| Business Established: |
1991 |
| Franchising Since: |
1991 |
| Franchised Units: |
358 |
| Start-up Cost: |
US$25,000 |
| Total Investment: |
US$145,000 - US$254,000 |
OVERVIEW
Pretzelmaker® is a franchised concept that specializes in offering hand-rolled soft pretzels, innovative soft pretzel products, dipping sauces and beverages. Our pretzels are freshly rolled, twisted and baked in our stores right in front of the customer's eyes. We believe that making pretzels is an art and our customers can taste the difference! We offer a great-tasting, portable and convenient snack to satisfy customers on the go. Whether your craving is savory or sweet, we've got the perfect snack for you.
The brands Pretzelmaker and Pretzel Time were founded independently of each other in 1991. Then, brought under one company in 1998 by Mrs. Fields Famous Brands and were acquired by NexCen Brands in 2007. NexCen has announced it is combining Pretzelmaker and Pretzel Time under the Pretzelmaker name, making Pretzelmaker / Pretzel Time the second largest franchise concept in the U.S. and one that is rapidly expanding internationally.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How much does it cost to open Pretzelmaker®?
A. The total start up investment for a Pretzelmaker franchise ranges depending on U.S. Region or country. Review Item 7 of the Federal Disclosure Document and consult with your Development Manager regarding your particular situation.
Q. What is the initial franchise fee and royalty payments?
A. The initial franchise fee for a single store in the USA is US$25,000, which is paid in full at the time you execute the franchise agreement. Development fees for multiple stores are additional. The ongoing royalties are 7% of your net sales and 1.5% for the Marketing Support Fund (MSF). For International prospects, Master Franchise fees vary per country. Please contact us directly for more information.
Q. Can I open a kiosk and if so, what is the fee?
A. Yes, the initial fee for a non-baking kiosk is US$5,000.
Q. What does the franchise fee cover?
A. You are granted the right to own and operate a Pretzelmaker store for ten years, plus two five-year renewal options. In addition, you receive:
Ongoing enrollment in our training program at NexCen University. - The right to use Pretzelmaker trademarks, training and support as outlined in our Operating Manual.
- Real estate support.
- The benefit of our prototype store design and staff consultation during the construction of your store.
- A full set of training manuals to assist you in operating your store; Assistance in ordering your initial inventory and supplies.
- Assistance in planning your Grand Opening.
- On-site assistance prior to and during your store opening, and on a regular basis thereafter.
- The use of our established supply sources, including negotiated prices that could not likely be attained by an independent pretzel store.
- The use of merchandising support programs, product tie-ins and seasonal promotions that are developed to attract new customers, cultivate and enhance customer loyalty and maximize the frequency of visits.
- The benefit of our Research and Development team that is constantly testing new products and searching for new ideas and better ways to serve your customers.
Q. What are the minimum requirements for franchise candidates?
A. To ensure that our franchisees will be able to qualify with both lenders and landlords, we require potential franchisees with in the United States to have at least US$75,000 in liquid capital and a US$225,000 net worth. In addition food service and/or retail experience is desired, although not mandatory.
Q. How much can I make as a Pretzelmaker Franchisee?
A. We only provide earnings claim in our Federal Disclosure Document. Please refer to Item 19 of that document for more information. We recommend that prospective franchisees make their own independent investigation to determine whether or not the franchise will be profitable. We can provide you with a detailed listing of our current franchisees and developers, whom you may contact directly to discuss sales figures or earnings.
Q. Can a store be purchased as an investment with out me being the full time manager?
A. Yes, but you need a qualified manager to operate the store. We have found that the more involved the franchisee it, the more successful the store will be. So we require that every franchisee attend the company's training headquartered in Norcross, Georgia in the United States.
Q. What is the size of a typical store?
A. The typical store size is between 500 and 900 square feet (meter square/m²)
Q. What is the typical size of Kiosk?
A. Approximately 250 square feet (meter square/m²)
Q. Do we honor U.S. military veteran's discount?
A. Yes we do. We find that military veterans make very good franchisees and we are always looking for these individuals to be a part of our system. We offer a 15% discount off the initial franchise fee for U.S. military veterans.
Q. Are multiple store opportunities available?
A. We highly encourage Area Development Agreements in the United States and Master Franchise Agreements internationally. For qualified franchisees who desire the right to develop multiple stores within a designated territory, we offer the opportunity to enter into an Area Development Agreement with us to develop a mutually agreed upon number of stores in accordance with a specified development schedule. The number of stores to be opened in a particular area is dependent upon a number of factors such as population density, demographic data, the number of potential locations for stores, and the presence of competition. During the term of the Area Development Agreement, we may not open, nor permit others to open, stores operating under the Marble Slab Creamery marks in the territory for as long as the Area Development Agreement is in effect. International Master Franchise agreement is when a master franchisee can open and operate multiple stores with the additional possibility of sub-franchising within a defined territory. The territory is typically a state, a single country or group of neighboring countries and the one time "country fee" or "master fee" is based upon the potential store development with in the territory. The amount of monthly and the possibility of participating in the Marketing Support Fund may vary.
