Our Story

Hot Box Pretzels sprang from a simple idea scribbled in Roman’s notebook during his college days. While working as busboys at a country club restaurant, Roman and his roommate, Blake, fell in love with a hit pretzel appetizer. Noticing its absence at music festivals and local events, they saw a perfect niche to fill. 

Their adventure began in their home kitchen, where countless hours were spent perfecting the recipe. Success led them to a commercial kitchen, and eventually, to launching their own food truck. Now, Hot Box Pretzels is a favorite at events, weddings, and parties throughout Jacksonville and surrounding areas. 

At Hot Box Pretzels, we don’t just serve any pretzel. We specialize in giant, freshly-baked pretzels that go straight from the oven to your hands, skipping the warmer entirely for peak freshness. Whether it's our top-selling Salted with Queso or the decadent Cinnamon with Nutella, our menu has a pretzel for every taste. 

We’re all about those smiles. Seriously, it’s rare to see anyone walk away from our truck without a big grin. And we’re just warming up! With big dreams and even bigger pretzels, we’re here to make a mark and spread the joy one pretzel at a time. So, stay tuned—Hot Box Pretzels is just getting started, and trust me, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.

Each pretzel boasts a slight crunch on the outside and a fluffy, warm center—a recipe for instant smiles. Our commitment to quality and community has not only earned us a loyal following but also a fun, festive atmosphere wherever we set up shop. 

Meet Our Team

Roman Desmond

CEO and Founder

Introducing Roman, the creative force behind Hot Box Pretzels. Hailing from the sun-drenched shores of Deerfield Beach, Florida, Roman's upbringing was a blend of surf, skate, and endless adventure.

For Roman, entrepreneurship isn't just about business—it's about crafting a vibrant experience and finding joy in every moment. He thrives on the excitement of building something from the ground up and dreams big about the future of Hot Box Pretzels.

When he's not perfecting his pretzel recipes or hitting the waves, Roman is an avid traveler, always eager to explore new cultures and cuisines. Whether it's sampling street food or catching a surf break, Roman embraces life's adventures with open arms.

His philosophy? It's all about blending passions—surfing, food, travel, and pretzels—into a lifestyle that's as fulfilling as it is exciting. Join Roman on this exhilarating journey as he takes Hot Box Pretzels to new heights and shares the thrill with everyone along for the ride!