Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
Wetzel's Pretzels offers a simple menu and simple food prep for a simple operation. This allows franchisees to focus on growing their businesses.
$60,000
$35,000
425
1996
Pasadena,CA
Jennifer Schuler
About Wetzel's Pretzels
Wetzel's Pretzels is a baker that lives by the original vision of its founders: to provide hot, delectable, handmade pretzels to customers whenever the urge should strike. Each location makes pretzels from scratch throughout the day to uphold this vision. Over time, Wetzel's Pretzels introduced new and innovative menu offerings for larger stores, but it strives to keep things as simple as possible for franchisees, so therefore tries to keep menu offerings as easy to make as possible.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
425
51
$826,381
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$35,000
Veteran's Fee: $15,000 - $30,000
5.0% - 7.0%
Adjusted Gross Revenues
1.0% - 3.0%
Adjusted Gross Revenues
Why Choose Wetzel's Pretzels?
One of the greatest benefits of owning a Wetzel's Pretzels is its simplicity. Because the brand only offers so many menu items, many of which can be made in a few short minutes, owners can focus on growth and management rather than have to worry about training employees on several different menu items. Simplicity aside, there are countless reasons to join the Wetzel's family, including brand reputation, established models for success and ongoing support and partnership. The brand is fun and despises boring anything. For this reason, all locations feature the same bold colors as the original Wetzel's Pretzels. Though the brand encourages all franchisees to stick to the proven models, it allows for flexibility if it means keeping the fun alive in any given community.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$117,500 - $370,000
$200,000
$60,000
Training & Support
Training for new franchisees includes one week at corporate headquarters and one week in store.
History
The first Wetzel's Pretzels was founded in 1994 in Redondo Beach, California, by two men—Mr. Bill Phelps and Mr. Rick Wetzel—with a vision and a knack for rolling handmade pretzels. As word spread about the men's pretzels, long lines of customers hungry for mouth-watering soft pretzels began to become a staple at the small beach location. In response to the immense demand, Wetzel and Phelps added additional offerings to its menu and then, in 1995, additional locations to the map. The second store is located in Hollywood, California.
In 1996, the men introduced the world to a treat it didn't know it needed: the pretzel dog. That same year, the now franchise opened its third location, in Garden State Plaza, one of the biggest malls in the country. From there, the franchise only continued to grow, opening locations in places such as Dodger's Stadium, Staples Center and Disneyland. By 2001, the brand had over 100 units operating throughout the nation and in select international locations. In 2003, the franchise popped up in Disney World, and in 2008, it hit 200 units.
2014 and 2015 were the year of the Dog Bites and Pizza Bitz, customer favorites. In 2016, it achieved its goal of 300 units, and it's well on its way to its 500-unit goal for 2021.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Wetzel's Pretzels candidate is someone who has an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for food and a desire to delight guests. This person is also someone who wants to start a business that is easy to open, easy to operate and easy to scale. The brand looks for individuals who are willing and able to follow proven systems and who value communication and teamwork above all else. Ideally, a franchisee should have some experience in management, marketing and/or sales.
Restaurant and Food Franchises
Franchises up to $250,000
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