MESA, Ariz. — An award-winning local business that began in the heart of the pandemic has proved, it doesn't matter how many twists and turns it takes, do "knot" give up!
The Salted Knot, an Easy Valley snack shop, is a story of success for one local couple, Maria Vassett and Chad Day who told 12News, the pandemic started their pretzel business.
Their days start right at 6 a.m. to begin baking an array of goodies. Even though they only opened their doors in December of 2023, they've already made their mark on Mesa.
It started in their Tempe home kitchen in November 2020, the world shutdown and Vassett, who was a longtime concert photographer working with Live Nation, lost her job. Public events had been canceled and people were trying to remain locked indoors for health and safety as Covid-19 spread.
Not to mention, the medical work she was doing with the Gila River Indian Community, that ended as patients looked to telehealth instead of in-home visits. As the holidays approached, the couple wanted to give gifts to family and friends but were pressed for cash.
Enter pretzels.
"I'm not a baker, Chad's not a baker, my husband is not a baker, we learned how to roll a pretzel on YouTube, good old YouTube University," Vassett said.
She showed off some of her photos from her previous career and shared that now that she has her own shop, she'll be proud to hang other artist’s work.
"I hope to trade them out and bring in other locals and support them as well and keep paying it forward," she said.
The road to get to a brick and motor wasn't without hurdles, after outgrowing their kitchen they looked to a commercial space, which is where Vassett said they really learned the business end of the breaded treat.
Gradually growing out of that space, they found their new home in Mesa on Main Street near Country Club. They also maintain their space at the Gilbert Farmer's Market to make sure they know where they've been, as their business grows.
Their extensive menu has something for everyone, whether you love sweet or savory.
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