THE HISTORY OF WETZEL'S PRETZELS
Armed with a vision and a tasty recipe for soft pretzel perfection, Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel opened the first Wetzel's Pretzels bakery in Redondo Beach, Calif., in 1994. Long lines of hungry customers soon formed, attracted by mouth-watering soft pretzels that were hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven. As word spread about these golden-on-the-outside pretzels, the company added additional offerings to its menu.
Today, Wetzel's Pretzels has grown to more than 340 fresh bakeries across the United States and around the world, including premier locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
Every Wetzel's Pretzels bakery lives by the original vision of its founders; that each super-premium pretzel will be crafted from fresh dough and baked in-store consistently throughout the day, to ensure a delicious offering for each customer, regardless of when the craving for a pretzel strikes.
1994
1st Store
South Bay Galleria in Southern California was the 1st Wetzel’s Pretzels. Our founders, Rick Wetzel & Bill Phelps, are here hard at work serving up hot fresh pretzels to customers.
1995
Hollywood!
We opened our 1st store in Century City. Does this make us famous yet?
1996
Wetzel Dogs
Who let the dogs out? We did! As the innovator in the industry, Wetzel’s Pretzels was the 1st pretzel store to launch pretzel wrapped hot dogs – yum!
1996
Go Big or Go Home
We decided to go big, which is why we opened Wetzel’s Pretzels in the Garden State Plaza, one of the biggest malls in the country.
1997
Universal City
We always knew we were meant for the big screen… well at least we are next to the big screen at Universal City Walk!
1998
Internationally Renowned
No border can hold us! People around the world need pretzels… which is why we brought them to our peeps in Puerto Rico. !Viva el Pretzel Imperio!
1999
Staples Center
Watching other people run around makes us hungry too – how about a nice salty pretzel for you?
2000
Dodgers Stadium
Pretzels and Wetzel dogs at a baseball game – is there anything more iconic… or delicious? We think not.
2001
Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland® Resort
We start making memories with hot fresh pretzels at Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland® Resort.
2001
100 Units
One step closer to world domination…
2003
Disney Springs® at Walt Disney World® Resort
Going big time! We introduce guests from around the world to the tastiest pretzel in the world at our new location in Orlando at Disney Springs®.
2008
200 Units
The Ancient Roman Empire ain’t got nothin’ on us.
2014
Dog Bites
Taking pigs in a blanket to the next level was a no-brainer.
2015
Pizza Bitz
It’s hard to stay on top, which is why we topped our Bitz with fresh blended cheese and mouth-watering pepperoni to stay the industry innovator.
2016
300 Units
We are huge! A giant! A behemoth! A colossal pretzel making machine!
2016
Party in the Big Apple!
West Coast meets East Coast at our Fulton Station location. Can we rename NYC the Big Pretzel?
2018
Cheesy Dog Bites
You can teach an old dog new tricks!
2018
Downtown Disney® District at Disneyland® Resort
Magic moments just got yummier! We launched our new flagship store. Can you find the 12 hidden pretzels in our mural?
2022
Rose Parade®
Millions watch Wetzel’s float, California Cruisin’, winner of the Golden State Award.
2023
Twisted by Wetzel’s
Pretzels. Reimagined. We’re using our famous dough to twist up all new pretzel creations.
