A bag of pretzels became the starting point for a small business in Fargo, North Dakota, where Connor Arbach began making his own versions of the familiar snack. According to the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, at 12, he was developing flavours, preparing batches and finding customers willing to pay $2 for a bag of his seasoned creations. What started as an interest in making pretzels has since taken shape as Twistology Pretzels, a youth-owned business with a growing selection of flavours. Connor remains involved in the work behind each packet, from experimenting with ingredients to getting the finished snacks ready for sale. His family helps with the business, which has begun appearing at local markets and community events around the Fargo-Moorhead area.
How 13-year-old Connor Arbach turned homemade pretzels into a small business
Twistology Pretzels is based in Fargo, North Dakota, and is built around a relatively simple product: crunchy pretzels coated in homemade seasonings. Connor has developed a range of homemade seasonings, combining familiar savoury flavours with sweeter and spicier options.The business is run by Connor, who was 12 when he began developing the idea, with his family providing support behind the scenes. His involvement extends beyond choosing which flavours to sell. He takes part in preparing the recipes, seasoning the pretzels, baking them and packing the finished products.
From ranch and dill pickle to sweet twisted churro pretzels
The range at Twistology includes familiar savoury combinations alongside flavours that take pretzels in a different direction. Ranch and Dill Pickle are among the more recognisable options, while Zesty Pizza, Honey Mustard, Chili Lime and Chipotle Barbecue offer other combinations of seasoning.There is also Twisted Churro, a sweeter option that draws on the flavour of the popular cinnamon-sugar-coated pastry. The selection gives customers a choice between tangy, spicy, savoury and sweet varieties without moving away from the basic pretzel.Homemade seasoning is central to the product. Each batch is prepared with the intention of giving the pretzels a distinct coating, rather than simply offering the familiar salted version found in most shops.
How Connor Arbach sells his $2 pretzel bags at local markets
According to WDAY Radio, Connor initially sold his homemade pretzels for $2 a bag, leaving them in the breakroom at his mother’s workplace giving customers a straightforward way to try the different varieties. The company has been taking its products to local markets, pop-up stalls and community events across the Fargo-Moorhead area.People attending markets can see the products, choose from the available flavours and purchase them directly. For Connor, selling the snacks is also part of running the business. Making a product is only one stage of the process; getting it packaged and in front of potential buyers is another. The local events give Twistology an opportunity to build familiarity with its name and introduce its different flavours to people in the area.
A family-supported business run by a young entrepreneur
Although Connor is the person behind Twistology, he does not operate entirely on his own. His family helps with the business behind the scenes, supporting the work involved in preparing and selling the pretzels.Connor, however, remains closely involved in the product itself. Recipe development, seasoning, baking and packaging are all among the tasks he handles. Twistology remains a small business rooted in its local community. Its presence at Fargo-area markets and events has given it a way to introduce its products to customers while continuing to develop its range.For Connor, that idea has become a business bearing its own name, with several flavours and a $2 price tag attached to each bag.