Wetzel's Pretzels vs Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
Investment $126,600 - $405,850$226,700 - $425,500
Franchise Fee $35,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 7%5%
Advertising Fee 1%2.5%
Year Founded 19942007
Year Franchised 19962008
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements

 
Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • You will need prior experience in running a business, preferably retail. Passion - We want you to be excited and enthusiastic about owning a cupcake shop. Involvement - You are expected be involved in your business on a daily basis, because we find greater success with owners that are actively involved in the operation of their shop. This business requires real commitment, attention to detail, and hard work.


    Financing Options

     
    Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
    Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/Yes-/Yes
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/Yes
    Equipment Yes/Yes-/Yes
    Inventory No/Yes-/Yes
    Receivables No/No-/Yes
    Payroll No/No-/Yes

    Training & Support

     
    Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise
    Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 40 hours Classroom Training: 40 hours On-The-Job Training: 91 hours Classroom Training: 52 hours
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform
    Marketing Ad Templates Social media SEO Email marketing Loyalty program/app Ad Templates National Media 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
    Gigi's Cupcakes Franchise
    US Expansion YesNo
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    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 Gigi's Cupcakes

    If you are looking for a great opportunity, and you have the business acumen and financial wherewithal, Gigi's Cupcakes may be the concept and opportunity you have been looking for. We have a business model that yields high volume sales with lower occupancy and build-out costs than what you might expect. We also have lower labor and food costs than typical food service franchises. All this adds up to an opportunity that can change your life. Gigi's is committed to making sure we choose the right people to join us in building Gigi's Cupcakes locations nationally. We have learned what it takes to be a successful Gigi's Cupcakes owner and have summarized those qualifications for your consideration: Capital Requirements - You will need liquid assets of approximately $100,000 and total net worth of $250,000. This can be done individually or with family members or investors that sign on with you. We will provide you with total support along the way including: Site selection Lease review and negotiation Design/Layout and Construction Equipment Sourcing Training Marketing Grand Opening support Ongoing marketing and operational support If you would like to arrange a meeting: For further information go to http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/becomeanowner or you could try http://www.thefranchisemall.com/request/