Wetzel’s Pretzels vs The Original Hot Chicken
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Wetzel’s Pretzels and The Original Hot Chicken are quick-service restaurants franchises. Wetzel’s Pretzels requires an investment of $189K – $725K while The Original Hot Chicken requires $215K – $698K. In terms of revenue, Wetzel’s Pretzels reports higher average unit revenue at $813K. Wetzel’s Pretzels has SBA lending data on file with a 4.9% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Wetzel’s Pretzels A (Top Quintile) and The Original Hot Chicken D (Below Average).
| Metric | Wetzel’s Pretzels | The Original Hot Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | ATop QuintileTop Quintile | DBelow AverageBelow Average |
| Investment Range | $189K – $725K | $215K – $698K |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $25K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $813K | $23K |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 4.9% (87 loans) | N/A |
| Total Units | 458 | 1 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1996 | 2023 |
| FDD Year | 2026 | 2023 |
Investment Range
$189K – $725K
$215K – $698K
Franchise Fee
$40K
$25K
Royalty Rate
7.0%
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$813K
$23K
SBA Charge-Off Rate
4.9% (87 loans)
N/A
Total Units
458
1
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1996
2023
FDD Year
2026
2023