Dining Out

The Philly Pretzel: Fast Food with a Twist Factory
By Cassandra Wentworth

The Philly Pretzel Factory is banking on Pittsburghers looking for low-carb, low-sugar snacks

At one time or another, most people have seen their names spelled out in bright icing atop a layer of frosting on their birthday, anniversary or graduation cake. But how many people can say they’ve seen their moniker made out of soft, chewy dough and just the right amount of salt?

Collier Township’s new Philly Soft Pretzel Factory can accommodate such requests. In addition to the batches of freshlybaked pretzels served daily, staff can make personalized creations for parties or business events.

The shop, located in the old Dunkin’ Donuts building on Washington Pike, opened early February.

“We’re hoping this can be the first of many [in the Pittsburgh area],” says R.J. Franz, director of operations. The next nearest location is in State College.

The first Philly Pretzel Factory opened its doors in Mayfair, Philadelphia in 1998. Since then, 151 stores have sprung up around Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. Co-owner Mike Bartrum, who played 15 seasons in the NFL, discovered the company while living in the City of Brotherly Love when he was a long snapper for the Eagles. He and co-owner Burke McKinney chose the Collier location because of the high volume of traffic the local shopping center brings in. Guests can order anywhere from one to 100 pretzels at a time (though the latter requires 24 hours advance notice). The shop also serves bite-size pretzels, called rivets, and hot dogs or hot sausage wrapped in pretzels. Pretzels come in salted and unsalted, and can be dipped in cheese or a selection of assorted mustards. Cost is 50 cents for one, up to $25 for 100.

Party trays come in garlic, poppy seed, sesame seed and “everything” (a mixture of all three) varieties. They also offer cream cheese toppings and coffee for the morning rush.

There is a call-ahead takeout option and a drive-through. But stopping inside is well worth it. The entire right side of the store is dedicated to showing off the pretzel-making process. Patrons can watch the stretchy dough as it’s twisted into its signature shape, and tours will soon be available for children’s groups. Also coming soon are fundraising options for local sports teams and extra-curricular organizations.

“It’s got zero grams of fat and very little calories,” Franz says. “Instead of selling candy, it’s a healthy snack alternative.”

The Philly Soft Pretzel Factory is located at 1150 Washington Pike. Tentative hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The shop can be reached at 412-206-0425.

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