The popular mall staple, Auntie Anne’s, has been serving delicious pretzels and treats for over three decades, but it started as a small business right here in Chester County, writes Kalena Thomhave for The Keystone. 

Auntie Anne’s was created by “Auntie” Anne Beiler, who bought a stand at a farmers’ market in Downingtown to sell homemade pretzels in 1988. Her recipe is still being used today! 

Beiler kept the original owner’s menu, which featured pretzels and pizza, tweaking the pretzel recipe to create her own. However, her customer’s response to her pretzels was so positive, she decided to drop pizza from the menu. Within the first year, Beiler added a second location. By 1992, there were over 100 Auntie Anne’s.  

When Beiler first started trying to expand the business, she had trouble securing a bank loan. However, she found an angel investor, a Mennonite chicken farmer, who gave her $1.5 million dollars “on a handshake,” as Beiler told Fortune magazine. 

Since its roaring success, Auntie Anne’s has nearly 2,000 locations, with 130 located in Pennsylvania. The business has also expanded outside of the United States, featuring locations in 26 other countries.  

Don’t worry if you’re dairy-free or vegan; they advise customers to order a fresh pretzel with no butter! Auntie Anne’s also offers field trips for children and adults. 

Read more about how Auntie Anne’s got its start and later took off in popularity at The Keystone. 

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