Soft-pretzel chain Auntie Anne's has expanded its presence to 44 states with the opening of its newest location at Dimond Center in Anchorage, Alaska. The Dimond Center store will be under the leadership of Lynn VanVactor and Vicki Winn, both Washington residents and current Auntie Anne's franchisees.
Operating under Tundratwist LLC, VanVactor and Winn will provide employment opportunities to the clients of Alyeska Vocational Services, a non-profit vocational rehabilitation agency that aims to help those with disabilities gain work experience and employment. Alyeska Vocational Services is a subsidiary of Washington Vocational Services, VanVactor's Washington non-profit.
Both of their locations in Washington — the Auntie Anne's at Seattle Premium Outlets and the Auntie Anne's at Bellis Fair Mall — operate under Washington Vocational Services, with the stores' profits supporting the program.
Tundratwist LLC will open a second location in Anchorage in spring 2010.
