Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is teaming up with Cold Stone Creamery to expand its national footprint through co-branded locations. The brands currently have three co-branded locations in development for May, with plans to open an additional eight units by the end of 2026. This pipeline is on top of several new co-branded locations that opened earlier this year.
Recent or upcoming openings include:
• Clifton Park, N.Y.
• Columbus, Ohio
• Alamo Ranch, Texas
• Bennington, Neb.
• Bronx, N.Y.
• Lewisville, Texas
• Burleson, Texas
• Mt. Washington, Ky.
• Cabot, Ark.
• Gainesville, Va.
• Silver City, N.M.
• Scottsbluff, Neb.
• Broken Arrow, Okla.
“Bringing Wetzel’s Pretzels together with Cold Stone Creamery is a natural evolution of our brand as we continue to innovate within the franchise space,” says Eric Weigel, brand leader of Wetzel’s Pretzels. “The co-brand model allows us to deliver two highly complementary, craveable experiences under one roof while creating a more impactful and efficient opportunity for our franchisees. As we look ahead, this partnership will build on the momentum we’ve seen across recent openings and position us for accelerated growth with a robust pipeline of co-brand locations set to debut in markets nationwide.”
The co-brand model provides flexibility for Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery franchisees, featuring an adaptable buildout design that integrates seamlessly into a variety of footprints. As Wetzel’s continues to expand in non-traditional spaces, its store-within-a-store format pairs naturally with Cold Stone Creamery to maximize efficiency and enhance guest experience. The combination also strengthens daypart performance, appealing to both snack-driven and dessert-focused occasions. Together, the brand offers franchisees a proven system, advanced operations and dedicated leadership guidance, empowering operations to scale effectively and achieve long term business growth.
“This co-brand model represents a compelling opportunity for both new and existing franchisees to grow with Wetzel’s while diversifying,” says Adam Lueras, vice president of franchise sales at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “By bringing together two highly recognizable brands, we’re able to offer operators multiple revenue streams, strong daypart coverage and a storefront designed for efficiency. It’s an effective way for franchisees to scale their portfolio while tapping into the continued growth for both brands and taking advantage of the real estate benefits.”
Wetzel’s was founded in Pasadena, Calif., in 1994. Today, Wetzel’s Pretzels has grown to approximately 500 locations. For more information, visit https://www.wetzelsfranchising.com.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Cold Stone Creamery is owned by parent company Kahala Brands™, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world with a portfolio of nearly 30 fast-casual and quick-service restaurant brands with approximately 3,000 locations in 35 countries. The Cold Stone Creamery brand operates nearly 1,500 locations globally in approximately 30 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.ColdStoneCreamery.com.
SOURCE: Wetzel’s Pretzels