A Twisted History Of Deliciousness To Build On.

Every Wetzel’s Pretzels leader delivers on the original vision of its founder – each super-premium pretzel will be crafted from fresh dough and baked in-store so each pretzel delivers our brand of delicious handheld fun.
Wetzel's in 1994

1994

Company founded by Rick Wetzel and Bill Phelps. First store in Redondo Beach, CA. Less than two years later we began franchising.

Soft Pretzel Chains

2001

Rapid growth with the 100th unit opened. Opened Downtown Disney (Anaheim, CA).

Wetzel's Pretzel Franchise

2005

First Walmart location in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Wetzel's in 2018

2018

LEAD Award winner for Top 10 Best Customer Service Leadership Training Program: Twisted Training for Franchisees.

Wetzel's Pretzels Franchise

2012

Launch of Remote Mobile Unit program to maximize property-level sales.

Food Truck Franchise Opportunities

2019

Our first food truck launched in Phoenix, AZ. First bakery opening on a military base at Fort Hood Texas. Bill Phelps handed CEO reins over to Jennifer Schuler as second CEO in the company’s history.

Wetzel's in 2020

2020

Twisted together! Launched the “We Bake Safe” Program to successfully address the COVID-19 pandemic. Provided franchisees with support from lease negotiations, information and government funding. We opened more stores in 2020 than 2019. Launched a new format for C-Stores.

Pretzel Franchise

2021

Brand drives historic sales performance of +24% SSS and sees continued growth across all brand metrics.

Twisted by Wetzel’s in La Habra, CA

2023

Opened first Twisted by Wetzel’s location in La Habra, CA.

Mall Franchise Opportunities

2022

Opened first kiosk within Macy’s at the South Coast Plaza Mall in Costa Mesa, California.

Wetzel's Rose Parade float

2022

Wetzel’s makes its Rose Parade® debut with award-winning float, California Cruisin’. Embodying the parade theme of “Dream. Believe. Achieve,” it celebrated our founders’ dreams coming full circle, from our humble beginnings in Pasadena to an international brand.

Leadership That’s Worth Their Salt.

Our Executive Leadership team leverages over a century of experience from organizations like McDonald’s, General Mills, Papa Murphy’s and IHOP to help you with your new Wetzel’s Pretzels Franchise. Meet the people who will make it happen for you.

Favorite Menu Item:
Cheese Meltdown Pretzel

Vincent Montanelli

COO

Favorite Menu Item:
Cin-A-Bitz

Jon fischer

Head of Development

Favorite Menu Item:
Cin-A-Bitz

hillary frei

Head of Marketing

Experienced Leadsership

Wetzel's Team

Grab your piece of the pretzel.

We’re glad you’re interested in putting success right at your fingertips. Start by completing the form and our development team will contact you.