Who is a member of the local advertising cooperative for Bens Soft Pretzels?

According to Bens Soft Pretzels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, each Bens Soft Pretzels store within a designated local advertising area, including those operated by Bens Soft Pretzels or its affiliates, is a member of the local advertising cooperative. The only exception to this rule is for Special Sites. Each store, regardless of ownership, has one vote on all matters requiring a vote within the cooperative.

This means that if a local advertising cooperative is established, both franchised and company-owned Bens Soft Pretzels locations (excluding Special Sites) will participate and have a say in the cooperative's decisions. This structure ensures that all members have a voice in the advertising and marketing strategies within their local market. Franchisees should be aware that participation in these cooperatives is mandatory if designated by Bens Soft Pretzels.

Bens Soft Pretzels also retains significant control over these advertising cooperatives. The cooperatives must adopt governing bylaws that meet Bens Soft Pretzels' approval, and franchisees must obtain written approval for all promotional and advertising materials. Bens Soft Pretzels also has the right to require advertising cooperatives to be formed, changed, dissolved, or merged, and each advertising cooperative must submit meeting minutes to Bens Soft Pretzels upon request. This level of oversight allows Bens Soft Pretzels to maintain brand consistency and ensure that advertising efforts align with the overall marketing strategy.