A Commitment to
Slow Artisan Food
The story of Martin's Handmade Pretzels is one of family, craft, resilience — and an unwillingness to cut corners even when the whole world was telling us to.
"Food isn't made how it used to be.
Ours is."
In a world where food production has become faster, cheaper, and more industrial, Martin's Handmade Pretzels has stayed exactly where it started — small batches, real ingredients, and hands that actually touch the dough. What began as one family's livelihood during the Great Depression became a craft passed through four generations, a fire that almost ended everything, and a story that proves real food is always worth fighting for.
Where It All Began
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.
Lloyd Takes the Helm
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.
A Handshake That Lasted 28 Years
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.
Josiah Takes Over
Having entrepreneurial vision & determination, Josiah Martin became the fourth generation to operate Martin's Pretzels.
Moving to Moira, NY
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.
Open for Business
After months of hard work getting the new bakery ready, Martin's Pretzels officially opened its doors in Moira, NY on October 8th, 2020.
Everything Gone in One Night
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 fought the fire all day.
We Rebuilt
Planning immediately began for what would become the new future of Martin's Pretzels. 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.
Good Morning America
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."
Phoenix Business of the Year
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.
SBA Manufacturer of the Year
Martins Pretzels received the Small Business Association's 2026 manufacturer of the year award in Washington D.C. Where President Donald Trump said to Josiah Martin he loves salty pretzels.
Honored for Excellence
Good Morning America — Deals & Steals
Featured on national television, bringing Martin's craft pretzels to millions of American households.
Phoenix Business of the Year
Awarded by the NY Small Business Development Center for resilience and growth after the 2020 fire.
SBA Manufacturer of the Year
Martins Pretzels received the Small Business Association's 2026 manufacturer of the year award in Washington D.C. Where President Donald Trump said to Josiah Martin he loves salty pretzels.
The Same Family.
The Same Recipe.
Four generations. Ninety years. One recipe. We have had every reason to automate, to scale up, to cut corners. We haven't. Not because we can't — because we won't. The craft is the product. The hands are the process. The family is the brand.
When a fire took everything in December 2020, we didn't walk away. We rebuilt, relaunched, and kept going. Because some things are worth fighting for. Real food is one of them.
"Still making it the right way. Still the same family."