Pretzelmaker logo

Pretzelmaker

Pretzels, lemonade

Investment

$391,500

Initial Franchise Fee

$25,000

Units

196

Growth Rate

-10%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1991
Franchising Since 1992
Parent Company FAT Brands Inc.
Leadership Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer
# of Employees at HQ 335

Units and Growth Chart

About Pretzelmaker

The name says it all: Pretzelmaker makes pretzels. In 1991, the first Pretzelmaker outlet opened under the name "Pretzelvania," but this soon changed to the name we are familiar with when it started franchising in 1992. Now, locations may tempt hungry mall-goers with the promise of soft pretzels and more. A customer may find innovative snacks, a delicious menu, drinks, and dipping sauces in a snack bar setting.

Since beginning to franchise, Pretzelmaker has opened many locations in the United States, Canada, and overseas.

Why You May Want To Start a Pretzelmaker Franchise

Opening a Pretzelmaker franchise may be an opportunity for an ambitious, hard-working franchisee who has plans for the future. Whether you want to be a single or multi-unit franchisee, the ideal Pretzelmaker franchisee is willing to take a leap of faith. A potential franchisee should want to be their own boss and work hard to achieve their goals. 

No specific food service qualifications are needed to open a Pretzelmaker franchise, but you may want to have an appetite for pretzels and be able to make them. Though Prezetlmaker isn't the only soft pretzel snack stand in the industry, it may have an advantage of being one of the first companies to offer soft pretzel bites. Pretzelmaker franchises are expected to bake their pretzels daily.

What Might Make a Pretzelmaker Franchise a Good Choice?

On the business end, a Pretzelmaker franchise may offer a flexible business model. This could potentially open up your franchising options. Pretzelmaker offers traditional franchises—a location in a shopping mall, for example—and non-traditional franchises that you can generally adapt to any available space, such as a kiosk-sized booth on a college campus or in an airport. 

Pretzelmaker also has a new business model concept called Fresh Twist. Franchisees may find themselves drawn to this option, as it may offer new menu items in addition to the classics.

To be part of the Pretzelmaker team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising, royalty, and potential renewal fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. 

How To Open a Pretzelmaker Franchise

Choosing a good location may be a key to success with a Pretzelmaker franchise. You typically want to find a place with a constant stream of foot traffic. You should choose a spot with constant movement. That said, as you conduct your due diligence, research the brand and your local market.

Consider speaking to existing franchisees and asking the Pretzelmaker franchising team questions. For example, how does the brand hold up against other direct competitors like Wetzel's Pretzels and Auntie Anne's? Are you at liberty to give away samples of products or run your own promotions? 

Should Pretzelmaker award you a franchise, you will most likely undergo corporate training. The process should prepare you well for the gift of pretzels you're about to give your community!

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $25,000
Initial Investment $391,500 - $573,000
Net Worth Requirement $1,500,000
Cash Requirement $500,000
Royalty Fee 7%
Ad Royalty Fee 4%
Technology Fee $840-$1.5K/yr.
Term of Agreement 15 years
Is Franchise Term Renewable? Yes
Financing Third Party
Veterans Incentive N/A

Available Territories

Franchising opportunities available in the following regions

United States International

Training & Support Programs

Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed

Training

On the Job Training 23.5 hours
Classroom Training 0.75 hours

Ongoing Support

Purchasing Co-ops
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform

Marketing Support

Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed? No
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? No
Can this franchise be run part time? No
# of employees required to run 0
Are exclusive territories available? Yes

Ranking History

Pretzelmaker performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation of any particular franchise or business opportunity by Entrepreneur Media. Our listings and rankings are solely research tools you can use to compare opportunities. Entrepreneur stresses that you should always conduct your own independent investigation before investing in a franchise or business opportunity. That should include reviewing the company's legal documents, consulting with an attorney and an accountant, and talking to former and current franchisees/licensees/dealers.
Updated: December 12th, 2022