167-Unit Pretzel Franchise Plans to Distribute More Than 150,000 Pretzels on April 26
Ten years and nearly one million free pretzels later, Philly Pretzel Factory’s giveaway celebration continues for National Pretzel Day. On Wednesday, April 26, traditional and Walmart locations system-wide will offer a free pretzel to every guest who enters the store in honor of the national holiday. Additionally, Philly Pretzel Factory locations will award the first 100 customers in line with a card redeemable for a free pretzel every day throughout the month of May.
“National Pretzel Day is our favorite holiday because it gives us a chance to show our appreciation to our loyal customers who have been enjoying our fresh baked pretzels for nearly two decades,” said Dan DiZio, CEO and co-founder of Philly Pretzel Factory, a 167-unit pretzel chain born and raised in Philadelphia. “Our customers have helped us achieve great success over the years and we like to be able to celebrate alongside them and thank them.”
After launching its free pretzel initiative on National Pretzel Day 10 years ago, Philly Pretzel Factory saw thousands of fans enter its stores for a savory treat – the brand plans to give away more than 150,000 pretzels that day. With momentum from the success of previous years, franchisees across the nation are preparing for the big day. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have been a huge help in promoting the national holiday, and many fans have turned to these platforms to interact, connect and bond with the brand on a more personal level.
“The Philly Pretzel Factory experience goes beyond the walls of our locations – it is a lifestyle,” said Marty Ferrill, President of Philly Pretzel Factory. “We’ve garnered a significant following through daily promotions, giveaways and exciting announcements – and with more than 280,000 followers on Facebook – we can’t wait to see customers celebrating across the United States.”
National Pretzel Day began in 1983 when Philadelphia Rep. Robert S. Walker declared his favorite food was deserving of its own holiday.
During the time of the first declaration, but long before Philly Pretzel Factory was built, DiZio already had a knack for selling the knot-shaped delights. At the age of 12, DiZio would ride his bike to the corner of Southampton and Roosevelt Boulevard to sell his own pretzel creations. The young entrepreneur would sell five pretzels for $1, averaging total sales of 1,000 pretzels per day. After giving a cut to the supplier, DiZio would pocket $100 and ride home.
In order to turn his pretzel stand into something much bigger, DiZio teamed up with college buddy Len Lehman in 1998 to create the first Philly Pretzel Factory blueprint. Since then, the brand has grown from a single location in the Mayfair neighborhood in Philadelphia to 167 locations in 19 states across the U.S. from Boston to Florida and west to Las Vegas. The company is on pace to add 50 new locations this year with franchise owners across the U.S.
“Since we have added a presence in new markets over the last year, we are excited to see more families and their communities enjoy a snack on us for the special day,” said Tom Monaghan, Chief Development Officer of Philly Pretzel Factory.
As the world’s largest Philly-style bakery, Philly Pretzel Factory bakes fresh, delicious soft pretzels delivered to customers “served hot outta the oven.” Each pretzel, made from a mix of only the finest and freshest ingredients, is hand twisted to ensure quality and authenticity.
Philly Pretzel Factory offers consumers a fresh, satisfying snack with their fresh-baked pretzels that are “served hot outta the oven.” Philly Pretzel Factory was founded in 1998 by college buddies Dan DiZio and Len Lehman and has grown into the largest Philly style pretzel bakery in the world, feeding customers at more than 165 franchised locations spreading across the country out of Philadelphia. Philly Pretzel Factory’s menu offers the traditional Philly style pretzel and also includes pretzel twists, mini pretzels, rivets, pretzel dogs, cheesesteak pretzels and a variety of mustards. These products can be found in a stand-alone bakery, transportation and entertainment venues, and in the nation’s largest retailer, Walmart. For more information on Philly Pretzel Factory, visit www.phillypretzelfactory.com. To inquire about franchise opportunities, visit www.ownappf.com.
