Pretzel Time

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pretzel Time logo

Pretzel Time is a chain of independently owned and operated franchised stores that specializes in hand-rolled pretzels, smoothies and cold beverages. It is a franchise brand in the portfolio of NexCen Brands Inc. Along with sister brand Pretzelmaker, there are more than 325 U.S. stores operating in 33 states and 50 international stores in Canada, Guam, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, Jordan and Guatemala.

1 History
2 Products
3 References
4 External Links

[edit] History

The first Pretzel Time store opened in Trumbull, Connecticut^[1]. The company was originally incorporated as Mr. Pretzel Inc. in 1991, but quickly changed its name to Pretzel Time by the time it became a popularly franchised mall-based store in the Northeast^[2].

Pretzel Time claims to be creator of the “pretzel-dog,” in which the hand-rolled pretzel dough is wrapped around the hot dog and baked, as well the portable, bite-size version of the snack, pretzel bites. Pretzel dogs and pretzel bites have since become well-known and are top sellers among Pretzel Time and other competitor pretzel chains^[3].

In 1998, Pretzel Time was bought by Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, which at the time looked to cement its status as leader of the baked snacks quick service franchises^[4]. However, the Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker brands were sold to NexCen in 2007 for a combined transaction total of $29.7 million^[5].

[edit] Products

Pretzel Time’s line of pretzels includes 10 flavors such as Parmesan, Ranch, Garlic, Cinnamon Sugar, and its Original pretzel topped with salt and butter. In addition, a variety of dipping sauces, from Caramel to Nacho Cheese, are also offered. Drinks include fresh-squeezed lemonade and Breezers, Pretzel Time’s signature line of fruit smoothies^[6].

To augment visibility of all their menu items, Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker launched their Combo Crazy campaign in 2008, which offered customers a chance to win prizes through purchasing combos that could include pretzels, dipping sauce, and a soft drink^[7].