The sweet, salty smell of these pretzels is unmistakable. From malls to airports, Auntie Anne’s remains a staple.
Now, one of its newest locations sits on Seton Hall’s campus.
Auntie Anne’s opened on Wednesday at noon, replacing By The Slice as the fourth dining option in the University Center.
The Student Government Association (SGA) and Student Services surveyed students in April 2025 to determine which new dining franchise they wanted on campus. According to previous reporting by The Setonian, approximately 1,550 students participated in the survey.
Student Services selected three finalists: Smoothie King, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Auntie Anne’s, according to Monica Burnette, vice president of student services. Auntie Anne’s received the most votes.
According to SGA, the restaurant offered samples to students on Monday before holding a “soft opening” on Tuesday and its grand opening on Wednesday.
Evan Trisler, director of franchise at Gourmet Dining, said student participation in selecting the new dining option has been key to Auntie Anne’s early success.
“I think that obviously, throughout the years, we’ve had many concepts in this space and they have not been as successful as we can see right now, this concept’s been,” he said. “If we listen to the students and what they want on campus, we’ll obviously be very fruitful after that.”
Trisler added that he anticipates incorporating Auntie Anne’s into future campus events to increase student engagement.
“I think it will be great,” Trisler said. “Once we get our feet under us, we’ll be able to utilize this over at the Sports Center for women’s basketball games concessions, catering offerings. Obviously, everyone’s super excited for it.”
Students said they were excited to have a chance to help choose the new food spot on campus, with many feeling more connected to campus culture after the installation of Auntie Anne’s.
Marqkuis Phillip, a junior physics and engineering major, voted for Auntie Anne’s in SGA’s survey.
“It was the best option out of the three,” Phillip said. “A smoothie option, we don’t need.”
Reflecting on the university’s decision to let students weigh in, he said the process helped students feel more connected to campus and its offerings.
“It gives us a sense of democracy and independence…the school listened to us,” he said. “You see how many people are here…there’s a reason they asked us to choose.”
Abigail Giampapa, a senior psychology major, also voted for Auntie Anne’s. She agreed that giving students a voice in the decision helped build excitement.
“It’s good for morale,” she said. “It was a really cool decision [the university] made.”
Phillip added that he was surprised by how quickly the location was built and made ready for students.
“Considering how quickly they built it, they listened…we wanted it quick,” Phillip said. “I wasn’t expecting it to come before winter break.”
Giampapa said the new addition provides another opportunity for students to connect.
“I feel like it brings more students to campus,” she said. “It’s really busy in here right now.”
Sheena Ravoori, a junior diplomacy and international relations major, said the new dining option will bring excitement to campus as students face increasing academic workloads and pressures.
“I’m really excited,” she said. “I think it’ll be good for commuters and students.”
Other students shared fond memories of visiting Auntie Anne’s as children, recalling trips to the bakery with their families.
Adam Arriola, a sophomore psychology major, voted for Auntie Anne’s because he often visited the bakery during mall trips.
“Auntie Anne’s reminded me a lot of the mall,” Arriola said. “Every time I go to the mall, I’m always looking forward to getting it. When I was hearing that this was in the running for the next food [option]...I really wanted Auntie Anne’s to be here.”
Kate Kepuladze, a junior nursing major, also has childhood memories associated with the bakery. She said she was excited to have the option on campus because of its personal significance.
“It brings me back to my childhood, when my parents would bring me to the mall when I was a kid for pictures with Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny,” Kepuladze said. “My dad would always get me a pretzel.”
Compared to By the Slice, Arriola said Auntie Anne’s offers more variety to meet students’ preferences.
“It’s a really good upgrade,” he said, “and for the new students, they would probably feel extra welcomed.”
Compared with the other University Center dining options, including Starbucks, Jersey Mike’s and Pirate Express, Giampapa said Auntie Anne’s offers something different: a sweet treat. Her usual order is the large cinnamon sugar pretzel.
“I felt like it was something different,” Giampapa said. “We have wraps at Pirate Express, sandwiches at Jersey Mike's, so I feel like it was a nice change. They have slushies and pretzels.”
Antonella Burrini, a sophomore English major, also orders the cinnamon sugar pretzel. She said the university was missing a snack-focused shop and expressed appreciation for the new addition.
“We don’t have anything else like it; it’s not like you can get this in the dining hall,” Burrini said. “It’s a great addition.”
While some students gravitate toward sweet options, Arriola indulges in their savory items.
“I would order a salted pretzel or the salted pretzel bites with a side of cheese,” he said. “That makes it really good.”
Similarly, Kepuladze prefers the menu’s savory items over its cinnamon sugar pretzels.
“I like the classic pretzel,” she said.
When Phillip placed his order at Auntie Anne’s on opening day, he also gravitated toward savory options.
“The pretzel dogs and some of the lemonade,” he said. “That’s my go-to order.”
Whether sweet or savory, students now have a place on campus to satisfy either craving—or both.
Michela DiLorenzo is the head editor of The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at michela.dilorenzo@student.shu.edu.
