Wetzel's Pretzels vs Cookie Man Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
Cookie Man Franchise
Investment $126,600 - $405,850$250,000
Franchise Fee $35,000N/A
Royalty Fee 7%0
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19941958
Year Franchised 19960
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
Cookie Man Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
    		• -

    Financing Options
     
    Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
    Cookie Man Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment Yes/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
    Cookie Man Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours -
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform -
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app -
    Operations 20% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
    Cookie Man Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesYes

    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.

    Popular products:
    Pretzels, consisting of several different flavors
    Frozen Lemonade, sold in a variety of flavors.
    Frozen Granita, a frozen version of the Italian dessert
     
    The franchisor offers 3 franchise programs:
    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.
    "Entrepreneur
    #497 in Franchise 500 for 2020.








    About Cookie Man

    Why a Cookie Man Franchise? * The COOKIE MAN retailing concept is a 100% all-Australian business, which was first started in 1958. * Cookie Man Pty Ltd is a member of the FRANCHISING COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA. * COOKIE MAN's unique fresh-bake concept provides aroma and animation at point-of-sale and thus consumer appeal in a world where freshness of product is ever more important. * The unique COOKIE MAN ovens are designed and manufactured in Australia, exclusively for Cookie Man Pty Ltd.
    The COOKIE MAN ovens are simple to operate and full training is provided.
    What can I expect from Cookie Man? * Cookie Man provides a comprehensive franchise support system. Part of this system includes on-site training as well as provision of a detailed Operations, Training and HACCP Manual. These manuals mirror the training program we have structured, and covers most aspects of day-to-day business operation including selling skills, merchandising techniques, quality standards, product knowledge etc. * Ongoing marketing and technical support are provided. * Being part of a franchise chain which is now successful in other countries. What makes Cookie Man different from other similar franchises? * No ongoing royalties. All products with the exception of cold drinks and milk are sourced from the centralised Cookie Man warehouse and products are generally exclusive to the Cookie Man outlets. * Most existing and all new Cookie Man outlets serve espresso coffee and cold drinks. Our preference is to also incorporate tables and chairs for coffee customers to relax and be in a comfortable surrounding. * National contract & preferred supplier arrangement with Coca cola and National Foods (for Pura Milk and other dairy products) * We have been around for 50+ years, so history tells a story about survival and the strength of our retail offer.