Steve Leibsohn of Wetzel’s Pretzels Awarded 2022 Franchisee of the Year by International Franchise Association

LAS VEGAS, March 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Worldwide Franchise Association (IFA) named Steve Leibsohn, a multi-device Wetzel’s Pretzels (Wetzel’s) proprietor, as a 2022 Franchisee of the Yr. Leibsohn, who operates about 35 bakeries throughout Arizona, was honored at the 63rd IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

Steven Leibsohn - International Franchise Association's Franchisee of the Year

Steven Leibsohn – Intercontinental Franchise Association’s Franchisee of the Yr

Leibsohn has been a devoted Wetzel’s Pretzels franchisee and model ambassador for above 25 decades, expanding his pretzel footprint throughout the Grand Canyon Point out 1 deliciously sweet and salty bakery at a time. Considering that 1998, Leibsohn has been serving up handheld pleasure to Arizonans across a myriad of Wetzel’s flexible formats, including malls, Walmarts, stadiums and meals vehicles. Leibsohn begun his Wetzel’s story with his very first bakery in Scottsdale Vogue Sq. Shopping mall and was immediately profitable from day just one. Recognizing the remarkable desire, simple functions and snack field top AUVs, he speedily expanded throughout the desert. Now, with more than 35 places and counting, Leibsohn and Wetzel’s are synonymous with purchasing journeys and are a staple all through functions at Chase Area and The Talking Stick Vacation resort Arena.

“Steve has generally been an unbelievable group player, with an entrepreneurial spirit that channels the formidable nature of the Wetzel’s Pretzels brand,” explained Jennifer Schuler, CEO of Wetzel’s Pretzels. “As a valued spouse for decades, his dependable advancement across a various variety of shop formats speaks volumes of his commitment to the manufacturer. We are very pleased of his several accomplishments and the influence he’s made in each his regional group and the bigger franchise community.”

Leibsohn has usually generously invested his time and resources to support deserving triggers and aspiring entrepreneurs. As a dedicated philanthropist, group involvement will come next mother nature to Steve, who spearheaded a partnership with No Child Hungry. Thanks to his perseverance to this charity alone, Wetzel’s Pretzels was ready to donate more than $100,000 to fight childhood starvation. Steve also mentors new franchisees, helping to create the future technology of leaders.

“Joining the Wetzel’s spouse and children over 25 yrs back was the ideal choice I at any time manufactured,” claimed Leibsohn. “When you discover a franchisor you have faith in, a brand name you think in and a solution that attendees can not get sufficient of, ‘work,’ feels a lot more like entertaining. I am humbled to be acknowledged by the IFA and seem ahead to ongoing progress in the cafe marketplace.”

The Franchisee of the Calendar year Award recognizes primary franchise entrepreneurs whose exceptional functionality and contributions enable safeguard, increase and boost the franchise company product. Recipients are chosen for their service to their communities, fostering a strong and vivid workforce, opening the doorways for occupation advancement and entrepreneurship, and supporting their fellow franchisees.

“This is the highest honor we bestow on unique entrepreneurs, with its recipients symbolizing the very most effective in franchising,” reported Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the Worldwide Franchise Affiliation. “We are very pleased to rejoice nearby organization proprietors like Steve Leibsohn who exemplify the energy of franchising and its positive contributions to communities close to the globe.”

For more facts about the Wetzel’s franchise option, go to wetzelsfranchising.com.

About Wetzel’s Pretzels

Supplying a enjoyment, new consider on comfortable pretzels, Wetzel’s Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Invoice Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. Drawing supporters to its mouthwatering, transportable snacks that are hand-rolled, baked contemporary and served warm from the oven, term rapidly unfold about the delightful West Coastline model. Now, Wetzel’s Pretzels has grown to extra than 370 bakeries, like premier destinations like Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort, Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland® Vacation resort and Common CityWalk™, continuing to cultivate fanatics all around the environment with its SoCal vibes and “gram-worthy” snacks. Its cult-like subsequent features renowned enthusiasts like Ben Affleck, Billie Eilish, Jimmy Kimmel, Kim Kardashian and Meghan Trainor. As the nation’s leading pretzel chain, the franchise was recently currently being named to Franchise Company Review’s 2023 Best Food stuff Franchises list and involved on Entrepreneur’s Major 50 Franchise Firms Carrying out the Most to Winner Diversity list for its Access to Fairness Method, which can make franchise possession a lot more available for women and ethic minorities. Jennifer Schuler, the brand’s to start with feminine CEO, was also recognized by Nation’s Restaurant Information as one of the “Most Influential CEOs in the Restaurant Marketplace” and Kim Freer was named to Entrepreneur’s Prime 50 Franchise CMO Gamechangers listing.

About the Intercontinental Franchise Association

Celebrating above 60 years of excellence, schooling, and advocacy, the Worldwide Franchise Affiliation (IFA) is the world’s oldest and biggest business symbolizing franchising throughout the world. IFA operates by means of its govt relations and public plan, media relations, and instructional programs to guard, boost and promote franchising and the approximately 790,492 franchise establishments that guidance almost 8.4 million direct work opportunities, $825.4 billion of financial output for the U.S. economic climate, and pretty much 3 {194d821e0dc8d10be69d2d4a52551aeafc2dee4011c6c9faa8f16ae7103581f6} of the Gross Domestic Merchandise (GDP). IFA customers incorporate franchise providers in above 300 distinctive business enterprise format types, particular person franchisees, and companies that support the marketplace in advertising and marketing, law, engineering, and business advancement.

Wetzel's Pretzels logo (PRNewsfoto/Wetzel’s Pretzels)

Wetzel’s Pretzels brand (PRNewsfoto/Wetzel’s Pretzels)

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