How much does it cost to open a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise?

The total initial investment for a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise ranges from $122,200 to $344,500. This includes the franchise fee of $30,000, buildout costs, equipment, and initial working capital.

What are the ongoing fees for a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise?

BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchisees pay a 6.0% royalty fee and a 1.5% advertising/marketing fund contribution. These are typically calculated as a percentage of gross revenue.

How much money can you make with a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise?

Based on Item 19 financial performance data, the median BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise generates $218,738 in annual revenue. Estimated owner profit is approximately $31,717.

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Food & Beverage

BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS Franchise Cost Breakdown

Complete investment analysis based on official FDD data

Total Investment

$122,200 – $344,500

Franchise Fee

$30,000

Royalty Rate

6.0%

Initial Investment Range

Low: $122,200 High: $344,500

The total initial investment to open a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise ranges from $122,200 to $344,500, as disclosed in their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the one-time franchise fee of $30,000.

Midpoint estimate: $233,350

Franchise Fee

$30,000

One-time initial fee

The BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise fee is a one-time upfront payment made to the franchisor when you sign the franchise agreement. This fee grants you the right to operate under the BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS brand and is included in the total initial investment range above.

Ongoing Fees

Royalty Fee

6.0%

of gross revenue

Ad/Marketing Fund

1.5%

of gross revenue

Total Ongoing Fee Burden: 7.5% of gross revenue

Combined royalty and advertising fund contributions before any other fees.

Other Ongoing Fees

Fee Type	Rate	Type	Notes
Royalty Fee	6.0	PCT	See Notes 1 and 7.
Advertising Fund Fee	1.5	PCT	Up to 4% of Gross Sales. Currently, 1.5% of Gross Sales. See Notes 1, 2 and 7.
Ongoing Training	500.0	FIXED	Currently $500 per day plus cost of transportation, lodging and other expenses. See Note 3
Additional Assistance	500.0	FIXED	Currently $500 per day plus cost of transportation, lodging and other expenses. See Note 4 and Item 12.
Transfer Fee	N/A	VARIABLE	One-half of the then current initial franchise fee for a non-discounted first franchise; as well as any third-party broker fees that are due in connection with the proposed transfer. If you transfer your franchise to your corporation or limited liability company or partnership, we charge for our legal expenses and related costs, but no transfer fee is due.
Audit	3500.0	FIXED	Currently $3,500. Payable only if you fail to furnish reports or records or if the audit reveals you have understated your Gross Sales by more than 5%.
Interest	12.0	PCT	12% per annum or the maximum contract rate of interest permitted by governing law, whichever is less. The maximum late fee interest rate in the state of California is 10% annually.
Late Fee	100.0	FIXED	Applies to each demand for payment, non-sufficient funds checks, violation of Franchise Agreement, and the failure to provide reports and financial statements in a timely manner.
Telephone Service Cost	N/A	VARIABLE	Reimburse our costs of maintaining telephone service at the Store, if applicable. See Note 5.
Equipment, Inventory and Pretzel Mix	N/A	VARIABLE	You purchase some of your equipment and inventory from our affiliate. Gordon Food Service Inc. is an independent distributor who buys pretzel mix from our affiliate and sells it to you. See Item 8.
Sublease/Sublicense Rent	200.0	FIXED	The amount specified in the respective lease, plus $200 for a Lease Administration Fee. A security deposit in an amount that varies is due at the time of signing the Sublease. Such amounts do not apply to a Mobile Store. Except for the $200 Lease Administration Fee, the rent is passed through to the landlord.
Lease Renewal Fee	2500.0	FIXED	Currently does not exceed $2,500. See Item 11. Such amounts do not apply to a Mobile Store.
Regional Advisory Council Assessments	N/A	VARIABLE	None currently. The Regional Advisory Council would determine its own assessments.

What You Get

Financial Performance (Item 19)

Median Revenue

$218,738

per year, per location

Profitability Estimate

Estimated Owner Profit

$31,717

per year

Profit Margin

14.5%

of revenue

Estimation method: benchmark

Estimated ROI (Simple Payback): 7.4 years

Based on midpoint investment of $233,350 and estimated annual owner profit of $31,717.

Unit Growth & Failure Rate

Avg. Annual Closure Rate

1.3%

Low risk — below industry average

Net Unit Growth

-69 units

From 2022 to 2025

Unit Activity History

Year	Start	Opened	Closed	Transfers	End
2022	69	+11	—	—	77
2023	77	+4	—	—	75
2024	75	+13	-3	—	78
2025	—	—	—	—	—

Is a BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS Franchise Worth It?

Based on the FDD data, here is a data-driven snapshot of the BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS franchise opportunity:

Overall Score

73/100

Strong opportunity

Est. Payback Period

7.4 yrs

Longer payback

Risk Level

Low

1.3% annual closure rate

BEN'S SOFT PRETZELS scores well across our evaluation criteria, indicating a strong franchise system. With median unit revenue of $218,738 and a combined fee burden of 7.5% of gross revenue, prospective franchisees should model their own financial projections carefully. For a complete analysis including risk factors, deal-breaker flags, and detailed financial modeling, see the full report.