How many company-owned Bens Soft Pretzels outlets were operating at the end of 2024?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| Outlet Type | Year | Outlets at the Start of the Year | Outlets at the End of the Year | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 69 | 77 | +8 | |
| Franchised | 2023 | 77 | 75 | -2 |
| 2024 | 75 | 78 | +3 | |
| 2022 | 6 | 5 | -1 | |
| Company | 2023 | 5 | 6 | +1 |
| Owned | ||||
| 2024 | 6 | 7 | +1 | |
| 2022 | 75 | 82 | +7 | |
| Total Outlets | 2023 | 82 | 81 | -1 |
| 2024 | 81 | 85 | +4 |
Source: Item 20 — OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION (FDD pages 42–46)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bens Soft Pretzels's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, at the end of 2024, there were 7 company-owned outlets. This is a net increase of 1 company-owned outlet during 2024. At the start of 2024, Bens Soft Pretzels had 6 company-owned stores.
It is important to note the distinction between franchised and company-owned outlets. Franchised outlets are owned and operated by individual franchisees, while company-owned outlets are operated directly by Bens Soft Pretzels. The number of company-owned stores can indicate the level of direct involvement and control the franchisor maintains over the brand.
Tracking the changes in both franchised and company-owned outlets over the years can provide insights into the overall health and growth strategy of Bens Soft Pretzels. For example, a decrease in franchised outlets coupled with an increase in company-owned outlets might suggest a strategic shift towards more corporate control, or it could reflect difficulties faced by franchisees.