When Zachariasz Zoladz ’27 arrived at John Carroll University as a freshman in 2023, he had no idea that within a year, he would be running his own thriving pretzel company.
A Business Management and Organizational Leadership major with a minor in Entrepreneurship, Zoladz always dreamed of running his own business. But it was a class project in Dr. Mindy Paradise’s Creativity and Innovation Entrepreneurship class that sparked an idea—one that would turn into the Cleveland PretZZel Company.
From Classroom to Kitchen
The inspiration came from a simple realization: Cleveland didn’t have a dedicated pretzel company. When brainstorming names for his venture, Zoladz decided to put two “Zs” in PretZZel as a nod to his initials. However, when it was time to transform his idea into reality, he immediately faced a hurdle: he had no baking experience.
“I turned to YouTube videos to learn the basics,” said Zoladz. “My friend's dad had a commercial kitchen, so I would wake up at three in the morning before my eight a.m. statistics class and would bake everything by hand to perfect my own recipe.”
As demand grew, Zoladz partnered with Frank Catanese, a JCU alumnus and owner of Giuseppe's Pizza and Subs in Wickliffe, Ohio. Catanese provided essential support, helping Zoladz scale production, and Zoladz credits him with invaluable mentorship and guidance in growing his business.
Ultimately, Zoladz’s dedication paid off. Starting with catering services, he soon shifted to wholesale, supplying soft pretzel sticks to bars and restaurants across Northeast Ohio, including Wickliffe Bowling Alley and all the Crowley’s Dive Bar locations. Now, he’s searching for an even larger manufacturer to keep up with growth.
The Impact of John Carroll University
Zoladz credits John Carroll for much of his success. The support he received through the entrepreneurship program and LaunchNET funding provided critical resources to get his business off the ground.
“My education at John Carroll has been instrumental in improving my ability to run my business,” Zoladz shared.
“Dr. Clifford and Jamey Polak have been there every step of the way, offering unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship. They've helped me not only with my business but also in my personal life. I truly can't thank them enough for their incredible impact on my journey and life.”
Looking Ahead: Growth, Challenges, and Inspiration
As his business continues to expand, Zoladz has ambitious plans. He aims to establish Cleveland PretZZel Company throughout Ohio and eventually the Midwest, balancing wholesale, retail, and catering services. While pretzels are his primary focus now, he’s open to expanding his product line in the future.
His journey has not been without obstacles, from burning his arms while baking to losing access to his first commercial kitchen. However, his perseverance and the support from mentors, friends, and his faith have kept him moving forward. For Zoladz, the most rewarding part of his business isn’t just the success—it’s knowing that his story can help other students.
“I want to inspire college students to chase their dreams and show them that with hard work and determination, anything is possible,” Zoladz said. “I believe in them, and I want to be an example of what can be achieved.”
