Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery Announce Co-Brand Opening in New York

Arshad Khwaja will spearhead the co-brand Bronx location. Khwaja has been with Cold Stone Creamery for over a decade and currently operates seven locations across New York and Maryland. His portfolio includes multiple stores.

“Being able to open my first co-brand location is a great next step in my career, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the Bronx community,” said Khwaja. “One of the main reasons I wanted to pursue the co-brand model is that it gives guests more variety options at the location. I can’t wait to see everyone being able to enjoy sweet and salty treats under one roof.”

The co-brand model provides flexibility for Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery franchisees, featuring an adaptable buildout design that integrates into a variety of footprints. As Wetzel’s operates in non-traditional spaces, its store-within-a-store format pairs with Cold Stone Creamery to maximize efficiency and enhance guest experience. The arrangement supports daypart performance for both snack-driven and dessert-focused occasions. Together, the entities offer franchisees a proven system, operational guidance, and support to scale over time.

“We’re thrilled to bring a co-brand location to the Bronx, and work alongside Arshad’s expertise as we continue to grow on the East Coast,” said Eric Weigel, Brand Leader of Wetzel’s Pretzels. “The co-brand model offers an impactful and efficient opportunity for our franchisees by bringing both brands under one roof. We’re looking forward to supporting Arshad and continue expanding co-brand locations nationwide.”

Wetzel’s Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. The brand offers pretzels that are hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven. The franchise has grown to approximately 500 locations and has received recognition on several industry lists, including Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Franchise Business Review’s rankings.