Wetzel’s Pretzels Opens First South Carolina Location Inside Summerville Walmart

Wetzel's Pretzels launched a bakery inside the Walmart on Dorchester Road in Summerville. This marks the California-based chain's first brick-and-mortar shop in South Carolina. The store at 9880 Dorchester Road expands the pretzel brand's reach into high-traffic retail spots.

The opening stems from a bigger plan to plant locations in Walmart stores across the country. The Summerville bakery works on a store-within-a-store model, letting customers grab snacks during their shopping runs.

Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah run the new bakery as first-time franchisees. The husband-and-wife team owned a franchise business in Arizona before relocating to the Charleston area in 2025.

"When looking for our next business venture, Wetzel's Pretzels offered the balance of operational simplicity and growth potential we were looking for," Mathieu Rajaonah said in a statement, according to ABC News 4.

They plan to keep growing. A second location should open in 2027. The couple discovered the brand while living in Arizona and wanted to introduce the concept to South Carolina.

Fischer added that the team thinks the bakery will draw shoppers. "We're confident the Summerville bakery will be a hit with shoppers looking for a fresh, fast, and fun snack experience," he said. "We're thrilled to open the first brick-and-mortar Wetzel's in South Carolina."

The store uses a compact buildout that fits within the retail chain's footprint. Company executives say this model allows expansion into non-traditional spots, including more Walmart stores.

The pretzel chain started in 1994 and now has over 450 locations nationwide. It continues spreading through franchise locations, with plans to grow in more Walmart stores and high-traffic retail environments.