Pretzelmaker is a chain of independently owned and operated franchised stores that specialize in hand-rolled pretzels, smoothies and cold beverages.

Charles L. Smith was the founding president of Pretzelmaker, Corporation with Bruce W. Stratford, Legal Council and CFO.

The brand quickly grew to more than 100 franchises sold, with 40 stores operating by 1995 when it was bought by a group of investors that helped make Pretzelmaker a mall mainstay, particularly in the West Coast.

[1] Don Cox, Marc Geman, Tony Joseph and Dale Fowler bought the company in 1995 with a small group of investors.

On June 28, 2021, Global Franchise Group announced that it would be acquired by FAT Brands, owners of Fatburger and Johnny Rockets.