Shuey’s Pretzels says future is uncertain

A 99-year Lebanon staple, Shuey’s Pretzels announced in a Facebook post Friday, Jan. 16, that the future of the family-run pretzel shop is uncertain.

“Many have heard/seen rumors and unfortunately at this time we are closed,” said the business in a Facebook post. “We ask that everyone respects our privacy and for everyone to eliminate the rumors/chatter.”

The Shuey family thanked its customers for their support, and said that at this time they don’t know what the next chapter will be. The post quickly went viral on Facebook, hitting nearly 1,000 reactions and more than 150 comments by Friday evening.

“If this is truly the end, many thanks to the Shuey’s Pretzels family for so many great memories,” said one Lebanon local. “I remember my dad taking me there as a kid for soft pretzels and getting my first large soft pretzel.”

“Shuey pretzels are an institution, not just here in Lebanon, PA, but across the US,” said another. “Thank you, thank you for making THE BEST pretzels anywhere!!!”

As LebTown reported in a 2020 feature story, Shuey’s Pretzels is a family business that has endured the test of time.

“Sure, it may be a bit of a twisted tale,” wrote LebTown reporter Jeff Falk. “But the family who twists together stays together.”

No less than a baker’s dozen of Shueys turned the business into a beloved Lebanon institution. Their pretzels have been presented to a pope and a president, and many of us have core memories of the pilgrimage to their East Lehman Street store.

While the post today could spark new plans and perhaps the closure will not be permanent – another downtown icon, Wertz Candies, navigated a similar transition twice in recent years – tonight the Lebanon community expresses their appreciation for the family’s nearly century-long run turning out bags of these coal-fired, golden-hued PA Dutch delicacies.