Laurel had Hardy, Penn has Teller, and beer has always had pretzels. So it's no surprise that a traditional handmade pretzel business will be making Beer City, USA home.
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market has announced that
Brezel, a gourmet pretzel shop, will be bringing their unique twist and taste to the Market Hall this summer.
Brezel will sell authentic hand-rolled Bavarian pretzels, made in small batches with local ingredients, as well as other pretzel-based products such as pizza crusts, buns and pretzel bites.
Brittany Baum, who along with her husband Tim, co-own the business, says the Grand Rapids store is only their third location and first foray north of the Ohio border. But even in a different state, she says the plan is follow the same recipe for success: a focus on local ingredients, unique flavors and a traditional German process. "What makes our pretzel different is we use a lye bath before they are baked. It results in a crunchy exterior and a soft and chewy center," she says. "That is how they make pretzels in Germany. It is more bread-like and dense, very substantial."
Not surprisingly, Baum says that once they get settled in, they plan to partner with local breweries for some unique flavor profiles and experiences. In the meantime, customers can expect an eclectic selection of pretzels, including dark chocolate expresso, carrot cake, fresh basil/peppercorn, jalepeno cheddar, and asiago infused with fresh herbs.
Baum says one of their managers is moving from Cincinnati to run the Grand Rapids store. In addition, she anticipates hiring 5-8 staff for the local operation, which is slated to open in early June.
To learn more about
Brezel, you can view their website here.
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Writer
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.