Cold dough is rolled out on the countertop where it is molded into a cylinder shape and twisted and turned at the command of senior Alec Kilb. The smell of cheese and other sauces pull shoppers in from all corners of the mall. Being a worker at Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Shop may seem easy, but so much more than pretzel- making goes into a shift.

“You basically just have to know how to deal with the dough,” Kilb said. “And know how to work the oven and deal with customers.”

Since Nov. 2010, Kilb has been flipping pretzels, pouring drinks, and cleaning the kitchen at Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Stop at the Mid Rivers Mall. Kilb was referenced for the job by his grandmother, who has been working there for three years. Kilb works about 20-30 hours a week along with being enrolled in school and the work program.

“It’s pretty awesome that he can balance it all out,” girlfriend and junior Olivia Olson said. “I’m really proud of him.”