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- Founded in 1988
- Franchising Since 1989
- 1156 US Franchises
- $149,625 - $624,800 Investment Range
- $768,870 Average Gross Revenue
- 7% Royalty Fee
- $35,500 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Auntie Anne's franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Auntie Anne's is a good match for you.
Auntie Anne's has been delighting customers with hand-rolled, freshly baked pretzels since 1988, establishing itself as the undisputed leader in the premium soft pretzel industry. With over 1,100 locations across the United States, this beloved brand has become a mall and shopping center staple, known for creating irresistible moments of pretzel perfection.
At the heart of Auntie Anne's success is their commitment to quality and consistency. Each pretzel is crafted using a proprietary dough recipe and hand-rolled in front of customers, ensuring a fresh, hot-from-the-oven experience with every visit. Their menu features both classic offerings like the Original Pretzel and innovative variations such as Cinnamon Sugar, Pepperoni, and their famous Pretzel Dogs, all complemented by signature dipping sauces and their refreshing fresh-squeezed lemonade.
What sets Auntie Anne's apart is their exceptional customer service culture and strong brand loyalty program. Their mobile app rewards frequent customers with free pretzels and exclusive deals, while their stores maintain high standards of cleanliness and efficiency even during peak hours. The brand has successfully adapted to modern consumer preferences, offering catering services and implementing digital ordering solutions for added convenience.
As a franchise opportunity, Auntie Anne's combines a proven business model with strong brand recognition and ongoing operational support. Their locations benefit from high foot traffic in premium retail spaces, and their products maintain broad appeal across various demographics, from shopping families to busy professionals seeking a quick, satisfying snack.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Auntie Anne's?
- Franchise Fee
- $35,500
- Investment Range
- $149,625 - $624,800
- Investment Midpoint
- $387,213
- Minimum Cash Required
- $149,625
- Royalty Fees
- 7%
- Brand Fund
- 3%
With 1,167 units and 36 years of operation since 1988, Auntie Anne's demonstrates substantial system maturity and proven scalability. The extensive unit count indicates strong franchisor infrastructure and operational systems, while the brand maintains a significant nationwide presence. The bakery segment benefits from consistent consumer demand for convenient snack options, with soft pretzels offering strong impulse purchase appeal in high-traffic locations like malls and airports.
Ideal investors should possess liquid capital sufficient to cover the investment range plus working capital reserves, with retail or food service experience beneficial. The business model suits operators comfortable with high-volume, quick-service environments. Prospective franchisees must thoroughly review the FDD and conduct comprehensive due diligence to understand the revenue performance gap compared to subsector averages and its implications for their specific market and operational goals.
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See the Revenue Potential!
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Auntie Anne's. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise's overall performance metrics across locations indicates potential operational consistency challenges that warrant attention from prospective franchisees. However, individual location success stories, such as strong performance in select Michigan venues, demonstrate that excellent results are achievable with proper execution.
Ideal locations typically include high-foot-traffic venues such as shopping malls, airports, and transportation hubs, where impulse purchases and brand familiarity drive sales. The Northeast concentration suggests successful adaptation to urban and suburban markets with higher disposable income and dense population centers.
Expansion opportunities exist in numerous underserved states, with promising markets in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions. Prospective franchisees should focus on locations with steady foot traffic, proximity to complementary retailers, and demographics aligned with quick-service pretzel consumption patterns. Key success factors include visibility, accessibility, and presence in climate-controlled environments that support year-round sales.
Access the detailed territory map to find prime locations and see where this franchise operates. This information is vital for understanding your market potential and exclusivity rights.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Auntie Anne's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Auntie Anne's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Auntie Anne's. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Auntie Anne's's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Auntie Anne's's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 1988
- Franchising Since 1989
- 1156 US Franchises
- $149,625 - $624,800 Investment Range
- $768,870 Average Gross Revenue
- 7% Royalty Fee
- $35,500 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Auntie Anne's franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Auntie Anne's is a good match for you.
