April 11, 2006

WETZEL’S PRETZELS “CATCH A STAR” EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE CONTEST PROMISES WINNERS A TRUE HOLLYWOOD EXPERIENCE WITH A ‘TWIST’

PASADENA, Calif. – In keeping with its tradition of innovative management and customer service, Wetzel’s Pretzels – the pretzel bakery chain renowned for its super-premium hand-rolled soft pretzels – is promoting “star-quality” customer service with “Catch a Star”, an employee incentive program that awards finalists a trip to Hollywood and screen test for a major motion picture film. Acclaimed movie producer John Davis will choose the brightest star for a walk-on role in one of his fall 2006 productions.
The first company-wide contest to focus on boosting customer service, “Catch a Star” encourages store employees to provide exceptional customer service. The program will have three phases, starting with an initial selection of nominees, each to be evaluated by secret shoppers. The 15 semi-finalists will be videotaped (as a pre-screen test), receive a $50 gift card and be featured in the company newsletter.

The company’s franchise advisory council will select the final three finalists to be flown to Los Angeles in July for a screen test with Davis (Dr. Doolittle; The Firm; Garfield; The Movie; I, Robot; Courage Under Fire). Additionally, the finalists will receive an expenses-paid Hollywood “movie-star” visit which includes a makeover, spa treatments and limo transport to FOX Studios for a screen test. Finalists will also be treated to a private dinner with Wetzel’s co-founders President Rick Wetzel and CEO Bill Phelps. The winning finalist will return to California in fall 2006 to participate in Davis’ film (not yet named).

Wetzel’s Pretzels Catch a Star Contest

“Customer service is a primary focus for 2006 and this exciting contest underscores our drive to upgrade the service we deliver our guests. We intend to ‘catch a star’ by spotlighting the team member who performs customer service in the most outstanding manner,” says Wetzel. “We are convinced that superior levels of service translate into increased sales and more satisfied repeat guests.”
To promote the contest, franchise locations bear creative in-store materials, including posters, store decorations, comment cards and employee nomination forms. Criteria for nominees includes demonstrating knowledgeable and suggestive selling, expeditious work-ethic, customer rapport and quality teamwork “Catch a Star” has been open to all Wetzel’s Pretzels franchisee employees who interact with the public and will be continuously employed from January to July.

Corporate Profile

Wetzel’s Pretzels LLC is a privately held company operating more than 250 company-owned and franchised locations throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Philippines and Puerto Rico. The brand's commitment to offering unique pretzel flavors with a “30-minute freshness guarantee” has vaulted Wetzel’s Pretzels to become the country's-second largest pretzel concept and the unparalleled leader of the ultra-premium soft pretzel category. Operating predominately in enclosed malls and other high traffic venues, Wetzel’s Pretzels competes with other “grab-n-go” snack food like ice cream, cookies, cinnamon rolls and candy.

For further information regarding Wetzel’s Pretzels, please contact Danny Craig of Morgan Marketing & Public Relations LLC at (949) 261-2216, or at: danny@mmpr.biz or visit the company’s website at: www.wetzels.com.