---
title: "Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery to Open Co-Branded Locations"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/86ba2003-5a49-47f1-97bb-1893afc5c305
source: "QSR Magazine"
original_url: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/wetzels-pretzels-and-cold-stone-creamery-to-open-co-branded-locations/
author: "Ben Coley"
category: "Snacks & dessert"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Snacks & dessert"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-05-13T19:39:22.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T13:18:24.068Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561758033-d89a9ad46330?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery to Open Co-Branded Locations

**TL;DR:** Wetzel's Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery are opening co-branded locations, with eight more units planned through 2026, as part of the Kahala Brands portfolio. The partnership allows franchisees to co-brand across complementary concepts within the group, creating a more dynamic and diversified growth opportunity.

*By Ben Coley, originally published in QSR Magazine on 2026-05-13. [Read the original](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/wetzels-pretzels-and-cold-stone-creamery-to-open-co-branded-locations/).*

## Story

Wetzel’s Pretzels (Wetzel’s), the iconic brand known for its fresh, hand-rolled pretzels, is twisting together with Cold Stone Creamery to expand its national footprint through strategic co-branded locations. As part of the Kahala Brands portfolio, the partnership highlights a broader opportunity for franchisees to co-brand across complementary concepts within the group. The model brings multiple brands under one roof, creating a more dynamic and diversified growth opportunity across the Kahala portfolio.

Clifton Park, NY, marks the latest co-branded opening for Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery in New York, located at 309 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065. The brands currently have 3 co-branded locations in development for May, with plans to open an additional 8 units by the end of 2026. Several locations debuted earlier this year, including the recent opening in Columbus, Ohio, which marked the first Wetzel’s in the state. Additional openings slated for the coming months include:

“Bringing Wetzel’s Pretzels together with Cold Stone Creamery is a natural evolution of our brand as we continue to innovate within the franchise space,” said Eric Weigel, Brand Leader of Wetzel’s Pretzels. “The co-brand model allows us to deliver two highly complementary, craveable experiences under one roof while creating a more impactful and efficient opportunity for our franchisees. As we look ahead, this partnership will build on the momentum we’ve seen across recent openings and position us for accelerated growth with a robust pipeline of co-brand locations set to debut in markets nationwide.”

The co-brand model provides flexibility for Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery franchisees, featuring an adaptable buildout design that integrates seamlessly into a variety of footprints. As Wetzel’s continues to expand in non-traditional spaces, its store-within-a-store format pairs naturally with Cold Stone Creamery to maximize efficiency and enhance guest experience. The combination also strengthens daypart performance, appealing to both snack-driven and dessert-focused occasions.

Together, the brand offers franchisees a proven system, advanced operations, and dedicated leadership guidance, empowering operations to scale effectively and achieve long-term business growth.

“This co-brand model represents a compelling opportunity for both new and existing franchisees to grow with Wetzel’s while diversifying,” said Adam Lueras, Vice President of Franchise Sales at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “By bringing together two highly recognizable brands, we’re able to offer operators multiple revenue streams, strong daypart coverage, and a storefront designed for efficiency. It’s an effective way for franchisees to scale their portfolio while tapping into the continued growth for both brands and taking advantage of the real estate benefits.”

Wetzel’s has been sharing its signature *handheld happiness* ever since its founding in Pasadena, California, in 1994. The brand continues to attract a cult-like following in communities across North America through its cool SoCal feel and crave-worthy snacks that cultivate special moments of pure pretzel bliss between friends, family, and colleagues.

## Entities

- unit expansion (topic)
- QSR (sector)
- franchise growth (topic)
- QSR Magazine (publication)
- Ben Coley (person)
- brand partnership (topic)
- Columbus (location)
- Wetzel's Pretzels (company)
- Cold Stone Creamery (company)
- co branding (topic)
- Kahala Brands (company)
- Eric Weigel (person)

---
Originally reported by Ben Coley, QSR Magazine (https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/wetzels-pretzels-and-cold-stone-creamery-to-open-co-branded-locations/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/86ba2003-5a49-47f1-97bb-1893afc5c305).