Pretzelmaker

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Pretzelmaker logo

Pretzelmaker 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 Pretzel Time, 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

Pretzel Maker was originally named Pretzelvania by founder Jeffrey Trip in 1991. The brand was quickly franchised and had grown to 40 stores by 1995 when it was bought by a group of investors that helped make Pretzelmaker a mall mainstay, particularly in the West Coast^[1].

Pretzelmaker 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 at Pretzelmaker and other competitor pretzel chains^[2].

In 1998, Pretzelmaker 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^[3]. However, the Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker brands were sold to NexCen in 2007 for a combined transaction total of $29.7 million^[4].

[edit] Products

Pretzelmaker 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^[5].

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^[6].