Ben’s Soft Pretzels Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Since 2008, Ben’s Soft Pretzels has been a well-known name in the gourmet pretzel market. The brand made its debut at Concord Mall in Elkhart, Indiana, where it introduced customers to its Amish-inspired, hand-rolled pretzels. Thanks to their jumbo size and dedication to quality, these pretzels quickly gained popularity, earning a reputation for exceptional taste and craftsmanship.
A major milestone came in 2013 when Ben’s Soft Pretzels began franchising, paving the way for rapid expansion beyond its original location. This move helped bring its signature pretzels to customers across the United States, fueling the brand’s nationwide presence.
Operating from its headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana, Ben’s Soft Pretzels remains committed to its roots while continually innovating. The franchise network is carefully managed to ensure that each location upholds the authenticity and high standards that have defined the brand from the start.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise? It costs on average between $90,000 – $345,000 to start a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. Ben’s Soft Pretzels offers 2 types of franchises:
| Store Type | Initial Investment Range |
|---|---|
| Traditional Ben’s Soft Pretzels Store | $122,200 – $344,500 |
| Mobile Store | $90,000 – $246,500 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Traditional Ben’s Soft Pretzels Store. For more information on costs required to start a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Travel and Living Expenses During Training | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Office Equipment and Supplies | $500 to $1,000 |
| Business Insurance | $1,000 to $4,000 |
| Professional Fees | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $2,150 to $6,500 |
| Live Large Initial Inventory | $350 to $1,000 |
| Security Deposit | $1,600 to $12,000 |
| First 3 Month’s Rent | $3,600 to $18,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $25,000 to $125,000 |
| Equipment, Starter Kit, Display Cabinets, Countertops, and POS | $27,500 to $65,000 |
| Signage | $1,000 to $10,000 |
| Furniture and Fixtures | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Business Licenses and Permits | $500 to $2,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Additional Funds for First 3 Months | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| TOTAL | $122,200 to $344,500 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise? A Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchised store makes on average $195,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $815,000 yearly revenue for similar baked goods franchises. Below are a few Ben’s Soft Pretzels competitors as a comparison:
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We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Ben’s Soft Pretzels Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ben’s Soft Pretzels locations are there?
As of the latest data, Ben’s Soft Pretzels operates over 150 bakeries across 17 states. Among these, there are 120 franchised units and 7 company-owned units
What is the total investment required to open a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise?
The total investment required to open a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise ranges from $90,000 to $345,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise?
Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 7% of gross sales, which contributes to the brand’s ongoing support and operational resources.
Additionally, franchisees must contribute 2% of gross sales toward marketing and advertising efforts, which helps fund national and regional campaigns aimed at increasing brand awareness and driving customer traffic to all locations.
What are the financial requirements to become a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchisee?
To franchise with Ben’s Soft Pretzels, you need a minimum net worth of $250,000 and at least $100,000 in liquid capital to cover startup and operational costs.
How much can a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise are approximately $0.20 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.20 million yearly revenue can result in $30,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Ben’s Soft Pretzels?
Ben’s Soft Pretzels franchise is owned by its co-founders, Elizabeth Miller, Ben Miller, and Scott Jones. The company remains privately held, with the founders actively involved in its operations and growth.
Disclaimer
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