Today is National Pretzel Day

In recognition of National Pretzel Day, Philly Pretzel Factory eateries around the county – including the one located in Lawrence Township – will give away a free pretzel to every person who stops by today (Tuesday, April 26).

 “We have an incredible fanatical following. This day is about us having a little fun, giving back, and feeding our guest’s need for great taste,” said Dan DiZio, president of the chain of more than 100 restaurants that he and college buddy Len Lehman founded in Philadelphia in 1998.

“No purchase is necessary,” said Francine Petrone, co-owner of the Philly Pretzel Factory at 2068 Brunswick Pike (Business Route 1) at the corner of Whitehead Road in Lawrence Township. She said today’s pretzel giveaway is “just an opportunity to give back and thank our regular customers and let everyone else try a new fresh pretzel.”

The offer of a free pretzel is good all day today at the Lawrence eatery, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The idea for dedicating a day to the pretzel was first put forth in 1983 when U.S. Rep. Robert S. Walker of Pennsylvania argued that his favorite food was deserving of a holiday. Twenty years later, in 2003, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell officially declared April 26 to be National Pretzel Day.

Francine Petrone and her husband, Keith, opened their Philly Pretzel Factory franchise in Lawrence Township in June 2007. The couple, who live in Bensalem, Pa., and work as physical therapists in the Philadelphia area, had “been looking to open some sort of business on our own,” Francine said. “I grew up in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia, where origin Philly Pretzel Factory is located. Everyone loves pretzels, especially in the Philadelphia region. It just seemed like a good opportunity.”

She said business has grown over the years, but the troubled economy has not made that success easy.

“We did go through some rough times and struggles over the past two years but I am happy to say things are improving,” she said. “Our regular customers are happy we’re still here. And we’re very grateful to them. We just want to make sure we offer a product our customers are happy with.”

In addition to traditional Philadelphia-style pretzels in a variety of sizes, the eatery offers pretzel hotdogs and pretzels stuffed with taste treats like buffalo chicken and cheesesteak.

Francine said the restaurant does a lot of business with local schools, offices and non-profit organizations because their party platters make for an affordable lunch for many, while bulk orders of their pretzels have proven to be popular for fundraising.

“We are just grateful and thankful for our customers who keep us open and thriving and growing. We just want to say thank you to them,” she said.

She noted that the eatery offers a tour for groups of children, such as school classes or scout troops. “The kids learn step-by-step how to make a pretzel. It’s hands-on. They make their own pretzels and take them home,” she said.

Groups interested in arranging such a tour – which typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour – should call her at the restaurant at (609) 989-1008. Anyone interested in receiving regular coupons and other offers by email should also call the eatery and leave their email address, she said.