How many franchised Bens Soft Pretzels outlets were operating at the start of 2023?
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, there were 77 franchised outlets at the start of 2023. This number is part of a broader table that tracks the changes in both franchised and company-owned outlets over a three-year period. The table provides a year-by-year snapshot of the number of outlets at the beginning and end of each year, as well as the net change in the number of outlets.
For a prospective franchisee, this information is useful for understanding the growth and stability of the Bens Soft Pretzels franchise system. The fact that there were 77 franchised locations at the start of 2023 gives a sense of the established presence of the brand. The table also shows that the number of franchised outlets decreased by 2 during 2023, ending the year with 75 locations. This could be a point of further inquiry to understand the reasons behind the decrease, such as closures, terminations, or non-renewals.
In addition to the franchised outlets, the table also includes data on company-owned outlets. At the start of 2023, there were 5 company-owned Bens Soft Pretzels outlets. This mix of franchised and company-owned locations is a common arrangement in franchising, and the balance between the two can provide insights into the franchisor's strategy and priorities. The total number of Bens Soft Pretzels outlets at the start of 2023, combining both franchised and company-owned, was 82.
Overall, this data provides a high-level overview of the Bens Soft Pretzels outlet network. A prospective franchisee should examine these trends carefully and ask the franchisor for more detailed explanations of any significant changes or patterns. Understanding the dynamics of the outlet network is crucial for assessing the potential risks and rewards of investing in a Bens Soft Pretzels franchise.