Our Story - Auntie Annes (2024)

FAQs

Our Story - Auntie Annes? ›

Humble Pretzel Roots

Today, Beiler is focused on her motivational speaking career, as well as her writing projects. She has published several books about her faith, her family and her pretzels, including “Twist of Faith: The Story of Anne Beiler, the Founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels.”

In 2005, Anne sold Auntie Anne's to speak to audiences on leadership, purpose, and the power of confession.

When "Auntie" Anne Beiler started her pretzel stand, she said, "Caring for other people is the purpose of Auntie Anne's." Thirty years later, that commitment to giving back continues to motivate us. Meet our charitable partners and see how you can get involved.

Beiler. Anne F. Beiler is an American businesswoman and founder of Auntie Anne's pretzels.

GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands) is an American company that currently owns the Schlotzsky's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Auntie Anne's and Jamba brands.

Both Cinnabon and Auntie Anne's are part of Focus Brands, the Atlanta-based operator owned by Roark Capital, the private equity group trying to buy Subway.

In the United States, you can find Auntie Anne's in all 50 states with Pennsylvania leading the way with around 133 locations.

Wetzel's Pretzels was founded in 1994 and is based mainly in California, with few stores out-of-state. Auntie Anne's on the other hand, was founded in 1988 in Pennsylvania, and remains the nationally recognized brand.

Why does the Auntie Anne's pretzel have a halo? ›

Anne and Jonas Beiler were both raised Mennonite, and in her book Twist of Faith, Anne talks about how God helped her through a family tragedy and helped her build Auntie Anne's. But the halo over the pretzel in the company's logo was introduced in 2006 after Sam Beiler initiated a redesign and rebranding.

Pretzels may be better than some fatty chips, but four out of five nutrition experts surveyed by Time say if you're trying to eat healthy, pretzels shouldn't be your go-to snack. Although pretzels are low-fat, they are also pretty paltry on the protein and fiber front, and they can be quite high in sodium and carbs.

However, recently, two of the most popular flavors - Sour Cream & Onion and Garlic Parmesan - have been discontinued. This has not only affected our business but also disappointed our loyal customers who now have limited options. Our customers are our top priority and we believe in giving them what they want.

Eleazar Puente went from customer to worker to boss at Auntie Anne's, with a reality TV boost. In 2012, Woodburn-raised Eleazar Puente took ownership of the Lloyd Center's Auntie Anne's franchise in an unexpected way: he won it in a reality TV show.

Every location receives shipments of the signature flour mixture, which is put in a mixer along with water and yeast. They're baked, brushed with real butter, salted and served right there.

Auntie Anne's's competitors and similar companies include Stone Creek, Jeremiah's, Dutch Bros Coffee and Santonis.

GoTo Foods is the parent company of Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, Carvel, McAlister's Deli, Jamba, Moe's Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky's. In total, the company operates more than 6,700 units worldwide. Holthouser took over as CEO in 2020, when he announced his goal to unify the company's seven franchises.

Meet the Beiler Family

Visit the Spooky Nook blog to get to know Sam Beiler and hear his story firsthand. Sam grew up in an Amish community but eventually embarked on his own journey as an entrepreneur. He spent 21 years working for an Auntie Anne's pretzel franchise, which he acquired from its original owner in 2005.