PHOENIX — The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Sai Hossain, owner of more than 40 Wetzel’s Pretzels locations throughout Southern California, as one of the 2023 Franchisees of the Year. 

Hossain’s entrepreneurial journey with Wetzel’s traces back to 2004 when he quickly inked a franchise deal after seeing the profitability and efficiency of a bakery inside his local mall. No stranger to franchising, Hossain had previously owned and operated three Dairy Queen locations and three Stone Oven restaurants before embracing Wetzel’s. His remarkable transition from humble beginnings to a thriving entrepreneur exemplifies the modern American dream.

Currently, Hossain owns an impressive 42 Wetzel’s locations, all strategically positioned throughout California. Notably, six of his establishments are housed within Walmart stores, making him one of the pioneering franchisees to explore this unique format. Hossain is set to expand his portfolio with two additional locations this year. 

Hossain was honored at the 64th IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, for being an outstanding owner-operator franchise establishment.

“Sai represents the dedicated individuals we have in our franchise system, and we are incredibly proud to honor him for this great accomplishment,” said Jon Fischer, Head of Development at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “Over the last decade, Sai has played a pivotal role in the strategic expansion of the brand. We look forward to working alongside him throughout his future endeavors with Wetzel’s.”

A key factor in Hossain’s success with Wetzel’s lies in the brand’s ability to facilitate a 30-second impulse buy. Recognizing that Wetzel’s has a quick-service model, Hossain emphasizes the importance of visual appeal in drawing customers. Fresh and enticing products, coupled with excellent customer service, form the foundation of his strategy to encourage repeat business.

“I am truly honored to be named Franchisee of the Year from such an established organization within the industry,” said Hossain. “I look forward to continuing to grow alongside the brand and strengthen my relationships with my local community.”

The Franchisee of the Year Award recognizes leading franchise owners from IFA member brands whose outstanding performance and contributions help protect, enhance, and promote the franchise business model. Nominated by their parent company, individuals are selected for their involvement in their communities, embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a strong and healthy culture with their workforce, and assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon. 

“Franchisees of the Year exemplify what franchising is all about – providing opportunity, serving others, and fulfilling the American Dream,” said Matthew Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “We are proud to recognize Sai with the highest honor IFA awards to individual franchisees, and I have no doubt his work is changing lives and making a lasting community impact.”

For additional information about the Wetzel’s franchise opportunity, visit https://www.wetzelsfranchising.com

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 806,270 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.7 million direct jobs, $858.5 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.

About Wetzel’s Pretzels 

Providing a fun, fresh take on soft pretzels, Wetzel’s Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. Drawing fans to its mouth-watering, portable snacks that are hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven, word quickly spread about the delicious West Coast brand. Today, Wetzel’s Pretzels has grown to over 400 bakeries and continues to cultivate fanatics around the world with its SoCal vibes and “gram-worthy” snacks. Its cult-like following includes famous fans like Ben Affleck, Billie Eilish, Jimmy Kimmel, Kim Kardashian, and Meghan Trainor. As the nation’s leading pretzel chain, the franchise has received numerous accolades, most recently being named to Franchise Business Review’s 2023 Top Food Franchises and Entrepreneur’s Top 50 Franchise Companies Doing the Most to Champion Diversity lists. Wetzel’s recently opened a wildly popular new streetside concept, Twisted by Wetzel’s, which provides a twist on the iconic brand with an innovative menu and engaging store design.

Search