Pretzelmaker logo

 
Pretzel Time logo

Pretzelmaker and Pretzel Time are chains of independently owned and operated franchised stores that specialize in hand-rolled pretzels, smoothies and cold beverages. It is a franchise brand in the portfolio of NexCen Brands Inc. Along with sister brand Pretzel Time, there are more than 325 U.S. stores operating in 33 states and 50 international stores in Canada, Guam, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, Jordan and Guatemala.

History
Pretzel Maker was originally named Pretzelvania by founder Jeffrey Trip in 1991. The name of the company was changed to Pretzelmaker for nationwide franchising purposes. Charles L. Smith was the founding President of Pretzelmaker, Corporation with Bruce W. Stratford, Legal Council and CFO. The brand was quickly franchised and had grown to more than 100 franchises sold, with 40 stores operating by 1995 when it was bought by a group of investors that helped make Pretzelmaker a mall mainstay, particularly in the West Coast.

The first Pretzel Time store opened in Trumbull, Connecticut. The company was originally incorporated as Mr. Pretzel Inc. in 1991, but quickly changed its name to Pretzel Time by the time it became a popularly franchised mall-based store in the Northeast.

In 1998, Pretzelmaker was bought by Mrs. Fields Famous Brands. Later the Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker brands were sold to NexCen in 2007 for a combined transaction total of $29.7 million. The chain acquired the now-defunct Hot Sam in 2005.

Products
Pretzelmaker line of pretzels includes 10 flavors such as Parmesan, Ranch, Garlic, Cinnamon Sugar, and its Original pretzel topped with salt and butter. In addition, a variety of dipping sauces, from Caramel to Nacho Cheese, are also offered. Drinks include fresh-squeezed lemonade and Breezers, Pretzel Time’s signature line of fruit smoothies.

To augment visibility of all their menu items, Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker launched their Combo Crazy campaign in 2008, which offered customers a chance to win prizes through purchasing combos that could include pretzels, dipping sauce, and a soft drink.