What was the net change in the number of company-owned Bens Soft Pretzels outlets during 2022?
Bens_Soft_Pretzels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
ITEM 20 OUTLETS AND FRANCHISEE INFORMATION*
Table No. 1
Systemwide Outlet Summary For Years 2022 to 2024
| 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 |
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, the net change in the number of company-owned outlets during 2022 was -1. This means that Bens Soft Pretzels had one fewer company-owned store at the end of 2022 than it did at the beginning of the year. At the start of 2022, there were 6 company-owned outlets, and by the end of the year, there were 5.
This information is relevant for prospective franchisees as it provides insight into the operational changes within the Bens Soft Pretzels system. Observing the changes in company-owned store counts can indicate the strategic direction of the franchisor, such as a focus on franchising versus direct operation. A decrease in company-owned stores might suggest a greater emphasis on franchise growth.
It's important to note that while the number of company-owned stores decreased, this does not inherently reflect the overall health of the Bens Soft Pretzels brand. Franchisees should consider this information in conjunction with other data provided in the FDD, such as gross sales, franchisee turnover, and overall system growth, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the franchise's performance and stability.