Food & Beverage
Wetzel's Pretzels franchisee takes brand to Georgia
Wetzel's Pretzels has expanded into Georgia through a franchisee. Here's how they are delivering pretzels to Augusta and the wider area.
September 16, 2024 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator
Wetzel's Pretzels has made waves with their major push for food trucks. With currently more than 370 physical locations in the U.S., Canada and Central America, the chain now has 21 food trucks throughout the U.S. These trucks have all the same bakery equipment within to deliver a variety of pretzels for customers including jalapeno and cinnamon sugar.
One of the most recent food trucks to come onto the scene was one in Augusta, Georgia. Troy and Nancy Akers became franchisees of Wetzel's Pretzels after operating a national cookie store. Today, they are on the road, delivering the pretzels throughout Augusta and the wider area.
To learn more about this franchisee along with the unique challenges and opportunities of being a food truck franchisee, Food Truck Operator spoke to Troy and Nancy Akers in an email interview.
Q: How did you first learn about Wetzel's Pretzels?
Nancy and Troy Akers:We love going to Disney World and first had Wetzel's Pretzels at Disney Springs near the World of Disney store. Every trip we made to the Orlando area had to include a stop by Wetzel's and during our last trip, we decided to contact Wetzel's and see if we could bring these amazing pretzels to the Augusta area. We're very proud to be franchisees of this amazing company.
Q: What's your background in food service?
Nancy and Troy Akers: Our family has previously owned and operated a very successful national cookie franchise. We also currently own and operate a full-service restaurant and bar as part of an indoor pickleball complex we just opened.
Q: What attracted you to Wetzel's Pretzels?
Nancy and Troy Akers: There's really no better snack item than a pretzel. Guests who like salty and savory snacks can have their cravings met at the same time as those who like sweet snacks. Add the best lemonade and granitas and you can't ask for a better product line to serve the community with.
Q: What was one thing that surprised you about the food truck business?
Nancy and Troy Akers: We knew a food truck would present some unique challenges, but we underestimated the amount of planning required to operate a bakery on wheels. It also surprised us how many different events customers wanted us to attend. From birthdays to bridal showers and everything in between, it's an honor that customers want to have Wetzel's be a part of their celebrations.
Q: What food does Wetzel's Pretzels serve?
Nancy and Troy Akers: Wetzel's Pretzels has a robust menu that includes soft baked pretzels that can be served with butter and salt or for those who like sweet snacks, cinnamon sugar, and almond crunch. We also have pretzel bits for those who want bite-sized snacks and savory options including dog bites, which are miniature hot dogs wrapped in [regular] pretzels or pizza pretzels, which you can get with or without jalapenos. Don't forget the drinks! We have both regular and strawberry lemonade, frozen lemonade and granitas which are frozen drinks in flavors like blue raspberry and strawberry kiwi.
Q: How does the franchise support you as a franchisee?
Nancy and Troy Akers: Wetzel's Pretzels has provided amazing support which makes us honored to partner with them. Starting with two weeks of in-person training at their headquarters in California, to the ongoing support they provide on a daily basis, Wetzel's Pretzels has provided all the tools we need to be successful.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
Nancy and Troy Akers: We're honored to be part of the Wetzel's Pretzels family and excited to bring these amazing pretzels to the Augusta area. We look forward to growing the brand to multiple locations in the Augusta area and throughout the Southeast.
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