Franchise Showcase:
The Pretzel Time Opportunity

Whether you are contemplating opening your first business or you are a seasoned entrepreneur, you will appreciate the franchisee-focused corporate philosophy of Pretzel Time's parent company, Mrs. Fields Famous Brands.

Have you ever rushed through the mall, intently focused on completing your shopping list, when suddenly the aroma of freshly-baked pretzels diverted your attention? Probably before you even realized what you were doing, you were standing in line agonizing between the Parmesan Pretzel and the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel--ultimately ordering both. Don't despair if this has happened to you. Only the staunchest of low-carb dieters could resist the allure of a warm-from-the oven soft pretzel treat, which is why owning a Pretzel Time® franchise is so much fun. It's the smell that sells!

Franchiser Offers Flexible Store Options

Pretzel Time® originated on the East Coast in 1991 and since has expanded to malls across the country. Stores are traditionally located in large shopping centers, but franchisees have the flexibility of selecting their own sites with the franchisor's input. In-line stores typically encompass 500 to 900 square feet of retail space and kiosks generally contain 250 square feet. Franchisees with full-service stores can also operate extended product line kiosks in off-site facilities such as airport concourses, office lobbies, hospitals, universities, and stadiums.

Innovative Products Satisfy Multiple Tastes

With its innovative product line, Pretzel Time® can satisfy shoppers needing a quick snack, a refreshing pick-me-up, or a light lunch. Besides the classic soft pretzel, shoppers can choose between savory options such as Parmesan, Ranch, or Garlic Pretzels, or sate their craving for something sweet with Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels or Breezer smoothies. Breezers come in fruit or coffee-flavored varieties. Pretzel Bites are perfect for sharing, and Pretzel Dogs satisfy those wanting something more substantial than a snack.

Pretzel Time® Owned by Mrs. Fields Famous Brands

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands acquired Pretzel Time® in 1996. Famous Brands is also the parent company to Mrs. Fields Cookies, TCBY, Great American Cookies, and Pretzelmaker. In 2004, Famous Brands underwent a significant shift in corporate mentality, opting to eliminate all company-owned stores in order to commit 100% of its resources to ensuring the success of its franchisees.

Company Provides Tools for Franchisee's Success

To stress its commitment to franchisees, Famous Brands renamed its corporate headquarters the Franchisee Support Center. The company springs into action as soon as a potential franchisee submits an application, assigning a personal Franchise Development Manager to assist the applicant through the franchising process. Before opening a store, a franchisee receives support from a whole team of specialists, including Construction Managers and New Store Opening Coordinators.

Emphasis on Training and Marketing Support

Famous Brands' dedication continues throughout the franchising relationship. Franchisees are required to attend in-depth, hands-on training at the Franchisee Support Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. With both classroom and in-store training, franchisees learn product preparation procedures, customer service skills, marketing techniques, and financial strategies for controlling costs and increasing sales. Franchisees can bring one additional person to this training session. Quarterly promotions, holiday merchandising, and new product launches keep sales stimulated and provide franchisees with continuous marketing support, making a Pretzel Time® franchise a prosperous venture.

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