Prepared by: HOW TO MAKE YOUR PRETZEL FRANCHISE

Prepared by: HOW TO MAKE YOUR PRETZEL FRANCHISE Even if your pretzel franchise is booming, there are always steps you can take to make it even bet...
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Prepared by:

HOW TO MAKE YOUR

PRETZEL FRANCHISE

Even if your pretzel franchise is booming, there are always steps you can take to make it even better. This is why it’s key for business owners to stay smart, savvy, and informed throughout their entire franchising journey. The franchise owners who are always trying to improve are the ones who beat out their competition and have a thriving business.

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How do you continuously improve your franchise so business is always booming? Look no further! This guide provides you with everything you need to know to make your business even better today and to always keep improving in the future.

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How to Succeed in the Pretzel Industry When you’re looking to improve your franchise, one of the most important considerations to think about is your competition. The pretzel industry has experienced rapid growth over the last few years and while this growth has been great for franchises such as Pretzelmaker, it has also steepened the competition. To succeed in the competitive pretzel industry, pretzel stores must stay ahead of the rest and catch the attention of potential customers while retaining the loyalty of existing customers. So how do you stay ahead of your competition?

DIFFERENTIATION FROM COMPETITION

Differentiation is essential for success when there are multiple options for pretzels in the area. Pretzel stores can easily distinguish themselves by offering unique menu options, but this should not be the sole means of differentiation. Snack stores should be fun and offer customers an experience to remember, an experience that they will crave in addition to the food. Stores can also take advantage of seasonal opportunities and current activities in the area to show customers the store’s personality.

LOCATION AND POPULATION IMPORTANCE

The population and location of any food franchise is important, but for pretzel stores it is even more vital. The majority of a pretzel store’s customers come from foot traffic so the store must be in a location that caters to this trend to maximize

business opportunities. High traffic tourist areas can be as conducive to foot traffic as locations with a dense local population. Franchisees should be aware of the common characteristics of customers that traverse the area to better serve customer needs and create a stronger draw.

CONNECTION TO CUSTOMERS

Creating a connection to the customers is crucial. From the look of the store to the menu options which are offered and the style of the employee’s uniforms, everything about a pretzel store attracts certain customers. For Pretzelmaker, this target demographic is generally teenagers, moms, and young adults. Recommendations for connecting with customers in a target demographic include: • Marketing in places they are likely to see • Using colors and styles that appeal to popular tastes • Gearing promotions and products specifically towards filling a need • Encouraging suggestions and responding to suggestions given

BRAND PRIDE

The modern customer does not only want to buy a product, they want to buy into a brand. Brand pride will help a pretzel franchise by winning customers’ hearts. There are many ways to generate brand pride. Having a relatable back story or showing social awareness by supporting causes will give a brand emotional relevance for customers. If you provide a product with limited ingredients and freshness of preparation, then your customers can feel good about eating your product. This is because it will give the brand relevance in the scope of physical well-being. PRETZELMAKER

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7 Tips for Making a Good Pretzel Franchise Even Better Now that you’ve remembered why you got into the pretzel business, the next step is to evaluate the franchise itself. Where can you improve your business? Are you out of touch with the current trends? Have you deviated from your business model? Do you really know what’s going on with your customers and even your employees? If you don’t know the answer to all of these questions, below are 7 tips to help you make your franchise better today.

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before you buy a preztel franchise, make sure you know everything you need to know, including how much money you’ll need to start and run it, which systems you’ll need to follow based on franchisor requirements, and how to keep your business thriving.

2. UNDERSTAND CURRENT TRENDS

What’s hot in your pretzel franchise industry? Did your competitor come out with a new pretzel recipe that’s selling like hotcakes? As you encounter the daily tasks needed to run your business, always keep an ear on the ground to keep up with competitors, customers, and the overall business landscape.

3. STICK TO YOUR BUSINESS PLAN

The business plan is there for a reason so stick to it! Make sure you’ve set realistic goals. Check back periodically to make sure you’ve met your goals or that you’re on track to meet them. PRETZELMAKER

4. ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

One of the benefits of a pretzel franchise is that the company already has a business model that works. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help when you find yourself confused or unsure of the best course of action to take.

5. GET THE WORD OUT

Some of the most successful businesses are successful because they’ve done such a good job at marketing. Advertising, marketing, and word-ofmouth are all very powerful tools for building brand and store recognition for your fast food franchise.

6. START SMALL

If you’re inexperienced in the pretzel franchise industry, avoid jumping the gun by purchasing several stores at once unless you feel confident that you’re prepared and well-versed. Starting with one store can be a good way to make sure you’re all set and ready for more.

7. LISTEN TO YOUR EMPLOYEES

After your customers, your employees are the lifeblood of your business. Listen to their questions, comments, concerns, and even their whining. Happy employees are better employees and good employees help keep businesses in tip-top shape. 4

What’s Hot in Pretzel Franchises? Each of the tips listed above is a valuable way you can improve your business. However, understanding current trends is vital to ensuring that your franchise lasts over time. Being able to adapt to new trends allows you to keep your franchise relevant and fresh. For example, there is an increased focus on fresh preparation and healthier alternatives that is sweeping the nation today. In response, the soft pretzel industry is growing quickly as customers realize how convenient and lowcalorie pretzels are. The pretzel industry naturally capitalizes on this trend. However, it is crucial that pretzel franchises stay hip to certain trends to remain relevant in this highly competitive market. Below are some strategies on how to understand and use current trends to your advantage.

MORE THAN PRETZELS

There is nothing quite like a hot freshly-made pretzel with salt. Customers can only eat so many pretzels per day or week so it is important to offer some variety in order to keep customers coming back day after day. Pretzelmaker offers a small, but encompassing menu that is sure to delight guests while maintaining the core concepts of convenience and freshness. Menu items that are available at Pretzelmaker franchise locations include: • The company’s signature pretzel bites with toppings • Pretzel dogs • Pretzel rolls, stuffed with cheese, marinara, and pepperoni • Blended drinks • A variety of flavored lemonades • Pretzels coated with different toppings • Sauces to suit different tastes and toppings

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY

Using technology to market and increase enthusiasm is very helpful when it comes to engaging new customers and doing continued business with existing customers. Social media platforms are particularly important to this cause. Technology helps pretzel franchisees put the Pretzelmaker name directly in front of customers to increase brand awareness quickly and easily. Technology also helps franchisees make customers aware of promotions which can draw business efficiently.

NATIONAL PRETZEL DAY

Pretzelmaker owns National Pretzel Day, April 26. On National Pretzel Day, every Pretzelmaker location gives away one salted or unsalted pretzel to each customer that stops by the location. National Pretzel Day garners nationwide attention, which can help to quickly expand the customer base. Franchisees are advised to market and plan for this important day. Pretzels given away on National Pretzel Day may earn customers that come back on many other days throughout the year. Donations made on National Pretzel Day benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Franchises can no longer earn the respect of the community simply by offering a great product and service. Giving back to the community is expected and will make customers feel as though they are playing a part in bettering their community when they spend money at a franchise that supports local causes. In addition to the support for the Leukemia and Lymphoma, Pretzelmaker also partners with neighboring stores to help drive business in the communities in which Pretzelmaker locations operate. Pretzelmaker also provides rewards for employees to show appreciation and support.

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Now you know how to stay smart, savvy, and informed throughout your entire franchising journey. You know how to outshine your competition, improve your franchise internally, and capitalize on trends in the pretzel industry. By using the strategies and tips in this guide, your franchise will be well on its way to success. We hope that this guide helps you as experienced franchise owners to have the thriving, profitable business you’ve worked so hard for. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact your Pretzelmaker Development Manager or visit Pretzelmaker’s blog for more ideas on how to make your franchise even better. We are always there to help you improve your franchise and ensure it’s everything that you want out of your business. If you’re new to the franchise industry and you’re researching how to make your franchise a success from the start, contact Pretzelmaker today to make your dream a reality. We can help you avoid common pitfalls of new franchise owners and help you to realize the rewards of owning a thriving pretzel franchise.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise Disclosure Document only.

1346 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 170, Norcross, GA 30093

770.514.4500 | 800.524.6444 [email protected]