Popular UK bakery chain that mysteriously disappeared makes unexpected return
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Philip Openshaw/Getty Images
A beloved American bakery brand that closed all of its stores in the United Kingdom without warning seven months ago is finally back in action, but with a twist.
Britain has suffered some devastating losses over the past 12 months, including Franco Manca closing down its flagship restaurant, BrewDog axing the majority of its brick-and-mortar sites, and Leon plunging into administration.
However, it isn’t all doom and gloom. Despite the high street recently losing a cult burger chain, it was recently revealed that Jamie Oliver’s Italian was returning after a six-year hiatus.
And now another fan-favourite is back after previous plans to launch 150 sites across the UK were halted.
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The US bakery chain, which once had kiosks in Manchester city centre, Newcastle, and Westfield Stratford City, first hit British soil in December 2020.
Despite grand plans, Cinnabon only had 12 stores across the nation by the time 2025 swung around.
A business spokesperson later told Metro that the decision to shutter the company in the UK was a ‘strategic’ one.
“This was not a decision taken lightly, but it reflects the strategic shift to focus on our core convenience retail business.
“This decision aligns with our wider business strategy to focus on areas where we can deliver the greatest value to our customers.”
Seven months after officially pulling the plug, Cinnabon is available to shop in Co-op stores across the country from Wednesday (6 May).
Excitingly, you'll also be able to pick up the products from your local Asda from 18 May - just in time to celebrate National Doughnut Week.
While fans of the brand can’t yet grab the company’s signature cinnamon buns, they can schoop up ‘Cinnabon bakery-inspired muffins’ and doughnuts.
The muffins, sold in packs of two for £2, feature the brand’s signature Makara cinnamon with a healthy dollop of cream cheese-flavoured frosting and a crown of crunchy cinnamon biscuit crumbs.
The doughnuts come in the same flavour, but are priced slightly cheaper at £1.80 for two.
“Oh my god this looks so good,” typed one ecstatic Instagram user.
A Facebook user said: “I wish it was the Cinnabons themselves, but these look good!”
Meanwhile, a fan on TikTok said: “Stop it I’m off to the coop right now too I’ve meant to be lmao.”
Another added: "Ooookay I need this. I can’t believe they closed down why didn’t I know this.”
Over in the United States, Cinnabon is celebrating 25 years of the Harry Potter film franchise with a sweet collaboration.
The Harry Potter Butterbeer collection features Classic Roll frosted with Butterbeer-infused frosting and a flavoured Chillatta.
The latter is a blended ice treat that combines the delicious Butterbeer flavour with a creamy vanilla base.
All come with custom Harry Potter-themed packaging and are available at participating locations while supplies last from 4 to 17 May.
“We are thrilled to be the first U.S. restaurant brand to join Butterbeer Season and bring a touch of wizarding world magic to our bakeries,” Urvi Patel, Chief Brand Officer at Cinnabon, said in a statement to People Magazine.
“By pairing our signature cinnamon rolls with the nostalgic flavours of Butterbeer, we’re giving fans a completely new way to experience the iconic flavour.”