Bens Soft Pretzel
Bens Soft Pretzel offers soft pretzels, pretzel pockets, and soft drinks from traditional or mobile stores. Known for its delicious, fresh-pressed pretzels, it operates in the quick-service food franchise industry.
Bens Soft Pretzel franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment to begin operation of a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS Mobile Store ranges from $98,000 to $241,000. This includes $31,000 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for a single store is $30,000 [p.11]. For an additional franchise, it is $25,000, and for honorably discharged veterans, it is $15,000 for the first franchise and $10,000 for an additional one [p.18]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for other types of discounts or fees.
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
Royalty fees are based on a percentage of the franchisee's gross sales, excluding certain items like sales tax, pre-approved coupons, and redemption of loyalty rewards [p.142]. These fees are collected weekly from the bakeries [p.144], and the franchisee must also spend 2% of their store's gross sales on local advertising [p.25].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
The initial franchise agreement is for five years and contains two options to renew for an additional five years each (for a total term of 15 years). This information can be found on [p.142].
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you generally cannot transfer ownership of your franchise without the franchisor's permission, except for good cause [p.5]. If a transfer is proposed, you would need to pay a transfer fee equal to 50% of the current initial franchise fee, which is nonrefundable even if the transfer does not occur [p.80].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.175]. Additionally, if the franchisee fails to comply with any lawful provision of the Franchise Agreement and does not cure such failure within a reasonable time (which cannot exceed 30 days), the franchisor has good cause for termination [p.5].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The provided FDD excerpts focus on the franchisor's financial situation rather than the franchisee's qualification criteria regarding net worth or liquid capital.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. According to the FDD excerpts, you have the right to operate a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS Store at a specific Authorized Location but are not given any protected territory or exclusive area [p.128, p.30, p.97]. Competitors, including other franchisees and outlets owned by the company, may operate in your vicinity [p.30, p.93].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides initial training consisting of up to five days for up to three people, which includes travel and living expenses paid by the franchisee [p.28, p.30]. Ongoing support includes refresher training up to five days per year at the franchisee's expense, either at a designated location or during an annual convention where each franchisee pays $500 [p.15, p.30]. Additional ongoing training can be required if requested by the franchisor, with associated travel and living expenses covered by the franchisee [p.72].
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD provides details about operating franchisees as of December 31, 2024, but it does not give a total number of franchised outlets or specify how many have closed or been terminated.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor, Ben's Soft Pretzels Franchising Corporation, does not make any financial performance representations except for providing actual records of an existing outlet if a prospective franchisee purchases one. However, they may provide financial performance information upon reasonable request with written substantiation [p.42]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for new franchises.
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are restricted to selling only the Menu Items and other food and beverage products approved by the franchisor. You must purchase all required items such as sales promotion materials, customer convenience items, and eating utensils from the franchisor's approved suppliers [p.67]. This includes items like wrappers, containers, and promotional material that must contain one or more of the franchisor’s trademarks [p.67].