What was the net change in the total number of 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 | |
| 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, the total number of outlets experienced a net decrease of 1 during 2023. At the start of 2023, there were 82 total outlets, which decreased to 81 by the end of the year.
Specifically, the number of franchised outlets decreased by 2, going from 77 at the beginning of 2023 to 75 at the end. Meanwhile, company-owned outlets increased by 1, rising from 5 to 6 during the same period.
This data indicates a slight contraction in the overall Bens Soft Pretzels system size during 2023, with a shift from franchised to company-owned locations. Prospective franchisees should inquire about the reasons for this net decrease and the strategic direction of the company regarding franchised versus company-owned locations.