Riverview Business Takes New Twist On Pretzels

RIVERVIEW, FL -- Pretzel lovers are in for a treat with the opening of a new business in Riverview.

With the help of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Riverview residents Michele and John Maffei celebrated the opening of Philly Pretzel Factory of Riverview Friday, Nov. 30, just in time to provide party trays for holiday get-togethers.

The bakery at 11244 Boyette Road is the third Philly Pretzel Factory franchise in Florida. There are also franchises in Winter Haven and Naples.

Founded by college roommates Dan DiZio and Len Lehman in Philadelphia in 1998, the Philly Pretzel Factory specializes in the fresh-baked soft pretzels that originated in the city.

Philly Pretzel Factory now has more than 165 franchises throughout the country.

Hailing from Philadelphia, the Maffeis were eager to share the iconic soft pretzel with their adopted community of Riverview.

Those who are picturing the stale, reheated twisted pieces of salted dough commonly found at bowling alley snack shops will be in for a surprise.

Always freshly baked daily, Philly Pretzel Factory offers every version of soft pretzels imaginable -- pretzel nuggets, cheesesteak pretzels, cinnamon pretzel twists, mini pretzels, bite-size pretzels, spicy pretzel sausages, pepperoni pretzel melts, pretzel dogs with dips ranging from super hot mustard, honey mustard, spicy brown mustard, marinara and cheese dip to chocolate, buttercream and, of course, Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese.

To wash down the pretzels, the Philly Pretzel Factory serves frozen lemonade and frozen raspberry lemonade. Click here for the Riverview bakery's full menu.

The Philly Pretzel Factory in Riverview is open seven days a week. Hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For special events, Spirit Days and coupons, visit the Riverview bakery's Facebook page.

Images via Philly Pretzel Factory

(For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)