Wetzel's Pretzels is a Pasadena, California-based franchise of fast-food restaurants. The first Wetzel's Pretzels location opened in 1994 at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach, California. Currently, Wetzel's Pretzels has 300+ locations in 28 states and six other countries worldwide. Its stores can be found in shopping malls, outlet centers, theme parks, select discount retail stores, train stations and airports. In 1996, Wetzel's began franchising their brand, and now has a co-branding relationship with Cold Stone Creamery, Juice It Up!, Swensen's and more. In 2019, Bill Phelps, co-founder of Wetzel's Pretzels, steps down as CEO after 25 years and the role will be assumed by Jennifer Schuler. Phelps will remain a large investor of the company.
Investors
Los Angelesprivate equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Inc. bought a majority stake in the company in 2007 for an undisclosed amount. Phelps still owns a 20% share, while Wetzel holds a smaller stake. In October 2016, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners sold majority stake to Dallas-based private equity firm CenterOak Partners LLC. after holding the majority stake for 9 years.
Locations
As of 2019, Wetzel's Pretzels has over 350 locations in 28 states and six countries. Its stores are located in shopping malls, outlet centers, theme parks, select discount retail stores, train stations, and airports. At one point, the Famous Players theatre chain in Canada served Wetzel's Pretzels. These were discontinued when the film exhibitor was sold to Cineplex Galaxy in 2005.
Products
Foods
The majority of Wetzel's Pretzel's menu consists of its namesake, pretzels. They come in several different flavors such as Wetzel's Original, cinnamon sugar, almond crunch, sour cream and onion, cinnamon glaze, jalapeño, garlic, and pepperoni. They also have other pretzel items such as the Wetzel Dog, which is a pretzel wrapped around an all-beef hot dog, with or without cheese. They also sell bite-sized pretzels called Wetzel Bitz that come with either butter and salt or cinnamon and sugar. Dips for the pretzels and Wetzel dogs are also sold. The current lineup of condiments include cheese, jalapeño cheese, pizza sauce, caramel, and cream cheese.
