Ben’s Seeks ‘World Pretzel Domination’

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Already one of the nation’s fastest growing pretzel franchises, Goshen-based Ben’s Soft Pretzels has its sights set on central Indiana as its next target. The pretzel maker, which launched in Elkhart’s Concord Mall in 2008, has grown to 84 franchise locations in eight states and wants to open 25 stores in central Indiana over the next five years. "It’s the evolution of the soft pretzel," said co-founder Scott Jones, emphasizing his product is not like traditional East Coast pretzels. "It’s very big, almost twice the size of our competitors’, plus it’s topped with imported German pretzel salt," said Jones, in in an interview on Inside INdiana Business Television.

Jones says the company’s sports and university business is a growth engine and includes a recent partnership with the Indiana Pacers.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels will open its 85th location soon in Southport and expects real estate deals with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) and Meijer, Inc. to accelerate growth, which Jones is confident can get the company to 1,000 franchise locations and beyond. "There are plenty of real estate opportunities and people are continuing to snack, especially in the salty area, which is where we fall," said Jones.

Watch the full interview: