It starts with soft, chewy pretzel dough, hand-twisted into its classic shape. But here’s the twist—literally! At Knotz Pretzel Company, there’s more than meets the eye (or taste buds). Hidden inside each stuffed pretzel is a surprise so delicious it’ll have you coming back for more.

In this episode of the Utah Fan Club Podcast, host Steph Shoell sits down with Melanie Fairman, the visionary behind Knotz Pretzel Company, to talk about how a simple snack idea turned into one of Holladay, Utah’s most exciting foodie spots. From the spark of inspiration on a family trip to the long journey of perfecting the recipe, Melanie shares how her love for stuffed pretzels became a thriving business.

But Melanie’s story isn’t just about pretzels—it’s about grit, community, and finding opportunity in every challenge. She dives into the hurdles of opening a storefront, how networking and feedback helped her grow, and her ambitious plans to expand (a drive-through for pretzels? Yes, please!).

Whether you’re craving inspiration or just a ridiculously good pretzel, this episode will leave you hungry for more—literally and figuratively.

Episode Highlights:

• How a family trip led Melanie to discover the magic of stuffed pretzels.
• The eight-month process of perfecting the recipe (spoiler: it was worth it).
• Why Melanie focused on being an entrepreneur first and a baker second.
• The tough (but rewarding) challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar location.
• How Melanie learned to embrace rejection and use networking to grow her business.
• The magic of unique flavors, catering options, and a pretzel menu you can’t resist.
• Plans to expand the Knotz empire, including a future drive-through in Utah County.
• Why community support has been the backbone of Knotz Pretzel Company’s success.
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What You’ll Learn and Love About This Episode:

[00:00] The Knotz Pretzel Story: From Family Trip to Business Idea
[02:10] Perfecting the Pretzel: Eight Months of Trial and Error
[05:52] The Brick-and-Mortar Hustle: Challenges and Triumphs
[12:08] What Makes Knotz Pretzels So Special (Hint: It’s What’s Inside)
[18:11] Networking, Feedback, and Fear—How Melanie Navigates Growth
[24:01] Big Dreams Ahead: Expansion Plans and Community Love

Why Knotz Pretzels Deserves a Spot on Your Foodie Bucket List:
📍 Address: 1871 E Murray Holladay Road, Holladay, Utah 84117
⏰ Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM–7:30 PM | Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–8:30 PM

Follow Knotz Pretzel Company for the Latest Updates:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knotzpretzels.co/
• Website: https://knotzpretzels.co/

Make sure to subscribe to the Utah Fan Club Podcast for more stories about the amazing people and businesses that make Utah one-of-a-kind. And don’t wait—head over to Knotz Pretzel Company and grab a pretzel or two. Your taste buds will thank you!