This restaurant chain is rated 2.6 stars in Boise? It’s giving out free food

When it comes to online review ratings, some restaurant chains don’t stand a chance.

Take innately “mid” Wetzel’s Pretzels.

Its concept is knot-shaped baked dough. And hot dogs. The restaurants are walk-up counters in malls and airports.

So don’t get twisted when you notice the sorry 2.6-out-of-5-star overall Google rating for Wetzel’s at Boise Towne Square. Be a little salty instead.

Because Wetzel’s deserves a little love.

After all, Saturday, April 26, is National Pretzel Day.

Wetzel’s will offer an in-store giveaway: one free Original Pretzel from 3 p.m. to close (7 p.m. in Boise; 8 p.m. inside Nampa’s Walmart, 875 E. Franklin Road). You just walk up and ask. No purchase necessary. One warm, tasty treat per person.

(Then later — maybe consider penning a glowing 3-star review?)

Don’t overthink the Yelp ratings. (Even lower? Oof.) Don’t try to understand why the Original Pretzel normally costs $5.19 in Boise but $4.49 in Nampa. (Those are prices listed online.)

Just go get that pretzel. Because nothing tastes better than free, salty food.

This story was originally published April 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM.

Michael Deeds

Idaho Statesman

208-377-6407

Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane.