May 20, 2026 // Franchising.com // MISHAWAKA, Ind. – Famous for its mouth-watering, freshly baked pretzels, Wetzel’s Pretzels (Wetzel’s) is opening a new bakery in Mishawaka, located inside the University Park Mall. The new bakery is situated at 6501 Grape Rd, bringing its signature twist treats to the Hoosier State.
Joining Mishawaka’s premier shopping center, renowned for its premier dining and retail offerings, the new Wetzel’s Pretzels will add even more flavor with its craveable snacks and refreshing line of signature drinks. This new location is the result of the brand’s expansion into high-traffic environments, bringing the Northern Indiana community a perfect indulgence as they shop throughout the mall.
The group behind the store looks forward to building a strong, energetic team that reflects the welcoming and upbeat spirit of the Wetzel’s brand. They aim to create an environment where both team members and guests feel connected, from the first bite of a warm pretzel to opportunities for long-term career growth. This opening also marks the sixth store in the state and the beginning of Wetzel’s development into the Midwest, as the brand looks to develop in untapped markets.
“We are thrilled to continue to grow our brand’s presence in Indiana as we continue to bring our handheld happiness to the Midwest, “said Eric Weigel, Brand Leader of Wetzel’s Pretzels. “Expanding into University Park Mall highlights the resilience and vibrancy of our brand. We’re confident this location will be a hit for mallgoers looking for a fresh, fast, and fun snack experience.”
For additional information about Wetzel’s franchise opportunity, visit https://www.wetzelsfranchising.com.
Providing a fun, fresh take on soft pretzels, Wetzel’s Pretzels was founded in 1994 by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in Pasadena, California. Drawing fans to its mouth-watering, portable snacks that are hand-rolled, baked fresh and served hot from the oven, word quickly spread about the delicious West Coast brand. Today, Wetzel’s Pretzels has grown to more than 450 locations, continuing to cultivate fanatics around the world with its SoCal vibes and “gram-worthy” snacks. As the nation’s leading pretzel chain, the franchise has received numerous accolades, most recently being named on Yelp's 2024 Fastest Growing Brands, alongside Franchise Business Review's 2025 Top Franchises, 2025 Top Franchises for Women, and Top Culture100 lists.
SOURCE 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.