You're not alone if you’ve ever watched an American movie and found yourself drooling over those giant, golden pretzels being devoured in bustling shopping malls.

For years, Aussies with a hankering for authentic US snacks had to settle for imitations or wait until a trip to the States.

But the tides are turning, and our taste buds are in for a treat—because another iconic American food chain is about to make its mark Down Under!


That’s right, folks: Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, is officially opening its first Australian store at Westfield Parramatta on 26 July.

If you’ve ever strolled through a US mall, you’ll know the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pretzels wafting through the air.

Now, that same mouth-watering scent is about to become a fixture in Sydney—and, soon, across the country.


Auntie Anne’s isn’t just any pretzel shop. Since its humble beginnings in Pennsylvania in 1988, it’s grown to over 2,000 locations worldwide, winning fans with its signature soft pretzels—each one hand-rolled, baked fresh, and served piping hot.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic original, the sweet cinnamon sugar, the nutty sweet almond, or the savoury pepperoni cheese, there’s a pretzel for every palate.

And let’s not forget the bite-sized nuggets—perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge).


Yu-Jin Lee, one of the masterminds behind bringing Auntie Anne’s to Australia, shared his excitement: ‘We have always loved pretzels, and one of our fondest childhood memories is going to the mall to grab an Auntie Anne’s pretzel. It’s a cherished experience for us and we hope to recreate and share that joy in Australia now too.’

The buzz is real—Aussie foodies have already spotted the new store before its official opening, with social media lighting up in anticipation.

‘OMG, I manifested this,’ one fan exclaimed, while another declared, ‘If they open in Melbourne, I’ll go broke, no joke.’

Auntie Anne’s joins a growing list of US food giants making their way to Australia, including Five Guys, Wingstop, and Wendy’s.

But what’s behind this wave of American eateries? For many, it’s about nostalgia and curiosity.

We’ve seen these brands in movies and TV shows for decades, and now we finally get to taste what all the fuss is about, without the 15-hour flight.

Melbourne food influencer @nectoriouspapi summed it up: ‘Many of us have heard the hype, or if they’re lucky, tried the items on holiday, but to be able to eat these well-known brands on our own doorstep means it’s now available to everyone. The big test is whether they stand the test of time.’

Of course, there’s a bit of friendly rivalry between cities. As is often the case, Sydney gets first dibs, leaving Melburnians and others a tad envious.

‘Can we get some of these places in Melbourne?’ one social media user pleaded, while another lamented, ‘This was my fave in America, but I don’t live anywhere near Sydney. Boo.’

If you’re not in Sydney, don’t fret—Auntie Anne’s has big plans for Australia, with five more stores set to open in the next 12 months.

So, whether you’re in Brisbane, Melbourne, or Perth, keep your eyes (and noses) peeled for that unmistakable scent of freshly baked pretzels.

And for those who’ve never tried a soft pretzel before, here’s what you can expect: a warm, chewy, slightly sweet dough, twisted into a perfect knot, and often brushed with butter and sprinkled with salt or sugar.

Pair it with a creamy cheese dip or a tangy mustard, and you’ve got yourself a snack that’s both comforting and utterly addictive.

The arrival of Auntie Anne’s is just the latest chapter in Australia’s love affair with international cuisine.

From sushi trains to Italian gelato bars, and now American pretzel shops, our food scene is richer (and tastier) than ever.

But it’s not just about novelty—these new arrivals often inspire local twists and innovations, blending the best of both worlds.

So, whether you’re a die-hard pretzel fan or just curious to see the fuss, Auntie Anne’s is sure to be a hit.

And who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire a new generation of Aussie bakers to try their hand at the perfect pretzel.
Have you tried their famous pretzels overseas, or will this be your first taste? And which other international food chains would you love to see on our shores? Share your thoughts, memories, and wish lists in the comments below.

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