Wetzel's Pretzels vs Corner Bakery Cafe Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Wetzel's Pretzels vs Corner Bakery Cafe including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Company Overviews

About Wetzel's Pretzels

Wetzel's Pretzels founded by Rick Wetzel & Bill Phelps, former marketing executives in 1994. 1st Wetzel's Pretzels located in South Bay Galleria in Southern California. First store was opened in 1995 Century City, Hollywood.
In 1996 Wetzel's Pretzels began franchising. Currently they have locations across United States (Universal City, Staples Center, Dodgers Stadium, Disneyland, Disney world) & internationally. Currently co-branding relationship with Cold Stone Creamery, Swensen's, Juice It Up and more.
Beginning of 2016 Wetzel's franchise fast food restaurants had 298 locations out of them 269 US locations; 2 in Canada; 19 worldwide; and 8 owned by the company itself.

1. A single Wetzel's Pretzels Bakery. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Wetzel's Pretzels Bakery ranges from $164,950 to $405,850. This includes approximately between $42,350 and $50,750 that must be paid to the franchisor. If Wetzel's Pretzels grants you a license to operate a Remote Mobile Unit under a Remote Mobile Unit Addendum to your Franchise Agreement, you will also pay it a fee of $5,000 for a Remote Mobile Unit.
2. Multiple Wetzel's Pretzels Bakeries within a defined area pursuant to a Multi-Unit Development Agreement. There is an initial development fee of $15,000 multiplied by the number of Bakeries which you must open, plus the balance of the initial franchise fee ($20,000) for your first Franchise Agreement. You will pay an initial franchise fee of $35,000 for each Bakery ($22,500 for a second Bakery in the same mall). However, the franchisor will credit the development fee against the initial franchise fees (at the rate of $15,000 for the second and each subsequent Franchise Agreement).
3. A single Wetzel's Pretzels Concession Truck or Trailer. The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Wetzel's Pretzels Concession Truck or Trailer ranges from $126,600 to $275,850. This includes approximately between $9,000 and $14,750 that must be paid to the franchisor.

#497 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

About Corner Bakery Cafe

Corner Bakery Cafe has its eyes on more cafes in the Austin market and throughout Central Texas. "Austin is a booming market that has long been on our radar," "The large student population, presence of young business professionals and strong economy of our state capital make it the perfect place to offer our fast-casual dining experience." "We already have 22 thriving franchise and company-owned Corner Bakery locations around the state, and the prospect of adding at least 50 additional cafes in the next eight years is very exciting," said John LaBarge, vice president of franchise business development at Corner Bakery Cafe. Here's what we're looking for: * $7.5 million net worth * $3 million liquidity (non-borrowed cash availability) * Interest in developing multiple cafes in a market or combination of markets * Relevant multi-unit restaurant / retail experience in market to be developed * Reside in market to be developed * Demonstrated real estate expertise in market * Existing infrastructure in place * Strong cultural fit * History of community involvement * Appreciation of great food * "Best in class" operators within your current system * Employer of choice within your current system