What was the net change in the number of franchised Bens Soft Pretzels outlets during 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 |
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 franchised outlets during 2023 was a decrease of 2. At the start of 2023, there were 77 franchised outlets, and by the end of the year, the number had dropped to 75. This indicates that during 2023, more Bens Soft Pretzels franchises closed or were reacquired by the company than new franchises opened.
For a prospective franchisee, this information is crucial for understanding the recent performance and stability of the Bens Soft Pretzels franchise system. A decline in the number of franchised outlets could signal potential challenges within the system, such as difficulties in maintaining profitability, franchisee dissatisfaction, or issues with the franchisor's support and training programs. It is important to investigate the reasons behind this net decrease to assess the overall health and attractiveness of the franchise opportunity.
It would be prudent for potential franchisees to ask Bens Soft Pretzels about the specific reasons for the decrease in franchised outlets during 2023. Understanding whether the closures were due to normal business attrition, specific market conditions, or other factors will help in making an informed decision. Additionally, reviewing the performance of existing franchises and speaking with current franchisees can provide further insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Bens Soft Pretzels system.