11 Things Auntie Anne’s Employees Want You to Know
Updated: Nov. 18, 2019
Everything you've ever wanted to know about Auntie Anne's, the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise!
It’s nearly impossible to walk past an Auntie Anne’s and not be drawn in by the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked soft pretzels. This delish company started as a farmers market shop in a Pennsylvania’s Amish country. (And we know the Amish have the best baking secrets!) Read on for the snack-sized facts behind Auntie Anne’s success.
1. They can twist pretzels really fast.
The fastest recorded time for twisting the perfect pretzel is 3.5 seconds. We’re impressed! How quickly can you twist a pretzel using this easy at-home recipe?
2. The pretzels are always made fresh.
You’ll never find pre-made pretzels at an Auntie Anne’s. Each location receives shipments of the signature flour mixture, which is put in a mixer along with water and yeast. Pretzels are baked, brushed with real butter, salted and served hot, fresh and ready to eat.
A glass of old-fashioned lemonade pairs perfectly with the salty goodness of the pretzel. If your mouth is watering, don’t miss these lemonade recipes.
3. They have limited edition flavors.
As much as we enjoy classics like Pepperoni, Cinnamon Sugar and Jalapeño, we’re always keeping an eye out for limited edition flavors making appearances throughout the year. Some of our past favorites include Sriracha, Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Nuggets and Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel Nuggets. (To turn up the heat, use these recipes to spice up your other favorite foods.)
4. You can get a free pretzel on your birthday (and National Pretzel Day!).
Did someone say free? Auntie Anne’s celebrates National Pretzel Day with free pretzels for their customers. Claim your complimentary pretzel by signing up for the Pretzel Perks mobile app. Perks members also earn points toward free pretzels and other Auntie Anne’s items throughout the year, enjoy a free pretzel on their birthday and receive other special offers. Sweet!
5. Auntie Anne is a real person.
“Auntie” Anne Beiler grew up in an Amish-Mennonite family in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She had no business background and no more than an 8th grade education when she started the company. The real Auntie Anne credits the company’s purpose, great product and good people for their remarkable success.
6. The company celebrated its 30th anniversary in March 2018.
Anne and her husband, Jonas, bought a stand in a local farmers market in 1988 where they sold snacks like pizza, pretzels and lemonade. In the beginning, Anne wasn’t a fan of the pretzels and told Jonas that she only wanted to sell pizza and ice cream. (Who knew?!) He changed her mind after he created a new pretzel mix, resulting in the soft and doughy treats we know and love today.
7. They’ve baked a lot of pretzels.
Auntie Anne’s has served more than 2.4 billion pretzels over the past 30 years. That’s enough pretzels to circle the earth 65 times!
8. Pretzels are available nearly everywhere you go.
There are more than 1,700 locations in 48 states and more than 25 countries. In addition to malls, there are locations at airports, college campuses, military bases and even food trucks.
9. Other countries have unique pretzel combinations.
Auntie Anne’s stores around the world bake out-of-the-box flavors like the Holy Cheese Pretzel in Thailand, Cream Cheese Stix in Korea and the Crème Brulee Pretzel Wreath in Japan.
10. Auntie Anne’s gives back.
When Anne Beiler started her pretzel stand she said, “Caring for other people is the purpose of Auntie Anne’s.” Giving back to local communities continues to be important for the company, which has raised more than $3.6 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to help find a cure for childhood cancer.
The company is also committed to fighting hunger and reducing food waste by donating surplus pretzel products through hunger-relief organizations. Since 2010, they have donated more than 11.4 million pretzel products.
11. You can smell like an Auntie Anne’s pretzel…?
We knew it was too good to be true when we heard the famous scent of freshly baked pretzels was bottled for a line of essential oils: Auntie Anne’s “House of A” Heavenly Scent Essential Pretzel Oils. Too bad it was an April Fool’s Day prank. It sounds like a good idea to us!
Originally Published: April 26, 2018
