#126
At a Glance
Products & Services: Soft pretzels, lemonade, hot dogs
Number of Locations: 285
Total Investment: $156.3K - 369.95K
Founded: 1994
Began Franchising: 1996
Private Owned
About Wetzel's Pretzels
Former marketing executives Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel founded Wetzel's Pretzels in 1994. The private company began franchising in 1996 and now has units across the United States and internationally. It is based in Pasadena, California, and has co-branding relationships with Cold Stone Creamery, Juice It Up, Swensen's and others.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 236 | 21 | 17 | 11 |
| 2010 | 227 | 21 | 15 | 10 |
| 2009 | 225 | 21 | 15 | 9 |
| 2008 | 201 | 21 | 15 | 6 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $156,300 - $369,950
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 7%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 7%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $200,000
Liquid Cash Available: $50,000
Operations
50% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 5. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 2 weeks. At franchisee's location: 4 days.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks,
Franchise Ranking History
Fastest-Growing: #87 (2010),
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