The North Market has officially reached capacity with the signing of a lease by brezel owners Brittany Baum and Maria Gentile. brezel specializes in hand-rolled gourmet Bavarian-style pretzels in an array of unique flavors. Brittany and Maria will begin the build-out process shortly and hope to be open sometime in December.

Brittany and Maria have been making pretzels for two years. Both women are avid bakers and enjoyed the idea and challenge of bringing their unique version of the beloved German treat to Columbus. They experimented with a few recipes that were combined and tweaked to their liking and then enlisted the help of family and friends, including some native Bavarians, to taste test their creations. The final product was so popular that they started selling them at farmers’ markets where they garnered an even greater fan base. Early into their first farmers’ market season, a plan for a bigger business venture was born. 

With roots in local farmers’ markets, the brezel ladies have amassed a faithful following of pretzel aficionados which has led to event catering and online sales during the past year as they sought a more permanent home. Supporting other local businesses is very important to both women, so the duo patronizes local farms for as many seasonal ingredients as possible. Their menu consists of about eight to nine flavors at any given time — all pulled from their arsenal of more than a dozen flavor combinations which change seasonally. Maria and Brittany are constantly working on new recipes and ideas to add to their menu. Regular offerings will comprise both savory and sweet options including: original; everything; artichoke, garlic and Kalamata olive; habanero; jalapeno; onion; rosemary, olive oil and garlic; slow-roasted tomato basil; apple cinnamon; and cinnamon sugar. Currently, brezel’s seasonal offering is pumpkin spice and they even have a stuffed pretzel called “S’mores Stuffie”. Unique flavor combinations aren’t the only twist brezel takes on pretzels - the company offers variations on the traditional shape: pretzel twists; nuggets; hot dog buns and burger buns, as well as a thinner bun that resembles an English muffin are available.

While Brittany and Maria have baked thousands of pretzels since beginning their enterprise (they baked 5,000 pretzel nuggets for the Columbus Marathon alone), both look forward to moving the brezel operation out of their home kitchens and into the North Market. Aside from the return of their personal kitchen space, the move will enable them to increase their productivity as well as expand their menu. For their farmers’ market operations, brezel has held a “cottage food license”. Integral to that classification were limitations upon perishable ingredients. The ladies are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to include cheese and other previously restricted elements in their pretzels. They are also excited to roll out a menu of dips and sauces for more flavorful pretzel dunking.

“There could not be two more delightful, enthusiastic and energetic individuals than our two new owners of brezel’s artisan pretzels,” said David Wible, Executive Director of the North Market. “Brittany Baum and Maria Battaglia Gentile have literally started this business in their own kitchens and in short time built a fabulous reputation for their wonderful pretzels. This is an exciting new opportunity for our shoppers and for North Market.”

In operation since 1876, the North Market is Columbus’ only true public market. More than 30 merchants offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, flowers and other specialty food items. The Market also provides an international selection of freshly prepared foods, distinctive gifts and personable service from owner/operators. The North Market is open daily and located steps away from the Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena.

Tags: brezel, new merchant

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