Franchising
Wetzel's Pretzels opens bakery in Lehigh Acres, Florida
October 14, 2025
Wetzel's Pretzels has opened its first bakery location. It is in the Fort Myers suburb of Lehigh Acres in Florida and located inside the Walmart store at 2523 Lee Blvd., according to a press release.
The restaurant is under the helm of Mitul Chonati and Hitesh Barvaliya, veteran restaurant operators and first-time Wetzel's franchisees. The duo has been working together since 2008 and is currently operating over 11 Cold Stone Creameries and five Planet Smoothies. As local Lehigh Acres residents, both are committed to bringing the brand's products to more communities across Florida.
"Having operated restaurants together for more than 15 years, Hitesh and I know the value of offering guests something fresh, fun and delicious. We're proud to bring that same experience to Lehigh Acres with Wetzel's Pretzels," Mitul said in the release. "This location represents more than just growth for us; it's about sharing the Wetzel's brand with community members and creating a go-to spot for craveable snacks that fuel everyday shopping trips."
The Lehigh Acres Walmart location showcases 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 South.
"We're thrilled for Mitul and Hitesh to open their first Wetzel's location with us as the brand continues its Florida expansion," Jon Fischer, head of development at Wetzel's Pretzels, said in the release. "We are looking forward to bringing our beloved pretzels to the greater Fort Myers area, and we are confident the community will embrace Wetzel's warmly. As we grow into new markets, we love bringing our iconic flavors and creating memorable experiences for local residents."
