2008
150
$122,200
$30,000
$339,500
No
Ben’s Soft Pretzels offers a delectable twist on a classic favorite, combining traditional Amish-inspired recipes with modern business practices.Founded in 2008 in Elkhart, Indiana, the brand quickly gained popularity for its hand-rolled, jumbo-sized pretzels.By 2013, Ben’s Soft Pretzels began franchising, leading to rapid expansion across the United States.Today, with over 150 locations in 17 states, the brand has established itself as a leader in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.
Investing in a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Proven Business Model: A streamlined operations system that simplifies management and enhances profitability.
Strong Brand Recognition: A well-established brand with a loyal customer base.
Diverse Revenue Streams: Opportunities include traditional storefronts, mobile units, and catering services.
Comprehensive Support: Extensive training and ongoing assistance to ensure franchisee success.
Community Engagement: A brand that values community involvement and customer satisfaction.
Established: 2008 (first bakery); 2013 (franchising began)
Founders: Scott Jones, Brian Krider, and Benjamin Miller
Headquarters: Goshen, Indiana
Franchise Units: Over 150 locations across 17 states
Industry Category: Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) specializing in soft pretzels
The journey began with the Millers' Amish-inspired recipes, which caught the attention of Scott Jones and Brian Krider. Their collaboration led to the opening of the first Ben’s Soft Pretzels bakery in Concord Mall, Elkhart. The success of this venture paved the way for franchising, allowing the brand to expand rapidly across the nation.
Ben’s Soft Pretzels offers a comprehensive support system designed to ensure that every franchisee has the tools, knowledge, and guidance necessary for success. This support spans the pre-launch phase, operational setup, marketing initiatives, and ongoing business management.
Site Selection Assistance: Expert guidance to identify high-traffic locations suitable for optimal customer flow, whether in malls, food courts, or standalone stores.
Lease Negotiation: Support in reviewing and negotiating lease agreements to protect franchisee interests.
Store Design & Build-Out: Assistance with layout planning, equipment selection, and interior design, ensuring brand consistency and efficiency in operations.
Operational Training: Hands-on training covering day-to-day operations, food preparation, inventory management, hygiene standards, and customer service excellence.
Product Training: Instruction in signature pretzel recipes, toppings, and baking techniques to maintain product quality and consistency.
POS & Technology Systems: Guidance on using point-of-sale systems, digital ordering platforms, and operational software to streamline store management.
Grand Opening Marketing: Assistance with launch promotions, local advertising, and PR strategies to attract initial customers.
Ongoing Marketing Programs: Support with regional and national marketing campaigns, including digital marketing, social media engagement, and seasonal promotions.
Brand Guidelines: Access to pre-designed marketing materials, signage, and promotional content to maintain a consistent brand image.
Field Support: Experienced franchise business consultants visit stores regularly to provide guidance, operational audits, and performance feedback.
Continuous Education: Online training modules, webinars, and workshops to keep franchisees updated on new products, operational improvements, and marketing trends.
Supply Chain Assistance: Support in sourcing ingredients and supplies through approved vendors to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
Franchisee University: Specialized training programs covering business management, financial planning, and customer engagement strategies.
Community Engagement Guidance: Strategies for local marketing, events, and partnerships to increase foot traffic and brand loyalty.
Ben’s Soft Pretzels seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also passionate about food, customer service, and growing a community-focused business. The ideal franchisee embodies a combination of entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and commitment to brand standards.
Passionate About Food & Customer Experience: Enjoys working in the food and beverage sector and is motivated to provide high-quality products and exceptional service.
Self-Motivated & Driven: Willing to take initiative, lead a team, and actively grow the business.
Community-Oriented: Interested in engaging with the local community and building loyal customer relationships.
Management or Operational Experience: Prior experience in managing a retail, restaurant, or small business is beneficial, though not mandatory.
Team Leadership Skills: Ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff to maintain consistent service standards.
Financial Management: Capable of handling budgets, inventory, payroll, and overall store profitability.
Financial Preparedness: Ability to meet the minimum investment requirements ($122,200 – $339,500) and maintain working capital.
Net Worth Requirement: Ideally $300,000 or more, with liquidity covering 20–30% of the total investment.
Long-Term Commitment: Willing to invest time and effort to grow the franchise over multiple years.
Open to Various Store Formats: Willing to operate in malls, food courts, standalone locations, or mobile units.
Market Understanding: Ability to assess local demographics and target the right customer base.
Integrity & Professionalism: Upholds brand standards and maintains a positive reputation in the community.
Customer-Focused Mindset: Committed to creating memorable experiences for every customer.
Adaptability: Able to respond to challenges, adapt to market trends, and implement new business strategies.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $122,200 – $339,500 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Net Worth Requirement | $300,000 |
| Liquidity Requirement | 20–30% of total investment |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 2–3 years |
| Revenue Streams | In-store sales, mobile units, catering services |
| Franchise Units (USA) | Over 150 locations across 17 states |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment ($70,000 – $250,000 approx., depending on location) |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location, generally positive within 3–5 years |
