As Consumer Spending Returns, Pretzelmaker Is Poised For Continued Growth in the Snack Market

Pretzelmaker®, the iconic pretzel brand with 158 locations under the Global Franchise Group (GFG) umbrella, maintained continued franchise growth throughout 2020, despite the year’s many challenges. Now, as COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease and high-traffic retail venues begin to reopen, the snack category is heating up and Pretzelmaker offers franchisees the opportunity to own a piece of the world’s best soft pretzel.

“Pretzelmaker is an iconic brand with international brand recognition,” said Paul Damico, CEO of Global Franchise Group, the multi-brand franchisor behind iconic snack brands including Great American Cookies®, Hot Dog on a Stick®, Marble Slab Creamery® and Round Table Pizza®, in addition to Pretzelmaker. “Despite the challenges of the past year, Pretzelmaker is a brand that can weather the storm because people know it, they love it, they crave it, and they will keep coming back time and time again.”

Pretzelmaker Stands Out With Iconic Menu Staples, Made-From-Scratch Ingredients and a Beloved Consumer Offering

Since 1991, Pretzelmaker has been rolling out fresh-baked and handcrafted pretzels with a twist. Over the years, many of the Pretzelmaker’s inventive claims to fame — such as the Pretzel Dog and Pretzel Bites — have become endlessly-replicated staples in the snack category. But unlike its imitators, Pretzelmaker’s hot pretzels are made-from-scratch with fresh ingredients, and customers can see the team rolling pretzels in the stores all day, every day.

Franchisees not only have the opportunity to tap into Pretzelmaker’s beloved concept, but they also benefit from a consumer offering that never goes out of style. Warm, soft pretzels are an ideal snack for any consumer demographic and are often sold in settings where consumers are already primed to spend money, including sports venues, tourist attractions, shopping centers and movie theaters. Plus, the pretzels’ affordable price point means hungry consumers are more likely to splurge on the tempting treat.

“The beauty of Pretzelmaker is the fact that it provides a product that appeals to everyone,” said Damico. “It becomes a go-to snack option for consumers in almost any environment.”

Pretzelmaker Continues To Innovate With New Store Concept 

Pretzelmaker has become synonymous with product innovation and putting a unique spin on traditional pretzel products. In 2020, the brand decided to build on that legacy with a new store concept: Fresh Twist by Pretzelmaker®. Fresh Twist takes the brand’s fresh hand-rolled pretzels, pretzel bites and pretzel dogs and adds breakfast and late-night menu options, including breakfast sandwiches on pretzel buns, Cinnamon Toast Pretzel Sticks, Pretzel Flatbread Pizzas and more.

With later hours and a more diverse menu, the new concept is competitive in both traditional and non-traditional venues, particularly college campuses and the brand has already launched its first Fresh Twist by Pretzelmaker location on the campus of Troy University in Alabama.

“Fresh Twist is a really exciting new concept,” said Jenn Johnston, president and chief brand officer at Global Franchise Group. “It opens up Pretzelmaker to a host of new real estate opportunities like college campuses, where quick, delicious food served at all hours is at a premium. Fresh Twist maintains the same streamlined operational model that has made Pretzelmaker such a strong investment opportunity for 30 years and becomes an even more appealing concept in locations where all day, and particularly late-night, snack options really resonate.”

The Leaders in the Snack Food Category

Over the past 30 years, Pretzelmaker’s beloved consumer offering has established the brand as a leader within the international snack food category. The concept’s nostalgic appeal and recognizable branding has made it synonymous with joyful memories at the movies and sporting events. Now, franchisees have the opportunity to tap into this legacy and spread more happiness to consumers everywhere.

As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, retail segments are gearing up for a major increase in spending, which means the adjacent snack category is ready to become more relevant than ever. As a leading brand in the category backed by the leading franchisor, Pretzelmaker is uniquely well-positioned to fulfill that pent-up demand.

Startup costs range from $201,200 to $323,000. Learn more about franchise opportunities here: https://www.pretzelmakerfranchise.com/.

ABOUT PRETZELMAKER® 

Since 1991, Pretzelmaker® has specialized in serving fresh baked, hand-rolled soft pretzel products, dipping sauces and beverages. Long recognized as an innovator in their industry, the brand is credited with inventing the popular Pretzel Dog, Mini Pretzel Dogs, and the portable Pretzel Bites. Pretzelmaker is currently the second largest soft pretzel concept in the United States and is also rapidly expanding worldwide with locations in Canada, Guam, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. Pretzelmaker has recently introduced a new twist to the brand, the Fresh Twist by Pretzelmaker concept. Fresh Twist by Pretzelmaker is perfect for colleges/universities, airports, and transportation centers. The menu offers breakfast sandwiches on pretzel buns, Cinnamon Toast Pretzel Sticks, Pretzel Flatbread Pizzas and Pepperoni Pretzel Rolls in addition to its fresh hand-rolled Pretzels, Pretzel Bites, Pretzel Dogs and all-natural lemonades and smoothes. To learn more, visit https://www.pretzelmakerfranchise.com/fresh-twist/.