Wetzel's Pretzels logo

Wetzel's Pretzels

Soft pretzels, lemonade, hot dogs

Investment

$183,000

Initial Franchise Fee

$20,000 - $40,000

Units

461

Growth Rate

+28.4%

Overview About Investment Territories Support Operations Ranking History

Overview

Industry Food
Founded 1994
Franchising Since 1996
Parent Company Wetzel's Pretzels LLC
Leadership Jon Fischer, Head of Development
# of Employees at HQ 35

Units and Growth Chart

About Wetzel's Pretzels

Wetzel’s Pretzels is based in Pasadena, California. It is a chain of fast-food restaurants that aim to satisfy customers’ soft pretzel and hot dog cravings. Wetzel’s Pretzels aims for its hand-rolled, freshly-baked, soft, and served hot pretzels to be famous, with continued consumer base growth.

Founded in 1994, Wetzel's Pretzels began franchising in 1996. Since beginning to franchise, Wetzel’s Pretzels has opened hundreds of bakeries across the United States, with its prime locations being at the Disneyland Resort and the Disney World Resort. Every Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise strives to provide the same quality in adherence to what the founders had in mind.

Why You May Want to Start a Wetzel’s Pretzels Franchise

Whether you are in for a single Wetzel’s Pretzels bakery, multiple Wetzel’s Pretzels, or a single Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise concession truck or trailer option, becoming a franchisee may allow you to make business operations simple and fun. If you are passionate about satisfying consumers’ cravings for handheld snacks on the go, have an entrepreneurial spirit, possess good leadership skills, and are willing to follow a proven business system, becoming a part of Wetzel’s Pretzels may be a viable option.

The benefits of becoming a franchisee of this heavyweight may be plentiful. For instance, a Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise can serve as a tourist attraction, especially in Disney locations, the Staples Center, and Dodger Stadium. 

Opening a Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise may offer a more predictable outcome than investing in a completely new brand that could struggle to thrive in an already crowded and competitive industry.

What Might Make a Wetzel Pretzels Franchise a Good Choice?

All Wetzel’s Pretzels’ locations should offer bold, bright colors that keep their customers’ imaginations rolling. Also, customers can witness the pretzel-making magic—they can watch as the dough gets rolled, twisted, and baked into different shapes and flavors. For its franchisees, Wetzel’s Pretzels is very supportive from the beginning. Apart from the initial training held at its headquarters, Wetzel’s Pretzels offers on-location ongoing annual training and support on how to handle customers, proceed with operations, and sales and marketing.

To be part of the Wetzel’s Pretzels 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.

Wetzel’s Pretzels may offer a discount on the franchise fee to veterans who were honorably discharged if they meet the qualifications.

How to Open a Wetzel’s Pretzels Franchise

Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. As part of your due diligence, you may want to speak to existing franchisees and ask the Wetzel’s Pretzels franchising team questions.

It may be a good idea to speak with an attorney or financial advisor to ensure that you have the necessary financial resources to own and operate a Wetzel’s Pretzels location.

Investment Details

Initial Franchise Fee $20,000 - $40,000
Initial Investment $183,000 - $712,450
Net Worth Requirement $300,000
Cash Requirement $100,000
Royalty Fee 7%
Ad Royalty Fee 1%
Technology Fee $300/mo.
Term of Agreement 10 years
Is Franchise Term Renewable? Yes
Financing Third Party
Veterans Incentive 25% off franchise fee

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 40 hours
Classroom Training 40 hours

Ongoing Support

Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection

Marketing Support

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

Operations & Requirements

Key operational details and requirements for running this franchise

Is absentee ownership allowed? Yes
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit? Yes
Can this franchise be run part time? No
# of employees required to run 10
Are exclusive territories available? Yes

Ranking History

Wetzel's Pretzels performance in the Franchise rankings over recent years

Additional Rankings

Curious to know where Wetzel's Pretzels ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.

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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