Jason Trent, 28, and Jared Kelley, 30
Pittsburgh
Laid off from: Washington Mutual, Aug. 29, 2008
New venture: Pittsburgh Pretzel Sandwich Shop
Jason Trent and Jared Kelley were home loan coordinators for Washington Mutual when they learned in April the troubled thrift would close its Pittsburgh office. Looking for alternatives to the flailing mortgage business, they explored buying a franchise but decided instead to start their own quick-service restaurant. The Pittsburgh Pretzel Sandwich Shop, which they hope to open by May in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, will serve a range of pretzel creations, including pretzel-themed desserts and soups.
