At only 23 years old, Brittany Garbutt launched the first pretty in pink Pretzel store in Northbridge, WA. Her business has since grown to five stores in WA and three in VIC.
Tell us about Pretzel Australia.
I first launched Pretzel in Northbridge, WA in 2017. I was 23 years old. We have since grown to five stores in WA and three in Melbourne!
Pretzel is our home of happiness! We hope to create new and unique eating experiences, spreading the doughy joy of a freshly baked Pretzel with our 16 different delicious toppings at all eight of our locations! All of our sensory-tingling stores are individually designed and are splashed in our signature Pretzel Pink.
What inspired you to start Pretzel Australia?
I am a brand designer by trade and love everything from drafting design concepts and branding, to photography graphics and creative interiors. Pretzel began as an opportunity for me to create my own brief and brand without any limitations. It has grown to be both a business and creative pursuit that allows me the freedom to craft and shape a new kind of business that delivers fresh concepts, runs things a little differently and fosters a sense of community – we like to call it the Pretzel fam.
Describe a typical work day for you.
My days really do vary. Some days are spent working from home answering emails, brainstorming new ideas and campaigns. Other days are spent in store organizing special deliveries and crafting new flavours.
How are you navigating operating your business during COVID-19?
We are really lucky here in Perth that business has remained as usual. We’re also very lucky that we have an awesome team in Melbourne who have adapted swiftly to the challenges and changes. At the start of COVID we launched our click and collect website www.buypretzelaustralia.com.au that offers the entire Pretzel menu, as well as awesome branded bags, socks, stickers and soon to come jumpers, hats and loungewear. The website launched as a way of encouraging our customers to continue supporting us and enabled us to keep our staff employed.
Being a predominantly takeaway offering we have been quite fortunate. We also opened two stores during COVID, one in Doncaster VIC and another in Fremantle WA. So we can continue delivering more Pretzels to more hungry Australians.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
Every business has high points and low points, it’s about being dedicated, loving what you do and giving yourself and your team credit for your work. Seeing strangers enjoy and engage with your brand is incredibly rewarding and every small moment should be celebrated.
What’s next for you, and Pretzel Australia?
We hope to expend into new states! I’m looking at you, Sydney and Brisbane! Keep up to date with what we’re up to on our Instagram page @pretzelaus.
