News

Innovation, initiative mark top Wetzel's Pretzels franchisees

December 6, 2016

Initiative, creativity and generosity are traits of this year's winners of franchisee awards at Wetzel’s Pretzels, according to a news release.

For example,  Franchisee of the Year Steve Liebsohn has been credited for playing an instrumental role in raising brand recognition and sales with the expansion of Wetzel's into professional sports arenas. Liebsohn has helped land the chain in Talking Stick Resort Arena, home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns; Gila River Arena, home to the NHL's Arizona Coyotes; and Chase Field, home of MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks.

Other awards went to the Innovators of the Year, Chuck and Martha Garcera, who helped create Pizza Bitz, one of the most successful product launches in the history of the brand.

The award for Multi-unit Operator of the Year went to Sai Hossain, who operates  36 locations across California and makes frequent charitable donations locally and in his native country of Bangladesh. 

"In recent years, we’ve focused our growth with multi-unit operators and we are seeing results in store growth, innovative new product ideas, and exciting real estate opportunities like professional sport stadiums," Wetzel's Pretzels co-founder and CEO Bill Phelps, said in the news release. "Our goal is to continue to support the initiatives of these great multi-unit operators and work with more like them to open in new territories across the United States."