What amount of franchise fees receivable did Bens Soft Pretzels report in 2022?

According to Bens Soft Pretzels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the current portion of franchise fees receivable, net of the allowance for credit losses of $0, totaled $40,000 as of December 31, 2022. The FDD also states that the non-current portion of franchise fees receivable totaled $0 as of December 31, 2022. This indicates that Bens Soft Pretzels allows some franchisees to pay their initial franchise fee over time, typically within twelve months, without charging interest. These receivables are classified as current assets on the balance sheet.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that Bens Soft Pretzels may offer payment plans for the initial franchise fee, which could make the initial investment more manageable. However, it's important to note that these receivables are subject to review, and an allowance for credit losses may be recorded if collectibility is doubtful. The fact that the allowance for credit losses was $0 in 2022 suggests that Bens Soft Pretzels did not anticipate any issues with collecting these receivables at that time.

It is important to note that the financial health of Bens Soft Pretzels depends, in part, on their ability to collect these franchise fees receivable. A significant increase in the allowance for credit losses in future years could indicate financial strain for the company. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the specific terms of any payment plans offered and the criteria used to determine the allowance for credit losses to fully understand the risks involved.