Dayton’s beloved Smales Pretzel Bakery marked its 100th anniversary on Saturday at its historic Xenia Avenue location. The milestone celebration featured $1 soft pretzels for anyone who stopped by, limited‑edition anniversary T‑shirts and a raffle for a full year of free pretzels.
Owner Emma Smales Shares the Day’s Highlights
Owner Emma Smales said the bakery’s staff began baking before dawn, with ovens firing up at 6:30 a.m. and never stopping until the celebration wound down. “Just twisting and baking, twisting and baking all day,” she laughed, describing the nonstop rhythm of the kitchen.
Smales noted that the bakery moved through roughly 2,000 pounds of flour on Saturday alone, a testament to both the popularity of the $1 pretzel special and the community’s enthusiasm for the historic event.
A Century of Family Memories
“I think that’s just really special; I don’t think there’s a lot of places that exist anymore that have that many generations of memories,” Smales reflected, emphasizing the bakery’s role as a gathering spot for families across five generations. The shop, which first opened its doors in 1926, has become a fixture of Dayton’s culinary landscape, known for its hand‑twisted pretzels and warm, family‑friendly atmosphere.
Expansion and Future Plans
In addition to the centennial festivities, Smales highlighted the bakery’s recent growth. A second location opened in the Dayton Arcade in March, extending the brand’s reach while preserving the same traditional recipes and community‑focused service that have defined the original shop.
Looking ahead, Smales said the bakery plans to continue its legacy of local involvement, including sponsorship of school events, participation in Dayton’s farmers markets and ongoing charitable giveaways.
Community Response
Long‑time patrons and new visitors alike lined up for the $1 pretzel deal, sharing stories of family trips to Smales over the decades. Many expressed gratitude for a business that has remained steadfast through economic ups and downs, wars and cultural shifts, embodying the resilience and continuity that Dayton residents value.
“It’s more than just a pretzel shop; it’s a piece of our hometown history,” said one longtime customer, holding a commemorative T‑shirt. The celebration concluded with the announcement of the raffle winner, who will receive a year’s supply of fresh, hand‑twisted pretzels – a fitting tribute to a century of community‑centered baking.
About Smales Pretzel Bakery
Founded in 1926, Smales Pretzel Bakery remains a family‑owned operation dedicated to traditional baking methods and community service. With two locations in Dayton, the bakery continues to serve classic soft pretzels, specialty flavors and a welcoming atmosphere for families, tourists and pretzel enthusiasts alike.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
