Franchise Deep Dive: Pretzelmaker's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

LAST UPDATED: October 2023

FRANCHISE WEBSITE: https://www.fatbrands.com/brand/pretzelmaker/   

NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 330+ 

REPORTED COST TO GET IN:  $200K—$322K  

REPORTED ROI (Item 19): N/A

Pretzelmaker is a franchise that specializes in serving fresh baked pretzel products, dipping sauces and all-natural lemonade. The franchise is credited with inventing the popular pretzel bites, known for their portability.

Pretzelmaker is owned by FAT Brands, a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick service, casual dining and polished casual dining concepts around the world.

How Many Pretzelmaker Locations Are There?

Pretzelmaker was founded in 1991 by Jeffery Tripp as a single pretzel stand in Trumbull, Connecticut. It began franchising just one year later in 1992 and quickly saw growth, having 40 stores in operation by 1995. 

Today, Pretzelmaker is the second largest retailer of freshly baked, hand-rolled and twisted pretzels in the United States. It has grown to over 330 stores located in 33 states domestically, as well as over 50 international stores in Canada, Guam, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Over 187 of those units are franchised. 

What Is the Pretzelmaker Business Model?

Pretzelmaker makes its snacks from scratch before customers’ eyes with its own recipe — down to the dough. The franchise is known for its portable pretzel bites and its menu of baked pretzel products, dipping sauces and all-natural lemonade. 

Franchisees have the opportunity to choose a footprint that works best for them, with square footage options ranging from 500 to 1,250 square feet. Recently redesigned, the Pretzelmaker retail store is made to be accessible, with soft and rounded elements that create a welcoming atmosphere for customers of all ages.

“The new retail store design for Pretzelmaker embodies a sense of fun and joy, welcoming customers with its vibrant and warm color scheme that pays tribute to the fresh and delicious food offered,” according to FAT Brands’ website. “The durability of the store’s design is emphasized through the use of high-quality materials built to last.”

Franchisees can also choose a Fresh Twist model, which is designed to take over the non-traditional space with a three daypart menu (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the ability to adapt to large and small spaces. These designs were introduced in 2018 to fulfill demand for breakfast and late-night options, and increase the portability of the menu for expansion into travel centers, universities and airports, Restaurant Dive reported. In 2023, Pretzelmaker opened its first drive-thru location in Mason City, Iowa, with the Fresh Twist brand. 

How Much Can Pretzelmaker Franchise Owners Make?

Earnings for Pretzelmaker franchisees are not publicly available. 

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Pretzelmaker?

The estimated cost to open a Pretzelmaker ranges from $200K to $322K, according to Entrepreneur. 

What Is the Franchise Fee for Pretzelmaker?

The franchise fee for Pretzelmaker ranges from $15K to $25K, according to Entrepreneur. 

Who Is the Leadership of Pretzelmaker (FAT Brands)?

• Ken Kuick — Co-CEO and Chief Financial Officer
• Rob Rosen — Co-CEO and Head of Capital Markets
• Thayer D. Wiederhorn — Chief Operating Officer
• Taylor A. Wiederhorn — Chief Development Officer
• Mason A. Wiederhorn — Chief Brand Officer
• Allen Sussman — Executive Vice President and General Counsel
• Jenn Johnston — Chief Marketing Officer
• Jake Berchtold — Chief Operating Officer, Fast Casual Division
• Gregg Nettleton — President and Chief Operating Officer,, Casual Dining Division
• Allison Lauenstein — President, Quick-Service Restaurant Division
• Ron Roe — Senior Vice President of Finance
• Donald J. Berchtold — Chief Concept Officer
• Michael Chachula — Chief Information Officer

What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More About Pretzelmaker?

• Start a Pretzelmaker Franchise in 2023
• FAT Brands Franchise Info
• Pretzelmaker opens first drive-thru
• Pretzelmaker Opens Second Drive-Thru in Cedar Rapids
• Pretzelmaker Reveals Freshly Baked Rebrand

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