebrate our 10th, Greg is going to weave a “Top Ten” list of decisions they made in their first decade at Cinnabon that became HUGE mistakes. These mistakes range from issues that became their next “almost disaster” to creating opportunities that fueled their next round of growth – all helping to forge Cinnabon to become a world-wide brand while nearly every one of their major competitors disappeared. He will share with us the turns they took along their journey that, if not corrected mid-stream, could have caused Cinnabon to suffer that same fate and become roadkill too.
About Greg Komen
In 1985, Komen's family launched an effort to create a Cinnamon Roll based mall business. His father was the founder and CEO of Restaurants Unlimited (RUI) and wanted to create the world’s greatest cinnamon roll. Through RUI, Komen played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the Cinnabon brand. He led the tactical efforts of R&D, Marketing, and Operations. The first unit opened December 4, 1985. and Komen managed the bakery, while refining the concept and developing the systems for national growth. He co-developed and implemented the brand strategy for consistent execution in a multi state, multi channel expansion.
Komen became COO of Cinnabon while building the business from a single unit to 390 bakeries, of which 210 were company owned and 180 were franchised. Cinnabon was sold to AFC Enterprises in 1999. Komen is currently involved as a Cinnabon Franchisee and adviser, owning/operating bakeries in Washington, Oregon, and Minnesota.
His other ventures in the restaurant/ hospitality industry since 99’ include Chevys Fresh Mex restaurants, Jamba, and managing partner Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island add more dimension to his Hospitality portfolio.