So you want to open a soft pretzel shop? Within this competitive industry, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. Among these is the issue of training, not just for those who will open a "pretzel chain" or store, but for those who actually make the pretzels. Lots of top pretzel shops do their training behind closed doors, in shops with papered windows and locked doors.

But the web can offer some handy resources for both of these kinds of training for pretzel store aspirations, from franchise training and opportunities to some handy background on the physical making of one of America's most popular snacks. Readers can find:

1. Lots of good franchise opportunities and details on what's involved from the sites of successful soft pretzel stores and shops or third parties.

2. Tour opportunities for taking a look at how pretzels were traditionally made.

3. More from FAQs and other web pages for more training on opening a pretzel stand or pretzel store setup.

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Find general pretzel store info

Yes, the big shops are ready to train you, if you choose to enter into one of their agreements over the franchise setup. For many who are starting out in the business, a franchise gives management a chance to hone their skills before possibly branching out into uncharted territory.

I recommend: The Auntie Anne's soft pretzel company bounded to the top of the pretzel charts just a few years ago; now Auntie Anne's is ready to train others to open more franchises of this premier mover among soft pretzel chains. Check out the info pages for opportunities. Get some different franchise opportunities from sites like "We're Rolling."

Find pretzel store tours for learning about making the pretzel

Another web resource is more toward the kind of learning that inspires and teaches an art -- the art of pretzel making. Browse the pages that lead to historic training opportunities from shops that have stood the test of time in offering the pretzel to America.

I recommend: Visit the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery in historic Lititz, PA and get inspired to roll out your own pretzel designs. Or if it's not in your area, view videos online to get some sense of historic pretzel prep.

Learn more about pretzel stores from additional sites

Other sites detail franchise agreements or other setups with handy FAQ pages or segmented info sheets where newcomers can get down to the brass tacks of what they will need to get a business up and running in their area.

I recommend: Take a look at the info pages at Mr. Pretzels for determining what kind of setup is involved in getting franchise training from this source. Get more pretzel store franchise info at FranchiseWorks online (registration may be required).

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• •  With this kind of pretzel chains education and training in hand, you're all ready to enter into your own successful business -- just about. Some other elements need attention as well -- the capital, for one thing. Another big issue is local ordinance and getting clearance from local government for your business operations. Find good counsel and work together to figure out all of these issues.

Pretzel chains are great restaurants for customers to eat at since they solve an immediate problem of eating something quick and filling. You can start a pretzel store in a suburban strip mall, inside a shopping mall, inside an airport or in the middle of a quaint town.

It may be tempting to open your own pretzel shop without any connections to the big-name pretzel empires. While you may have more freedom with your own brand, working with established franchises allows you more security as well as a recognizable store name. When deciding upon pretzel chains, remember to:

1. Choose the pretzel shop franchise that best suits your needs.

2. Locate the perfect spot to open your pretzel store.

3. Secure dough and financial information for your soft pretzel company.

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Select the pretzel business chain you wish to open

No matter where you decide to open your pretzel chain, what should draw people to your store is the name. If you choose a recognizable name that people associate with quality, affordable, delicious pretzels, you should do well with your business. Pour through franchise information to find one that's perfectly suited to your needs.

I recommend: Check with the Franchise 500 of Entrepreneur.com, Inc. to find names of pretzel chains of which you may want to own a piece. If you're looking to open a pretzel business domestically or nationally, Auntie Anne's can provide an ample opportunity. Open for business since 1989, the company lists areas where it's currently seeking franchising locations. Introduced to the public in 1994, Mr. Pretzels takes pride in its specialty Dutch pretzel recipe. The chain has locations in the United States and around the world. Philly's Own Soft Pretzel Bakery is another option, allowing you to apply straight from its website. Even though the name says Philadelphia, they're looking for people to open stores all over the country.

Find an ideal location to open your pretzel business

Scope out the areas you wish to open your new pretzel store. It could be at a previous pretzel business location or at a previous restaurant location, or it could be merely an open storefront. Certain pretzel chains have information on-hand about purchasing existing stores; all you need to do is contact the correct person.

I recommend: Head over to RestaurantFranchise.com, LLC and find its list of restaurant and pretzel chain opportunities listed by state. Franchise Gator compiles a list of pretzel franchises for sale. Links on its site redirect you to the pretzel chain's site, as well as provide information about liquid capital required, net worth required and total capital to invest.

Raise the dough you need to open your pretzel store

Initial pretzel chain start-up costs vary, depending on what 'ingredients' you need to purchase and mix together for your pretzel stand. Most chains require you to finance funds of at least $100,000 domestically. Keep in mind that most of the money you need up-front is due to start-up fees and other money to get the business going.

I recommend: Determine what you'll need to open a Wetzel's Pretzels franchise by viewing the financial requirements, as well as initial costs, to open one of its pretzel chains. Visit World Franchising Network to see the financial requirements, including the cash investment needed and the initial franchise fee, for Pretzel Time.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The amount of money you can make selling pretzels varies on several factors. Location, demographics, purchasing pretzel equipment and their operating costs and how many people buy pretzels from your branch are just some of the factors you need to take into account.

Pretzel chains supplies and equipment are one of the many costs involved in starting a soft pretzel company. Pretzel chains will require you to finance funds from around $100,000 dollars to over $380,00 dollars, depending on the size of the operation. These funds cover franchise fees, royalties, advertising and training. In addition, you will also have to budget for supplies and equipment for a new pretzel stand.

The majority of pretzel chains are operated in kiosks. What will be needed to outfit the kiosk for making and serving soft pretzels? One of the most recognizable supplies used in a pretzel shop is the pretzel humidifier and display case. Pretzel humidifiers keep pretzels fresh and moist while displaying the pretzels in an attractive manner. Additional equipment includes an oven, microwave, cleaning supplies and carryout bags.

1. Find a pretzel humidifier and/or display case that fits the needs of your pretzel shop.

2. Locate additional equipment, such as ovens, microwaves, coolers and toasters.

3. Be sure to purchase food bags or carryout trays, napkins, beverage machines and other needed pretzel stand supplies.

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Choose the right type of pretzel humidifier and display case used in soft pretzel stores

Pretzel humidifiers keep soft pretzels warm and moist while exhibiting the pretzels to the public in an appealing manner. Display cases can be purchased separately without a humidifier, but then you run the risk that the pretzels will dry out. Warmers can also be combined with ovens, or have double doors and lighted signs. Revolving display cases are another option.

I recommend: My Popcorn Machine has a variety of pretzel humidifiers and display cases. Galasource Ventures sells pretzel warmers with two- or three-tiered racks and infrared lighting to entice customers.

Acquire basic pretzel equipment, like ovens, microwaves and toasters

An oven for baking pretzels and a microwave to soften them are essential for pretzel shops. Pretzel stores also use toasters to give pretzels a crisp texture before placing them in the warmer where they will take on a more doughy consistency. You may also need to purchase freezers, mixers and coolers.

I recommend: Jarco Industries sells pretzel making equipment, including ovens. Jarco gives detailed information regarding pretzel equipment and explains how to make a soft pretzel using a microwave, toaster and warmer. BizBuySell exhibits a pretzel company for sale that includes the cost, facilities and description of the equipment.

Consider the supplies necessary to operate a pretzel company day to day

Paper products and condiment dispensers may not be the first pieces of pretzel chain equipment you consider, but these items are vital to the day-to-day operation of a pretzel shop. Will you need a beverage or coffee machine? Most pretzel stores sell some type of beverage. Another important consideration is crowd control in front of your shop or kiosk. Belts, posts, signs and stanchions are important to help direct and guide pedestrian traffic.

I recommend: KegWorks sells disposable paper products, utensils, condiment dispensers, beverage machines and many more needed pretzel business supplies. CrowdControlExperts.com distributes stanchions, retractable belts, posts, ropes, chains and signs.

Pretzel chain stores are a big part of the American mall and sporting venue scene. Whether soft, salted, or dessert, pretzels make a for a quick snack at the ball park or while strolling through a favorite department store. Take the time to learn some terms associated with pretzel chain stores so that you'll understand how to negotiate a favorable contract to get your location up and running. Here are some of those terms along with some resourceful links to help get you started.

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Franchise partner

A franchise partner, in terms of pretzel chains, refers to an individual that has entered into a contract with a parent company to open a satellite store selling the products of that company. Franchise partners will pay royalties and advertising fees on the sales of their products as part of the partnership.

I recommend: Go to the website for Wetzel's Pretzels for more information on what being a franchise partner entails. Wetzel's Pretzels has franchise partners throughout the United States.

Support services

Support services refer to the services that are offered by the corporate entity of the chain to the franchisee. For a pretzel chain, these services usually include things like training, advertising guidance, manuals and more.

I recommend: Go to the website for The Pretzel Boy's for additional information on the support services often offered by a pretzel chain. The Pretzel Boys are a national chain in the United States.

Kiosk

A kiosk, in terms of pretzel chains, refers to a small booth that takes up a minimal amount of space in the middle of a mall, sports venue or other public location. The kiosks have utility hook-ups and are designed utilizing branding and logos for the pretzel chain company. Kiosks offer an alternative to operating a full scale pretzel chain shop.

I recommend: Visit the website for Auntie Anne's for more information on a pretzel kiosk. Auntie Anne's is a national pretzel chain.

Pretzel dips

Pretzel dips refer to various sauces that accompany pretzels when they are purchased at a retail location. Sauces such as tomato, cheese, and barbecue are meant to accompany and enhance the flavor of the pretzel product.

I recommend: Go to the website for Pretzel Twister for an example of various pretzel dips that are offered at pretzel chains. Pretzel Twister owns and operates stores throughout the country.

Pretzel party tray

A pretzel party tray refers to a large tray of bite sized pretzels that are perfect for a large gathering. The pretzel bites may or may not be filled with meats, cheeses and sausages. The party tray may also be accompanies by dipping sauces to complement the pretzel bites.

I recommend: Check out the website for Philly Soft Pretzel Factory for examples of the many varieties of pretzel party trays offered by pretzel chain stores.

Pizza pretzels

Pizza pretzels refer to a pretzel product that incorporates a pretzel crust with tomato sauce and cheese. Other toppings like pepperoni and sausage may be included. Pretzel chains carry these items as a meal-based product.

I recommend: Visit the website for We're Rolling for additional information pizza pretzels and other types of pretzels commonly found in pretzel chains.