"Everyone here loves local, beautiful things," says German-born Meike Long, including Meike's uniquely delicious Bavarian pretzels, hand-crafted from a recipe inherited from her grandmother. Each lovingly-made batch from The Pretzel Connection takes five hours and elicits such an amazed response, Meike is often asked to cater weddings.
Newly arrived from Boston with her husband Bob in 2015, Meike began working with the Probst family at The Corner Store. "Carl asked me to help in the bakery," she recalls, rediscovering her love for her childhood baked snack. When Burkley Probst asked her to make pretzels for an event, people raved about the flavor and quality. The Pretzel Connection was born, with Meike opening a Heber baking facility and delivery service.
Each of Meike's pretzels, available at open-air markets, Oktoberfest or for pickup at her bakery, is crafted from local ingredients. She and Bob often bake for 12-14 hours daily, delivering to schools, daycares and assisted living centers. “People zero in on the pretzels!" she laughs. “Most people's pretzel experience is a blob of baked dough from a food service," she explains. “Trying the real thing is an eye-opener.”
Park City triggered sweet nostalgia for Meike on her first trip here to visit her son, Fritz. "I had an overwhelming feeling of home. The air and the mountains reminded me of the forests I grew up in, taking walks with my grandmother, mushroom hunting." She and Bob met at the Ramstein Air Base gym, moving to the US in 1980.
Outgoing and personable, Meike says she chose "The Pretzel Connection" name because “connecting with as many people as possible is important to me." She's thrilled to be among other Chamber artisans who craft cookies, chocolates, bread and other "wonderful locally produced products."
"I never thought I would be a baker, and it has brought such joy," she smiles. "Now, I just want to share the pretzel love!"