Walk into the food court of any American shopping mall and you’re bound to smell the unmistakable alluring scent of a Cinnabon, a smell that can make even the most diligent dieter want to sink their teeth into a giant, warm, sticky cinnamon roll. And if you’re a Washingtonian, you can dig in with pride, because the original Cinnabon was born right here in the Evergreen State. All we have to say is you’re welcome, America.

In the early 1980s, before Washington was the foodies' paradise it is today, Rich and Greg Komen of Restaurants Unlimited were working on creating the world's best cinnamon roll.
Cinnabon / Facebook
The two men, who are father and son, tested hundreds of recipes and even took a trip to Indonesia as part of the process. CEO and silent partner Ray Lindstrom also had a hand in the process.
Eventually, Rich and Greg hired Jerilyn Brusseau to finalize the recipe.
Cinnabon / Facebook
Jerilyn was famous in the Seattle area for her baked goods, so they knew she'd be able to make it happen. And she did.
The first Cinnabon opened in December of 1985 in the SeaTac Mall, which is now called The Commons at Federal Way.
Atomic Taco / Wikipedia
And if you're old enough to remember when that happened, you know it was a sweet day indeed.

Related Stories

With Endless Board Games, This Incredible Restaurant In Washington Is Perfect For Families

With Endless Board Games, This Incredible Restaurant In Washington Is Perfect For Families

 Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Washington

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Washington

 The Largest Pizza In Washington Requires Backup To Finish At Talarico's Restaurant

The Largest Pizza In Washington Requires Backup To Finish At Talarico's Restaurant
Needless to say, Cinnabon was an instant hit.
Cinnabon / Facebook
Guests would line up to order their cinnamon rolls, and it wasn't long before it was clear that Cinnabon would have to expand.
There are now Cinnabon locations not only nationwide, but in 50 other countries worldwide.
Cinnabon / Facebook
Cinnabon is one of the most recognized and sought after brands.
If you think these cinnamon rolls taste different than anything you've tried before, you're not mistaken.
Cinnabon / Facebook
They use Makara Cinnamon, produced by cassia trees in Indonesia and trademarked by Cinnabon. This is responsible for that unmistakable Cinnabon smell, and it's delicious. This was no accident, either -- the team tested cinnamon from virtually every growing region in the world to find the perfect fit. Throw in some freshly baked dough and that sweet cream cheese frosting and it's no wonder the result tastes like heaven on Earth.
Cinnabon has expanded their menu over the years, but the recipe for their classic cinnamon rolls remains the same.
Cinnabon / Facebook
And we have Washington to thank for this irresistible place.

Did you know that Cinnabon was born right here in Washington? Here are some other facts about our state that may surprise you.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
1928 S Commons, Federal Way, WA 98003, USA