What is the focus of Bens Soft Pretzels regarding franchising?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We began offering franchises in January 2013. We have not offered franchises in other lines of business. We have not operated a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS store; however, affiliates related to us by common ownership have operated BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS stores since 2008. We focus on franchising independently owned stores and providing franchise support to franchisees. We also have a license program we offer to certain qualifying operators who have been in the food service business at least 2 years and our BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS business will be less than 20% over their overall business with that business arrangement qualifying as a fractional franchise under state and federal law ("BSP License Program"). We have no other business activities.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS, AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–10)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Bens Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document, the company focuses on franchising independently owned stores and providing franchise support to franchisees. Bens Soft Pretzels also has a license program for qualifying operators in the food service business for at least 2 years, where the Bens Soft Pretzels business will be less than 20% of their overall business, which qualifies as a fractional franchise under state and federal law, called the "BSP License Program".
This indicates that Bens Soft Pretzels is actively seeking franchisees to operate their own stores and provides support to help them succeed. The company also offers a licensing program for existing food service businesses that want to add Bens Soft Pretzels to their offerings without fully committing to a traditional franchise. This dual approach allows Bens Soft Pretzels to expand its brand presence through both dedicated franchise locations and partnerships with established businesses.
For a prospective franchisee, this means that Bens Soft Pretzels offers a structured franchise system with ongoing support. It also suggests that there may be opportunities to explore different business models, such as the BSP License Program, depending on the franchisee's existing business and goals. However, it's important to note that affiliates related to Bens Soft Pretzels by common ownership have operated Bens Soft Pretzels stores since 2008, but Bens Soft Pretzels itself has not operated a store.