---
title: "Wetzel's Pretzels bakes in Lake Tahoe"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/64565b4e-50de-482d-8fa6-e2ffdb470381
source: "Franchise Magazine USA"
original_url: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wetzels-pretzels-bakes-in-lake-tahoe/
author: "Andrew Carlo"
category: "Snacks & dessert"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Snacks & dessert"
published: 2024-12-30T15:26:19.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T01:01:51.852Z
image: https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Wetzel-Pretzels-B.jpg
---

# Wetzel's Pretzels bakes in Lake Tahoe

**TL;DR:** Wetzel's Pretzels has opened a new bakery at The Shops at Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe, California, operated by Parth Patel. The location is part of the franchise's continued expansion into high-traffic retail environments.

*By Andrew Carlo, originally published in Franchise Magazine USA on 2024-12-30. [Read the original](https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wetzels-pretzels-bakes-in-lake-tahoe/).*

## Story

The Lake Tahoe market is the home of the latest opening from Wetzel’s Pretzels.

The pretzel making franchise’s new bakery is situated at The Shops at Heavenly Village, a regional tourist destination in South Lake Tahoe, California. The location is operated by Parth Patel, an experienced franchisee.

Patel is a native of San Francisco who opened his first Wetzel’s Pretzels location in Monterey back in August. In addition to Wetzel’s Pretzels, Patel operates six Great American Cookies along with a Dairy Queen inside the Mall of America.

“Bringing a new location to The Shops at Heavenly Village is a meaningful step forward for my team, allowing us to share Wetzel’s with even more people in Lake Tahoe’s number one spot for travelers and locals alike,” said Patel. “With our convenient location in the Heavenly Village, it’s easier than ever to enjoy our signature pretzels and snacks. As a California-born brand, Wetzel’s holds a special connection to this region, and I’m proud to bring the SoCal favorite to South Lake Tahoe.”

Wetzel’s said the latest move is part of plan for “continued expansion into high-traffic retail environments, providing shoppers with a convenient treat as they explore the bustling outlet mall.”

Earlier this year, Wetzel’s celebrated the opening of its 400th location. Following an opening in Los Angeles last February, the franchise has surpassed the 400 mark with additional openings this past year.

“We are thrilled to continue our growth in California and bring our beloved pretzels to South Lake Tahoe,” said Jon Fischer, head of development at Wetzel’s Pretzels “Expanding into The Shops at Heavenly Village highlights the resilience and vibrancy of our brand.”

Wetzel’s Pretzels was founded by Rick Wetzel and Bill Phelps who opened their first store in Redondo Beach, California in 1994. Less than two years later the bakery began franchising and reached its 100th location by 2001.

## Entities

- unit expansion (topic)
- QSR (sector)
- franchise growth (topic)
- Franchise Magazine USA (publication)
- new location (topic)
- Andrew Carlo (person)
- Dairy Queen (company)
- retail expansion (topic)
- Wetzel's Pretzels (company)
- Great American Cookies (company)
- Bill Phelps (person)
- Jon Fischer (person)

---
Originally reported by Andrew Carlo, Franchise Magazine USA (https://franchisemagazineusa.com/wetzels-pretzels-bakes-in-lake-tahoe/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/64565b4e-50de-482d-8fa6-e2ffdb470381).