Franchising

Wetzel's Pretzels enters Delaware

Image: Wetzel's Pretzels

March 17, 2025

Wetzel's Pretzels is opening a bakery in Dover, Delaware. The unit will be part of a co-branded location featuring a Cold Stone Creamery, according to a press release.

The unit is located at North Dover Center and it Delaware's first Wetzel's Pretzels. It is spearheaded by franchisee Mohamed Elghandour.

"Bringing Wetzel's Pretzels to Dover is a momentous step in my entrepreneurial career," Elghandour said in the press release. "Over the last few years, I have been looking for ways to enhance the customer experience, and the addition of Wetzel's Pretzels is a perfect complement to my existing business. Being near the University of Delaware campus, I look forward to this location becoming a go-to spot for students and locals by sharing crave-able pretzels and being a welcoming spot for everyone to enjoy."

With over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Elghandour began his franchising journey by operating the Cold Stone Creamery in Dover and has continued to expand his portfolio by adding Cinnabon in 2021. Recognizing the demand for snack options between lunch and dinner, he saw Wetzel's as the perfect complement to his Cold Stone location in Dover.

"We are thrilled to bring more pretzels to the people with our first Wetzel's Pretzels in the state of Delaware," Jon Fischer, head of development at Wetzel's Pretzels, said in the press release. "As we continue our expansion on the East Coast, we are excited to welcome experienced franchisees, such as Mohamed. With a strong demand for our hand-rolled pretzels, this opening marks another important step for the brand reaching into untapped markets."

Wetzel's Pretzels has grown to more than 400 locations.