Wetzel’s Pretzels (Wetzel’s), the iconic brand known for its fresh, hand-rolled pretzels, has opened two new bakeries inside Walmart Supercenters in Hammond, Indiana. The openings build on Wetzel’s growing partnership with Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, as the brand continues expanding its store-within-a-store model. The new bakeries are located at 7850 Cabela Dr. and 1100 5th Ave.
The new bakeries highlight Wetzel’s continued development into high-traffic retail environments, including Walmart Supercenters. Both locations will bring more flavor to the community with delicious snacks and refreshing drinks, a perfect pairing for any shopping trip.
Veteran franchisee Mike Alkaki, who grew up in Northwest Indiana, will own and operate both new bakeries, marking his fourth and fifth Wetzel’s Pretzels locations. Additionally, Alkaki currently operates two bakeries at Orland Square Mall and another inside a Walmart in Romeoville, Illinois, in Chicago’s southwest suburbs. Drawing on his background in retail investment brokerage, Alkaki plans to reinvest in the community and expand his Wetzel’s portfolio throughout the Greater Chicago and Northern Indiana markets.
“I’m proud to open two Wetzel’s Pretzels locations in Hammond and give back to the community that shaped who I am today. Continuing my partnership with Wetzel’s is a great honor, and the support I received makes it possible to open both stores in the same month,” said Alkaki. “I’m looking forward to serving the community and sharing the hospitality and craveable snacks our guests know and love.”
The Hammond Walmart locations showcase the flexibility of the Wetzel’s concept, offering a buildout design that is adaptable to the retailer’s footprint. As the brand continues expanding in non-traditional spaces, its store-within-a-store model proves ideal for integration into Walmart locations, with further growth planned across the nation.
“We’re excited to see Mike continue growing his Wetzel’s portfolio with these two new Walmart locations in Hammond,” said Eric Weigel, Brand Leader at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “Our growing partnership with Walmart demonstrates the flexibility of our concept and creates new opportunities to bring our freshly baked favorites to more communities across the country.”
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.
For additional information about Wetzel’s franchise opportunity, visit https://www.wetzelsfranchising.com.
