Pretzel bakery chain Wetzel’s Pretzels has announced that it has launched a military veteran’s franchise program, which offers qualified individuals the opportunity to purchase a Wetzel’s franchise at a significant discount.

Titled “From Force to Franchise”, the initiative is a way for Wetzel’s to say thank you to military veterans for their service to our nation, while also providing a platform for veterans to advance their personal and professional goals.

“We have so much gratitude for what veterans have done for our country and for several months we’ve been working on a thoughtful program to enable veterans to pursue business ownership. A key to the program’s development has been the involvement of military veterans already in our company,” says Jennifer Schuler, chief executive officer at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “From Force to Franchise should spark individuals with military backgrounds to consider entrepreneurship with Wetzel’s. We hope the program will not only acknowledge those that have given so much to our country but also create an on-ramp to a post-military career.”

From Force to Franchise provides qualified veterans with a discount of $10,000 on the initial Wetzel’s franchise fee for traditional mall and shopping center locations. Additionally, Wetzel’s is providing veterans a discount of $5,000 on the initial franchise fee for non-traditional locations with an initial franchise fee between $15,000 and $20,000. Wetzel’s flexible operating models include several non-traditional venue opportunities, from kiosks at family entertainment venues to sporting arenas, airports and tourist destinations.

“Because of my military experience, I have several transferable skills that apply to running Wetzel’s locations,” says Tyler Dutton, a General Manager at Wetzel’s Pretzels, who spent eight years in the US military prior to his leadership role with the company. “I’m proud to be part of a company that wants to support veterans with a franchise fee discount that will give them a running start in their business. The financial support this provides, plus all of the training and ongoing guidance, are very attractive to veterans. Plus, Wetzel’s is such a great brand, making franchising with it an opportunity that is hard to pass up.”