Few People Know That Washington Is The Birthplace Of Cinnabon, America’s Favorite Cinnamon Roll

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.

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.

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.

And if you're old enough to remember when that happened, you know it was a sweet day indeed.

Needless to say, Cinnabon was an instant hit.

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 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.

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.

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.