Ben's Soft Pretzels Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Franchisees

?

75
+
9%
9%
Investment required

?

$90,000 - $345,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$195,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Initial franchise fee

?

$30,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
1.5% - 4%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro
Franchisees

?

75
+
9%
9%
Investment required

?

$90,000 - $345,000
Franchise fee

?

$30,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
1.5% - 4%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$195,000
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro

Ben's Soft Pretzels: Revolutionizing Gourmet Pretzels with Authentic Amish Tradition

Ben's Soft Pretzels has been a beloved name in gourmet soft pretzels since its inception in 2008. The first bakery launched at Concord Mall in Elkhart, Indiana, introducing the public to their Amish-inspired pretzels. Renowned for their hand-rolled, jumbo-sized pretzels, Ben's Soft Pretzels quickly established a reputation for quality and traditional craftsmanship.

In 2013, Ben's Soft Pretzels began franchising, marking a pivotal moment that enabled the brand to expand beyond its original store. This strategic move allowed more people across the United States to enjoy their distinctive pretzels, driving the brand's swift nationwide growth.

Ben's Soft Pretzels, headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, continues to honor its origins while pushing innovation in the pretzel industry. The headquarters oversees the franchise's operations, ensuring that every location maintains the high standards and authenticity that define Ben's Soft Pretzels​​.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Traditional or Captive Venue Store Amount Mobile Store Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000 $30,000
Travel and Living Expenses During Training $1,000 to $10,000 $1,000 to $10,000
Office Equipment and Supplies $500 to $1,000 $500 to $1,000
Business Insurance $1,000 to $4,000 $1,000 to $4,000
Professional Fees $5,000 to $10,000 $5,000 to $10,000
Initial Inventory $2,150 to $6,500 $1,650 to $4,000
Live Large Initial Inventory $350 to $1,000 $350 to $1,000
Security Deposit $1,600 to $12,000 N/A
First 3 Month’s Rent $3,600 to $18,000 N/A
Leasehold Improvements $25,000 to $125,000 N/A
Equipment, including Starter Kit, Display Cabinets and Countertops and POS $27,500 to $65,000 (with $4,500 to $11,500 potentially payable to our affiliate) $12,000 to $65,000 (with $1,000 to $11,500 potentially payable to our affiliate)
Signage $1,000 to $10,000 $1,000 to $5,000
Furniture and Fixtures $2,000 to $5,000 N/A
Business Licenses and Permits $500 to $2,000 $500 to $2,000
Grand Opening Advertising $1,000 to $5,000 N/A
Additional Funds for First 3 Months $20,000 to $40,000 $10,000 to $20,000
Vehicle N/A $27,000 to $94,500
TOTAL $122,200 to $344,500 $90,000 to $246,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Competitors

Franchise
Franchisees
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

75

+
9%
9%
No growth
New

$30,000

$90,000

-

$345,000

n.a.

$195,000

Pro

n.a.

Pro

n.a.

Pro

Food & Beverage

Training 

Ben's Soft Pretzels offers a comprehensive training program to ensure franchisees are well-prepared to operate their stores efficiently. The training includes:

Pre-Opening Training

Prior to opening, franchisees and up to two additional team members participate in an initial training program. This program combines classroom instruction and hands-on training, covering essential aspects of running a Ben's Soft Pretzels store. Key areas of focus include operational procedures, product preparation, customer service, financial management, and adherence to brand standards.

On-Site Opening Assistance

Beyond pre-opening training, Ben's Soft Pretzels provides on-site support during the store's opening phase. This support includes assistance with store setup, staff training, and the implementation of operational procedures learned during initial training. Additional on-site training days can be requested or may be required by the franchisor, with associated costs for each extra day.

Ongoing and Additional Training

Franchisees, along with their managers and key employees, may need to attend ongoing training sessions at the franchisor's designated training facility or other specified locations. These sessions aim to provide continuous education and updates on store operations, new products, and any changes to the operational manual. Additionally, technical assistance and support are available via phone, ensuring franchisees have access to help whenever needed.

Territory Protection

Ben's Soft Pretzels does not guarantee exclusive territories for its franchisees. This means franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels and competitive brands managed by Ben's Soft Pretzels.

The franchise agreement grants the right to operate a Ben's Soft Pretzels Store at a specified authorized location but does not extend exclusive territorial rights beyond this location. For Mobile Stores, the authorized location refers to where the truck or trailer is stationed when not in use. 

Additionally, franchisees are assigned a non-exclusive geographic area of operation, determined by Ben's Soft Pretzels based on factors such as population density and the number of households. This strategy allows Ben's Soft Pretzels to maintain brand flexibility and operational control while providing franchisees with a designated area to conduct their business​​.

Number of units

2024
Franchised units

69

77

75

Company-owned units

6

5

6

Total units

75

82

81

Competitors

Aunt Millies Bakeries

Investment required
$37,000
-
$186,000
Franchisees
154
+
-7%
-7%

Philly Pretzel Factory

Investment required
$135,000
-
$407,000
Franchisees
146
+
-3%
-3%

Tous les Jours

Investment required
$718,000
-
$939,000
Franchisees
83
+
34%
34%

Shipley Do-Nuts

Investment required
$496,000
-
$1,029,000
Franchisees
337
+
2%
2%

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