OUR STORY

THE SOUTH DAKOTA PRETZEL CO.

OUR STORY

Our Legacy & Vintage Designs

Founded in 2023, THE SOUTH DAKOTA PRETZEL CO. emerged as a beacon of gourmet excellence in the world of seasoned snacks.

Our journey began with a vision to redefine snacking by crafting artisanal treats that embody the essence of indulgence. With a legacy rooted in culinary mastery spanning over 30 years, we embarked on this venture with a deep understanding of the delicate artistry behind creating exceptional seasoning blends & snacks.

From humble beginnings, Lemonheads Lemonade first burst onto the scene in 2017, a venture that breathed life into the beloved lemonade recipe passed down through generations. Drawing inspiration from Melinda’s grandmother's cherished recipe from Kentucky, Lemonheads Lemonade emerged as a haven for refreshment, offering over 60 flavors of lemonades and fruit teas that delighted taste buds far and wide.

But that was only the beginning. Not content with stopping at beverages, Lemonheads embarked on a culinary journey that honored family traditions with homemade recipes. Each dish, meticulously crafted from scratch, bore the heart and soul of our commitment to authenticity.

In this pursuit of gourmet excellence, Lemonheads unveiled an irresistible creation: old-fashioned homemade Caramel Corn.

The kitchen became our creative canvas as we blended real sugar, butter, and corn syrup into our own scratch-made caramel. With more than 28 sweet caramel corn flavors and 25 savory popcorn variations featuring our meticulously crafted seasoning blends, our offerings were an homage to the craftsmanship of yesteryear.

As the irresistible aroma of caramel corn wafted through the air and taste buds rejoiced in the symphony of flavors, marking the dawn of a new chapter in 2019.

Kringles Gourmet, our gateway into the world of seasoned snacks, was born. With a vision that transcended the ordinary, Kringles brought the artistry of our homemade delights to the forefront. The journey from caramel corn to Kringles Gourmet was a natural evolution, a reflection of our unwavering dedication to creating exceptional culinary experiences.

Our commitment to authenticity and quality shines through as we meticulously handcraft scratch-made seasonings that showcase the finest spices sourced from global spice brokers. Each blend is a testament to our dedication to elevating snacking to a premium experience, showcasing a rich tapestry of tastes and quality.

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However, in late 2022, our journey took an unexpected turn. The year had brought us a significant personal challenges as Melinda, one of the hearts behind Kringles Gourmet, faced the difficult diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure in early 2022.

Despite this personal hardship, we were also confronted by the tumultuous backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, severe supply shortages, continuous price increases from suppliers and other external factors beyond our control. These challenges ultimately led us to make the tough decision to close our beloved Kringles Gourmet venture. At the time of closing, Kringles Gourmet stood strong with 21 dedicated employees, over 728 retailers and a thriving online presence that allowed us to share our snacks and seasoned pretzels with customers around the world.

However, our determination and passion for creating exceptional snacks persevered. In the midst of these trials, we faced another health setback when Patrick, the other driving force behind Kringles, experienced a heart attack in March of 2023 due to the ongoing stress of closing Kringles Gourmet. While these challenges tested our resolve, they also became the catalyst for a new beginning.

In mid-2023, we emerged from the shadows of adversity and relaunched our gourmet snack company as The South Dakota Pretzel Co. This transition allowed us to bring forward the culinary excellence we had honed over the years and channel it into a brand-new venture. With The South Dakota Pretzel Co., we are committed to crafting seasoned snacks that epitomize luxury and quality, just as we did with Kringles Gourmet.

At the heart of our process lies an ancient secret — the art of brining. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, we allow our snacks to marinate in our signature brine for a minimum of 24 hours. This time-honored technique infuses our creations with a harmonious fusion of seasonings and spices, resulting in a taste that resonates with the soul.

In a world where shortcuts reign, we stand apart by avoiding the use of harsh chemicals & preservatives in our seasoning blends. Our commitment to purity and uncompromised flavor sets us on a quest to redefine snacking luxury. Every bite carries a story of passion, precision, and a dedication to offering only the finest to our discerning customers.

As connoisseurs of exquisite taste, we pride ourselves on curating a snack experience that transcends the ordinary.

The South Dakota Pretzel Co. isn't merely a brand; it's a journey of flavors, an exploration of the extraordinary. With roots that stretch back to Lemonheads & Kringles, we've risen to the challenge of crafting snacks that are a testament to our commitment to excellence.

And so, the story of The South Dakota Pretzel Co. is one that's woven with threads of tradition, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From Lemonheads Lemonade's refreshing beverages to the delectable realm of caramel corn and seasoned snacks, each venture paved the way for our luxurious brand today.

As we continue to redefine snacking luxury, we invite you to join us on this journey through flavors, where every bite tells a story of heritage and passion.