Summerville, January 23, 2026
Summerville has become the home of South Carolina’s first Wetzel’s Pretzels bakery, marking an important milestone for local entrepreneurship. Operated by first-time franchisees Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah, this new location within Walmart offers a fresh snacking option to residents. Since opening, it has contributed to the local economy by creating jobs and expanding consumer choices, emphasizing the region’s vitality for new business ventures. The success of this franchise illustrates the ongoing appeal of the Lowcountry as a hub for entrepreneurial growth.
Summerville
Summerville Welcomes State’s First Wetzel’s Bakery
A new entrepreneurial venture brings fresh pretzels to the Lowcountry, highlighting local business growth and opportunity.
The spirit of enterprise continues to flourish in the Lowcountry, as evidenced by the recent opening of the first Wetzel’s Pretzels brick-and-mortar bakery in South Carolina, located within a Walmart in Summerville. This development marks a significant milestone for the popular pretzel chain in the state and underscores the dedication of local entrepreneurs to fostering economic vibrancy. Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah, first-time operators of a Wetzel’s Pretzels franchise, have introduced a fresh snacking option to the community, contributing to the diverse landscape of Charleston SC business.
This expansion reflects the ongoing appeal of the region for both established brands and aspiring business owners. Summerville’s growing population and supportive environment create fertile ground for new ventures, demonstrating how private investment and entrepreneurial initiative can lead to tangible benefits for residents and the broader Charleston County economy. The arrival of such businesses not only broadens consumer choices but also generates employment opportunities, bolstering local economic stability.
A New Flavor Arrives in Summerville
The town of Summerville is now home to South Carolina’s inaugural Wetzel’s Pretzels brick-and-mortar location. This new bakery, situated inside a local Walmart, officially opened on January 20, 2026. The operation is spearheaded by Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah, who are embarking on their first venture as Wetzel’s operators. While this marks the brand’s first physical storefront in the state, Wetzel’s Pretzels had previously entered South Carolina with a food truck in Charleston, managed by franchisee Isaac Watlington, which began operations in September 2025. This multi-faceted approach to market entry highlights a dynamic strategy for expanding brand presence and meeting consumer demand across the state.
Entrepreneurial Drive Fuels Local Economy
The decision by Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah to launch this new franchise in Summerville exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit vital to the Lowcountry economic growth. Their initiative in bringing a recognized brand to the area showcases how individual drive translates into concrete business development. The franchise model offers an accessible pathway for individuals to become business owners, leveraging established systems while contributing local oversight and dedication. This form of private investment is crucial for creating new jobs and injecting capital into communities, providing opportunities for local residents. The Rajaonahs’ commitment to growing the brand’s footprint further, with plans for another Wetzel’s opening in 2027, illustrates a forward-looking perspective on sustained economic contribution.
The Allure of Fresh Pretzels: Wetzel’s Offerings
Wetzel’s Pretzels is known for its freshly baked, hand-rolled pretzels. The menu features a variety of classic and innovative options designed to cater to diverse tastes. Core offerings include the signature Original Pretzel, often served with butter and salt. For those seeking sweeter options, the Sinful Cinnamon Pretzel and Almond Crunch Pretzel are popular choices. The menu also extends beyond traditional pretzels to include savory items such as the Wetzel Dog, where an all-beef hot dog is wrapped in a fresh pretzel, and the Cheese Dog, a similar offering with added melted cheese. Other pretzel-based snacks like Wetzel Bitz, Pizza Bitz, and various baked cheese pretzels, including the Pepperoni Twist and Jalaroni, provide additional choices. To complement these snacks, the bakery offers a selection of refreshing beverages, prominently featuring fresh and frozen lemonades in original and strawberry flavors.
Lowcountry’s Expanding Business Landscape
The consistent attraction of new businesses and franchises to the Charleston County economy, including areas like Summerville, reflects a robust and appealing market. Factors such as steady population growth, a vibrant tourist sector, and a supportive community atmosphere make the region an attractive destination for investment. This environment encourages South Carolina entrepreneurs to pursue new ventures, knowing there is a receptive customer base and a growing talent pool. The presence of national brands alongside local startups contributes to a healthy economic ecosystem, fostering competition and innovation, which ultimately benefits consumers through increased choice and improved services.
Fostering Growth Through Accessibility
The strategic placement of the new Wetzel’s Pretzels bakery within a Walmart store in Summerville emphasizes a commitment to accessibility for a broad customer base. This model allows the business to tap into existing foot traffic, making it convenient for shoppers to enjoy a fresh snack. Such partnerships between national retailers and smaller food service operations can be mutually beneficial, enhancing the shopping experience for consumers while providing a streamlined operational setup for the franchise owners. This approach supports efficient business growth and ensures that more communities can access and enjoy new culinary offerings. The continued expansion plans for Wetzel’s Pretzels in South Carolina, spearheaded by dedicated franchisees like the Rajaonahs, signal a promising trajectory for brand presence and local economic development.
Conclusion
The opening of the first Wetzel’s Pretzels brick-and-mortar location in Summerville is a testament to the thriving entrepreneurial spirit and economic vitality of the Lowcountry. It highlights the successful endeavors of South Carolina entrepreneurs like Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah, whose investment and hard work contribute directly to job creation and expanded consumer choices. This new business adds another layer to the dynamic Charleston small business scene and reinforces the broader trend of positive Lowcountry economic growth. We encourage residents to support new and existing local businesses, fostering the continued prosperity and unique character of our community. Engaging with and supporting these ventures ensures that the Lowcountry remains a place of opportunity and innovation for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the newest Wetzel’s Pretzels location in South Carolina?
The newest Wetzel’s Pretzels brick-and-mortar location in South Carolina is in a Walmart in Summerville.
Who operates the new Wetzel’s Pretzels bakery in Summerville?
The new Wetzel’s Pretzels bakery in Summerville is operated by first-time Wetzel’s operators Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah.
When did the Summerville Wetzel’s Pretzels bakery open?
The Wetzel’s Pretzels bakery in Summerville officially opened on January 20, 2026.
Was the Summerville location the first Wetzel’s Pretzels in South Carolina overall?
No, while the Summerville location is the first brick-and-mortar Wetzel’s Pretzels in South Carolina, a Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck, managed by franchisee Isaac Watlington, debuted in Charleston in September 2025, marking the brand’s first entry into the state.
What are some popular items on the Wetzel’s Pretzels menu?
Popular items on the Wetzel’s Pretzels menu include the Original Pretzel, Sinful Cinnamon Pretzel, Almond Crunch Pretzel, Wetzel Dog, Cheese Dog, Wetzel Bitz, Pizza Bitz, and various fresh and frozen lemonades.
Key Features of the Summerville Wetzel’s Pretzels Opening
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location Type | First brick-and-mortar bakery in South Carolina | State-level |
| Specific Site | Walmart in Summerville | Local |
| Opening Date | January 20, 2026 | Local |
| Operators | Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah (first-time Wetzel’s operators) | Local |
| Pre-existing State Presence | Wetzel’s Pretzels food truck (first overall entry into state) in Charleston, debuted September 2025, operated by Isaac Watlington | State-level |
| Future Plans | Another Wetzel’s opening planned for 2027 by the Rajaonahs | State-level |
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