News

Two portable food chains take their shows on the road

June 9, 2016

Food portability is one trend that's expected to grow greatly in the restaurant sector in coming years, as the pace of life shows no signs of slowing down, particularly in the U.S. That may be part of the reason at least two chains who specialize in highly portable food, like pretzels and hot dogs, are in the midst of big expansion plans. 
Wetzel’s Pretzels, for instance, is not only reporting some impressive same-store sales growth this year, but also planning to capitalize on even more growth, as representatives of the company announced this week that the chain is moving into two ultra-high-traffic locations. The soft pretzel specialty restaurant will take up residence soon at the core of the Big Apple and amidst that shopaholic paradise, Mall of America in Minnesota. 

• In New York City, Wetzel’s Fulton Center concourse-level location is very near a direct connection with the Freedom Tower, via a newly-designed underground passage that lets more than 300,000 people pass through the center daily.
• At Mall of America, the chain’s new location on level 1 near Nickelodeon Universe will surely attract lots of big and little hands in search of something portable to eat. 

"Fulton Center and the Mall of America are two of the most well-trafficked retail and transit locations in the country," said Wetzel's co-founder and CEO Bill Phelps. "As Wetzel's continues its nationwide expansion — and building on a strong Q1 same store sales increase of 7.4 percent — we’re continuing to select the best real estate for our franchise partners to extend the brand's awareness and growth."
The 22-year-old chain has more than 300 locations worldwide. 
70-year-old brand blazes new territory 
Last week, Hot Dog on a Stick announced it would be working with Global Franchise Group to bring that chain's carry-on consumables to nine new locations in the South and West.  
"It’s a concept that appeals to a wide variety of demographics," said Global Franchise Group Chief Development Officer Tim Linderman. "It works well in both mall and off-mall locations and the brand has a reputation for exceptional customer service. Interest in Hot Dog on a Stick franchising is at an all-time high and even more stores will open across the country in the next year. We're on a roll, or I guess I should say 'a stick.'"

The 70-year-old brand, borne out of Southern California, will soon open locations in:

• Las Vegas, Nevada;
• San Jose and Roseville, California;
• Houston, Beaumont and Katy, Texas;
• Sandy, Utah;
• Atlanta, Georgia; and
• Las Cruses, New Mexico