Maricopa Wetzel’s Pretzels Soars to Top Sales on Grand Opening Day

Maricopa welcomed a new addition to its culinary scene with the grand opening of Wetzel’s Pretzels inside Walmart at 41650 W Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway. The establishment opened on Saturday following several weeks of renovations aimed at revitalizing the space.

District Manager Esmerelda Garcia reported a bustling atmosphere during the first day of operations. “It was crazy busy,” she noted. A significant line formed as local residents flocked to the newly opened shop, making it the top-selling Wetzel’s location in Arizona for the day.

Garcia, a seasoned employee with 22 years at Wetzel’s and a resident of Rancho El Mirage, shared the challenges faced prior to the opening. Delays stemmed from waiting on health department approval, pushing the grand opening to Saturday instead of Friday. “We had to prepare and clean everything, but that was OK,” she added.

The new bakery operates independently under owner Steve Leibsohn, a former OBGYN who now manages 35 Wetzel’s locations across Arizona. Leibsohn’s dedication to the brand earned him the title of Franchisee of the Year in 2022 by The International Franchise Association. Garcia praised his leadership, stating, “He’s one of the best owners we have.”

Over the next six weeks, Garcia will be training a manager and assistant manager at the new site. “I’m here to make sure they have great customer service and make the customers happy,” she emphasized, highlighting customer retention as a top priority.

InJune, InMaricopa revealed plans for Wetzel’s expansion into Maricopa after uncovering initial documents for the project. The 2,000-square-foot space was previously occupied by Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. The renovations, valued at approximately $200,000, included significant changes to the storefront, as detailed in a tenant improvement permit revealed by InMaricopa in September.

While the opening presented some logistical challenges, Garcia confirmed that the hours of operation will stabilize. The location will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. As the dust settles, excitement remains high for Wetzel’s Pretzels in Maricopa, with Garcia expressing enthusiasm for their new community presence.