#102
At a Glance
Products & Services: Hand-rolled soft pretzels
Number of Locations: 1,128
Total Investment: $197.88K - 364.1K
Founded: 1988
Began Franchising: 1989
Private Owned
About Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels
Anne Beiler had been baking most of her life, but it wasn't until she began managing a concession stand at a farmer's market in Maryland that she thought about starting a business. The stand served pizzas, pretzels, chips and candy, with the pretzels outselling everything else. Beiler stopped selling pizza and began hand-rolling pretzels in front of her customers, making the snack even more popular. Eventually, Beiler bought her own stand, naming it Auntie Anne's, and, soon two of her brothers were operating Auntie Anne's booths of their own.Today, Auntie Anne's locations serve a variety of pretzels, dipping sauces and drinks. Stores can be found in shopping centers, airports and train stations across the United States, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the United Kingdom and Venezuela.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 864 | 3 | 247 | 14 |
| 2010 | 861 | 14 | 247 | 4 |
| 2009 | 792 | 2 | 211 | 11 |
| 2008 | 753 | 1 | 188 | 13 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $197,875 - $364,100
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 7%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $30,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 7%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $300,000
Operations
50% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 9 - 12. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed..| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: Up to 2 weeks. At franchisee's location: Up to 5 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Ad slicks, Regional advertising,
Other marketing support: Onling toolbox