Wetzel’s Pretzels Plans Strategic Expansion Across Northeast

Growth Opportunities Available in Key Regions for Multi-Unit Operators


PASADENA, Calif., March 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From a single pretzel shop to more than 340 locations throughout the country, Wetzel’s Pretzels is a brand which turns consumers to fans each time they bite into one of Wetzel’s signature scratch-made pretzels, or take a sip of the company’s fresh lemonade. Come March 20 through 22, interested multi-unit franchisees in the Northeast will have the opportunity to meet with Doug Flaig, Wetzel’s Pretzel’s Vice President of Franchise Development, as the brand views New Jersey and upstate New York as its next expansion areas, and are seeking qualified partners to open Wetzel’s Pretzels locations across the region. Specific reasons Wetzel’s Pretzels has selected the Northeast for its targeted expansion include:

  • 50+ prime mall/outlets in the region
  • Multiple properties available now to develop, including Queens Center, Destiny Mall and King’s Plaza in New York, and Journal Square Train Station, Moorestown Mall and The Mills at Jersey Gardens in New Jersey

“With strong GDP growth and new business tax incentives, this is an area that is primed for a brand like Wetzel’s Pretzel’s to thrive,” said Flaig. “We invite those multi-unit operators who are looking to grow their portfolio to connect with us to explore opportunities.”  

Wetzel’s accelerated growth plans for New Jersey and upstate New York come on the heels of another banner year for the company, which included consistent, industry-leading sales growth as well being named one of the top three fastest-growing snack concepts by Franchise Times Magazine, and a Top Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine.

“Wetzel’s Pretzels’ menu items sit at a fantastic intersection of being quick, affordable snacks that are made from scratch with limited ingredients, exactly what today’s consumers are looking for,” said Jennifer Schuler, Wetzel’s Pretzel’s President. “This brand is positioned for immediate and long-term growth thanks to operational simplicity, unit size flexibility and the corporate team’s core focus on franchisee profitability. We believe there is a tremendous opportunity in the Northeast and look forward to partnering with operators to bring this beloved West Coast brand to life throughout the region.”

Beyond traditional mall buildouts, Wetzel’s Pretzels is able to capitalize on various nontraditional locations as the brand offers a variety of build-out options to accommodate most any space, including both baking and non-baking kiosks, as well as remote units that can supplement a traditional in-line location. It’s a concept that can truly fit anywhere there is appropriate space.

Those interested in learning more about Wetzel’s Pretzels can contact Doug Flaig at 805.616.9799 or doug@wetzels.com. Alternatively, operators who are looking to expand or diversify their holdings can visit Wetzel’s Pretzels’ franchise site.

About Wetzel's Pretzels

Armed with a vision and a tasty recipe for soft pretzel perfection, Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel opened the first Wetzel's Pretzels bakery in Redondo Beach, Calif., in 1994. Long lines of hungry customers soon formed, attracted by mouth-watering soft pretzels that were hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven. As word spread about these golden-on-the-outside pretzels, the company added additional offerings to its menu. Today, Wetzel's Pretzels has grown to more than 325 fresh bakeries across the United States and around the world, including premier locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Every Wetzel's Pretzels bakery adheres to the original vision of its founders; that each super-premium pretzel will be crafted from fresh dough and baked in-store consistently throughout the day, to ensure a delicious offering for each consumer, regardless of when the craving for a pretzel strikes. For additional information on Wetzel's Pretzels or franchise opportunities, please visit the website, call (626) 432-6900, "Like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Josh Levitt
Canvas Blue for Wetzel’s Pretzels
949.215.1438
JLevitt@canvasblue.com  

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0a35054a-00a9-4b1b-98ab-cac1193a961a

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