Pretzel Franchise Opportunities Still Rolling Along
July 14, 2007
We’re Rolling Pretzel Company, true to its name, has been rolling right along. From the time they began offering franchises in 2000, the quiet little chain has grown to more than 50 units in regional malls, shopping centers, theme parks and Wal-Mart Supercenters in six states. Founder Kevin Krabill fully expects to double the number of We’re Rolling Pretzel Company units to over 100 in the next two years, and I have little doubt they can accomplish that goal.
Kevin and his team have been building a solid foundation for growth, and one can sense the momentum is starting to build in this very promising young chain.
A fresh approach to a fun product The on-premise rolling and baking creates its own multi-sensory promotional campaign, and the bustle of activity and the wafting aroma of baking pretzels work together to attract hapless customers walking by. Soft pretzels have the universal appeal and versatility of fresh-baked bread, and We’re Rolling Pretzel Company has created a variety of pretzel variations, from breakfast and dessert pretzels like Cinnamon Sugar and Raisin to savory Garlic Parmesan to the fiery Jalapeno pretzel. Adding innovative twists to its product line is where We’re Rolling Pretzel Company rolls over its competitors, having introduced such proprietary specialty products as Knot Sandwiches, Stuffed Pizza Pretzel and Over The Top Pretzel Rods.
Simply a great business
Running a soft pretzel store can be a lot of fun. Unlike increasingly mechanized fast-food operations, your employees have greater involvement with the product and can take pride in the fact that they mix, roll, and bake delicious soft pretzels on premise, in view of the customers. The simplicity of the operation enables your team to provide the great service that builds repeat business. And the open layout, the relatively low price point and high pedestrian traffic locations are perfect for low cost, highly effective marketing tactics such as product sampling.
Solid Midwestern philosophy If you’re turned off by the hype of franchise companies hawking the latest “hot new concept!” you’ll appreciate the solidly Midwestern, down-to-earth approach of Kevin Krabill and the We’re Rolling Pretzel Company. Their stated goal is not to be the biggest or the fastest-growing franchise in the country, just the best. They are committed to inviting only quality-oriented individuals into their franchise family, and to providing them with the guidance, support and tools to succeed on the local level.
If you are looking to get a new business venture rolling, I suggest you get more information on the fresh opportunities at We’re Rolling Pretzel Company.
Read more about We’re Rolling Pretzel Company and reviews of other franchise opportunities at Top New Franchises.
We’re Rolling Pretzel Company was named one of IdeaFarm’s Best Undiscovered Franchises. Download the free ebook at the IdeaFarm website
Charity Begins at… the Pretzel Franchise?
July 4, 2007
(FranBest.Com) The Wall Street Journal reports on a franchise trend called “Social Franchising.” Social franchising is when a non-profit organization owns and operates a commercial franchise business as a means to raise funds or otherwise further its mission. Example franchise companies involved in social franchising includes the Ben & Jerry’s franchise, the Winestyles franchise, and the Auntie Anne’s Pretzels franchise. The article’s first profile is of an Auntie Anne’s pretzel franchise:
As executive director of Washington Vocational Services, Lynn Van Vactor spends her days helping people with disabilities find jobs. Then, every so often, she really gets down to business: twisting dough at the Auntie Anne’s pretzel franchise her nonprofit agency bought in 2005, in an outlet mall near Seattle.
“I love to go in every once in a while, roll up my sleeves, and work next to these teenagers,” says Ms. Van Vactor. When it comes to making pretzels, “I’m not very good,” she admits.
But sales at the for-profit shop are booming, providing an additional $25,000 in revenue last year to fund her agency’s programs. Plus, the pretzel shop routinely employs disabled students, many of whom are making the transition from high school to work. “It’s been a very good match,” she says.
While charity and fast food may seem like an odd mix, more nonprofit groups are looking at national franchises as a way to boost their income and support their mission. Profits from their franchise outlets go to the coffers of their nonprofit organizations. The strategy — part of an emerging sector dubbed “social franchising” — has become increasingly palatable as competition heats up for government funding, foundation grants and philanthropic donations, experts say. Continue reading…
Read the entire article at the Wall Street Journal.
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Jim’s Soft Pretzel Franchise Opens 10th Location
July 4, 2007
An upstart in the Philly soft pretzel franchise arena, Jim’s Soft Pretzel and Maggies Italian Water Ice has opened a franchise unit in Roxborough, PA. The Grand Opening celebration of Jims Soft Pretzel Bakery and Maggies Italian Water Ice was the “single largest grand opening event” in Jim’s Soft Pretzel franchise history, according to Fred Potok, a partner in the new venture.
According to Potok close to 1000 people came to the new pretzel store opening to sample free freshly baked pretzels and Maggies Italian Water Ice… It was a great day and a huge success. We handed out a thousand freshly baked, handtwisted pretzels and water ice to the entire neighborhood.”
The new store has been designed with brick, granite and stainless steel design touches. “We wanted to create a very attractive and comfortable place for our customers. We hope they feel right at home.” Jim’s patrons will enjoy a full menu of delicious meals and snacks and frozen treats. “There is nothing quite like a fresh soft pretzel or pretzel sandwich for a grab and go snack or meal.” says Potok.
Jims Soft Pretzel Bakery franchises bake fresh pretzels everyday, all day long.
The large menu includes breakfast & lunch pretzel sandwiches, snacks, party platters and custom pretzels. In addition, Maggies Italian Water Ice feature 8 delicious, everyday flavors, plus special flavors weekly.
More franchise information:
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Pretzel Franchise on Global Growth Track
July 4, 2007
According to Franchise International, Auntie Anne’s Inc. pretzel franchise company plans to increase its Asia Pacific franchise locations by 50 per cent over the next three years. The pretzel franchise company plans to launch about 70 new pretzel franchises worldwide, with between 20 to 40 opening in Asia Pacific and 10 in Thailand by the end of this year. Additionally Auntie Anne’s Inc intends to open new pretzel franchises into three new countries this year, including India and China. The third country has not yet been identified but will be in the Central American region.
The company currently has 930 pretzel franchises in 12 countries and over 150 of these are in Asian nations including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.
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Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Franchise Co. Announce Pretzelpalooza, VW giveaway
July 4, 2007
(FranBest.com) Auntie Anne’s Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels, the world’s largest soft pretzel franchise, is offering a sweepstakes where “pretzel groupies” can win one of the grooviest vehicles around, a Volkswagen® New Beetle® and free Auntie Anne’s pretzels for a year.
From July 9 until September 9, guests from across the country have the chance to win a wrapped 2007 VW New Beetle GL2.0. The grand prize vehicle will feature 70s-inspired decals that mirror Auntie Anne’s summer campaign, PretzelPalooza. Entries can be made once daily at participating Auntie Anne’s franchise locations or online at the company website. First and second prize winners will also win free pretzels and an official PretzelPalooza tie-dye T-shirt.
As part of the promotion, franchise and company stores will provide guests with an “All-Access Pretzel Pass” summer frequency card. Once nine designated products have been purchased, guests can redeem their pass for a free pretzel and PretzelPalooza souvenir tie-dye T-shirt.
Auntie Anne’s, Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based franchise company that supports over 925 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels locations worldwide. The concept mixes, twists and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection in full view of customers.
More franchise information:
FranchisePick.Com: Find out about the best - and avoid the worst - in franchising
TopNewFranchises.Com: America’s Next Top… Franchise
Franchise Marketing: Telling the truth is good business. Seriously.
Franchise & Marketing Newsletters: Affordable. Stylish. Free.
