WETZEL'S PRETZELS
Wetzel’s Pretzels franchises bakeries, concession trucks/trailers, and remote mobile units specializing in hand-rolled, fresh-baked soft pretzels, along with hot dogs and beverages. The business operates in high-traffic locations like shopping malls, power centers, strip centers, and streetside spots, relying on foot and vehicular traffic generated by anchor retailers and other businesses. Target customers are shoppers, pedestrians, and quick-service snack seekers in busy retail environments.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
7% royalty + 1% ad fund + $300/mo technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How WETZEL'S PRETZELS Compares to Other Fast Food Franchises
Key Insights
- Lower investment than 84% of Fast Food franchises
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WETZEL'S PRETZELS Current | $183K - $712K | $40K | 7.0% | 389 |
| Burger King | $2.1M - $4.7M | $50K | 4.5% | 19,732 |
| MCDONALD'S | $1.5M - $2.6M | $45K | N/A | 12,772 |
| AFC | $45K - $151K | $6K | 9.5% | 3,572 |
| SONIC DRIVE-IN | $1.7M - $3.1M | $15K | 5.0% | 3,441 |
| JIMMY JOHN'S | $366K - $728K | $35K | 6.0% | 2,647 |
Fast Food Average 127 franchises | $605K - $1.5M | $35K | 6.1% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 127 Fast Food franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+15 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for WETZEL'S PRETZELS franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
Unlock Franchisee Contact Database
416 franchisee contacts on file. Upgrade to see names, locations, phone numbers, and matched SBA loan data.
Upgrade to Pro$199/year · Cancel anytime
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Primarily misrepresentation, fraud, and state franchise law violations by franchisees; breach of contract, termination, post-termination obligations, and unpaid royalties/fees disputes.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a WETZEL'S PRETZELS franchise?
The total initial investment to open a WETZEL'S PRETZELS franchise ranges from $183,000 to $712,450. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 7.0% of gross sales.
How many WETZEL'S PRETZELS franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, WETZEL'S PRETZELS has 389 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1996.
Can you get an SBA loan for a WETZEL'S PRETZELS franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for WETZEL'S PRETZELS franchises. Historical data shows 100 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for WETZEL'S PRETZELS franchisees, with an average loan amount of $366,917. The historical default rate is 2.0%.
Is WETZEL'S PRETZELS a good franchise to buy?
WETZEL'S PRETZELS shows several positive indicators: established brand with 389+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in WETZEL'S PRETZELS?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if WETZEL'S PRETZELS is the right fit for you.
Talk to an Advisor