A commitment to slow artisan food
1935
In the middle of the Great Depression, Henry Martin began hand-crafting these extraordinary Pennsylvania Dutch Pretzels. The easy access to labor, low supply costs, and the snack-loving American made this an excellent combination for a thriving business.
1974
Over time Henry Martin sold the bakery to Lloyd Martin, the next generation. Knowing little of manufacturing, he instinctively bought the business at an auction one night in 1974. After 10 years in PA, Lloyd Martin and his family moved the bakery from its original location to Theresa, a small town in Upstate NY, continuing the twisting traditional spirit of diligence & perseverance.
1982
With times changing and new ventures being established, a handshake deal was made with Alfred Milanese of NYC to be one of the bakeries he distributed. For 28 years, Theresa twisted pretzels for local markets, mail orders (martinspretzels.com), and distribution nationwide and beyond.
2019
Having entrepreneurial vision & determination, Josiah Martin became the fourth generation to operate Martin's Pretzels.
2020
With a vision for the business in mind, it was relocated to a new location in Moira, NY. Along with all the equipment, the move included the 20 ft stone hearth oven, original to its founding.
NEW LOCATION: Opening Day, October 8th, 2020
2020
On Dec. 12th, 2020, a devastating fire burned the entire business to the ground, less than two months after opening. The fire destroyed the bakery, drawing 18 fire departments that faught the fire all day.
2021
Planning immediately began for what would become the new future of Martin's Pretzels.
2021
After 11 months of relentless hard work and dedication, pretzels are being produced in Moira, NY! Lloyd Martin, Josiah's grandpa, made a special trip to help kick off production once again.
2022
Martin’s Pretzels gained national exposure when the brand was featured on the popular television program Good Morning America as part of its “Deals & Steals.”
2025
Martin’s Pretzels was honored with the Phoenix Business of the Year Award from the New York Small Business Development Center. The recognition celebrates businesses that demonstrate resilience, growth, and entrepreneurial success. Receiving the award highlighted Martin’s Pretzels’ continued dedication to building and expanding the family business.
2.5 million pretzels twisted
Martin’s Pretzels reached a major production milestone when the team hand-twisted a record 2.5 million pretzels in a single year, the highest total in the company’s history. The achievement reflected both the growing demand for Martin’s Pretzels and the dedication of the team that continues the tradition of hand-twisting each pretzel.