It’s not such a twisted idea to want to develop new retail spaces that really capture the traffic flow, and simply further establish a brand. Ikoniq stepped up to offer planning and development for two new Wetzel’s Pretzels locations in 10 ft. by 22 ft. spaces in the Chicago area this Fall. The unit features a customer-facing side that highlights painted glass and mosaic ceramic tile configurations for a durability that makes a statement.
Ikoniq has a dedicated team of engineers and designers that work their magic regularly for retail virtuoso and Wetzel’s Pretzels’ request allowed for some flexibility in materials and construction development.
Thinking
The kiosk underlines the eco-friendly work of Ikoniq retail modular construction by featuring LED lighting and specialty piping for high-efficiency, as well as Corian material throughout for the countertops providing a sleek, elegant, and organized surface texture. Fireproof particleboard and other hidden selections make for a safe environment in a furniture-quality, finished space with superior presentation. Etched glass in the frameless sneeze guard presents an opportunity to enhance the kiosk appearance.
Solution
The modular construction allowed for this retail-ready kiosk to be shipped in five pieces, and contributes to its rapid deployment. The iconic pretzel product of Wetzel is baked right at the kiosk, and served generally with its own brand of lemonade flavors, so the atmosphere has to speak of comfort and fast casual.
We think about the retail customer experience in our designs and look to assist the location in moving traffic and being a revenue-generator location. We know what draws the consumer to stop, in terms of subtle, eye-catching glass, aluminum, and Corian. We make it speak to a quality product.
Wetzel’s Pretzels (co-founded by Rick Wetzel) operates and franchises about 290 mall-based pretzel stands in more than 25 US states and five other countries (Canada, Lebanon, Mexico, the Philippines, and South Korea). The chain of snack outlets offers fresh-baked pretzels that are available in a variety of flavors, including garlic, cinnamon, and cheese. It was founded in 1994 and is owned by private equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. As of the end of 2015 Wetzel’s franchise fast food restaurants had 269 US locations; 2 in Canada; 19 worldwide; and 8 owned by the company.
