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June, 2004
NEWS UPDATE
June 2004
Wetzel’s Pretzels University Opens in Pasadena
When
Wetzel's Pretzels moved its headquarters to Hugus Alley in Old Town
Pasadena last July, the new building had enough space to open Wetzel's
Pretzels University. The University is a fully operating store which
allows franchise candidates from around the world to get hands-on experience
within the corporate headquarters. In the past six months, trainees
from the Philippines, Korea and Mexico have participated in the new
program, as well as franchisees from across the U.S.
The instruction includes videos, classroom work and
in-store training. One of the most fun elements of Wetzel’s Pretzels
University is the afternoon mock store program. Tenants from the shops
around Old Town Pasadena are invited to be the company’s guests
for a free pretzel and drink; they pay with Wetzel Bucks which are provided
at no cost. The lines are often out the door and the volume is brisk
for four to five hours. The tenants love the program and the trainees
get hands-on experience in a fast paced, yet controlled environment.
Franchisees who pass the two week training program are given diplomas
from the founders of Wetzel's Pretzels, Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel.
Phelps says, “It’s one of the best things we have ever done;
the new franchisees go away with a much better feeling about the company
and we know they are well trained to run successful stores in our system.”
New Store Openings
Wetzel's Pretzels is growing faster than ever, with new stores opening
across the U.S. and throughout the world. Internationally, new stores
are opening in locations from Monterey, Mexico to Whitford City in Western
Australia. The first of 15 stores in the Philippines will open in June.
Domestically, Wetzel's Pretzels is opening stores
at a faster rate than at any time in its history. One high profile location
is at the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida, scheduled to open
in September. Wetzel's Pretzels is also opening a number of co-branded
stores with brands such as Haagen-Dazs, Nestle Tollhouse Cookies, Ben
& Jerry’s and Cold Stone Creamery.
New Products
Wetzel's Pretzels continues to lead the pretzel category in product
innovation with items such as the Pepperoni Twist, Jalapeno Cheesemelt
and Wild Cherry Lemonade.
Media Contact
Julie Reed • Morgan Marketing & Public Relations • (949)
261-2216 • julie@mmpr.biz
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