Anne Beiler began twisting pretzels in 1987 at a Maryland farmer's market, to support her husband Jonas' vision to open a free counseling service for couples and families in their community. The following February, Anne and Jonas purchased their own stand at another farmer's market in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where they sold a variety of snacks, including hand-rolled soft pretzels. In a twist of fate, the wrong ingredients were inadvertently ordered, resulting in a disappointing pretzel. After some experimentation, Jonas suggested adding a few additional ingredients. The result was a pretzel that Anne and her customers quickly dubbed "better than the best you've ever tasted!"

The following year, Anne launched Auntie Anne's, Inc., and christened the first Auntie Anne's® Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels store. The popularity of her pretzels grew first by word of mouth, and then through franchised locations. Anne's first franchise opened in 1989 at Saturday's Market in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In April 2005, Sam Beiler, the company's president and chief executive officer, purchased Auntie Anne's, Inc. from Anne and Jonas. As leaders of the next generation of Auntie Anne's, Sam and his team are focused on extending the brand, continuing successful growth, and providing value for all stakeholders.

Today, the company supports more than 300 franchisees with over 950 locations worldwide. In 2006, systemwide sales topped $293 million dollars and in July 2006 the company rolled its billionth pretzel. That's a lot of pretzels.

Building on its founder's vision to "give back," Auntie Anne's has been actively involved in Children's Miracle Network, donating more than $3 million to over 100 affiliated hospitals nationwide. Auntie Anne's has also initiated educational scholarship and home down-payment gift programs for its store and corporate employees.