California-based Wetzel’s Pretzels is opening its second bakery in the Merrillville area.

The brand has joined forces with Walmart to continue its development in the Midwest. The new location is inside the Walmart at 2936 E 79th Ave.

Veteran Wetzel’s operator, Ayman Hadi, is spearheading the opening. In 2017, after moving to the United States, Hadi began working in the nutrition and medical field before shifting into his next career chapter with Wetzel’s two years later. He currently operates nine locations across the country, including three in Indiana, and is committed to growing the brand nationwide.

“I was drawn to Wetzel’s Pretzels because of how the brand cares for both its products and its people,” Hadi in a press release. “It’s an honor to develop another store in the Merrillville area and look forward to serving fresh pretzels to the community with the same friendly service our guests know and love.”

As the brand continues expanding, its store-within-a-store model is proving ideal for integration into Walmart locations, with further growth planned across the nation.

“We are thrilled to keep expanding our presence in Indiana and proud to have Ayman leading the way as we bring handheld happiness to Merrillville,” Jon Fischer, Wetzel’s Pretzels head of development, said. “As we continue opening in more Walmart locations, this initiative showcases the adaptability of our concept and how it allows us to reach even more communities nationwide.”

Wetzel’s Pretzels was founded by Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel in 1994, in Pasadena, California. Today, Wetzel’s Pretzels has grown to over 450 locations. The brand has been named on Franchise Business Review's 2025 Top Franchises, 2025 Top Franchises for Women and Top Culture100 lists.