Wetzel’s Pretzels opened two new locations at Walmart Supercenters in Hammond.

Northwest Indiana native Mike Alkaki added the two bakeries to his portfolio of Wetzel's. The franchisee has stores at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park and in a Romeoville Walmart. Both are in the Chicago suburbs, for a total of five locations. He also is planning to open more stores in Northern Indiana and the Chicago area.

“I’m proud to open two Wetzel’s Pretzels locations in Hammond and give back to the community that shaped who I am today,” Alkaki said in a press release. “Continuing my partnership with Wetzel’s is a great honor, and the support I received makes it possible to open both stores in the same month.”

The Wetzel's model feaures stores within a store and is expanding further into Walmart locations.

“We’re excited to see Mike continue growing his Wetzel’s portfolio with these two new Walmart locations in Hammond,” said Eric Weigel, brand leader at Wetzel’s Pretzels, in the release. “Our growing partnership with Walmart demonstrates the flexibility of our concept and creates new opportunities to bring our freshly baked favorites to more communities across the country.”

The Wetzel's locations are at 7850 Cabela Drive and 1100 5th Ave.

Bill Phelps and Rick Wetzel founded the franchise in 1994 in Pasadena, California. There now are more than 500 locations worldwide.