The Philadelphia Soft Pretzel, Past, Present, and Future
The history of the soft pretzel can be documented back nearly 1,300 years ago, the first account being its creation from a monk in A.D 610. The meaning of the fold is to represent crossed praying arms with the three holes also representing the trinity, this was made as a prize for kids who learned their prayers.
Philadelphia is known for their classic fresh-baked soft pretzels, with stories of soft-pretzels being made all the way back in the 1800s. Once the culinary delight was introduced, the city streets were quickly lined with street vendors. Some reports claim that Philly consumes 12 times the national average of soft pretzels each year (Phillyhistory.org). Much like the fan favorite cheesesteak and water-ice Philadelphia is known for their freshly baked soft pretzels.
The first pretzel factory in America opened their doors in Lititz, Pa in 1861. Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is the first pretzel bakery in America, since they opened their doors in 1861 they have traveled all throughout Pennsylvania. First starting out on Main Street in Lititz, Pa. Marriott Sturgis, Julius’ grandson, made another bakery in Reading, Pa called Tom Sturgis Pretzels. This is the location they still operate out of today. Marriott Sturgis and Bruce Sturgis, Tom’s son, run a majority of their operations today with some help from other family members managing the two pretzel shops. Today, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery still stands in Lititz and you can take tours of the original home of Julius Sturgis with his first commercial bakery attached to the house; his house is also listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Despite the Sturgis’ being the original pretzel masters of Pennsylvania, Dan Dizio and Len Lehman revolutionized the Philly pretzel industry for the better when they opened their own Philly Pretzel Factory in 1998. Their commitment showed by driving from Philadelphia to Florida in a rental truck to pick up original pretzel making equipment from an old pretzel bakery, after a few modifications this would be the blueprint for the machines they have in every Philly Pretzel Factory. What started off as a “who not try this” experiment between Dan and Len, it turned into the world’s largest Philly-style pretzel bakery. The experiment Dan and Len were testing was how they would do with a retail model instead of industrial, since the surrounding area was mainly industrial companies. Little did they know, this experiment would result in a following that would only grow stronger and stronger everyday. Since they first opened their doors on Frankford Ave in Philadelphia, they have since opened 175 across the country.
These pretzels are a staple for people that grew up and live in Philadelphia. I was one of these people, Philly Pretzel Factory was always an obvious snack of choice for either a tailgate, party, sporting event, or even just as a snack on a normal Saturday afternoon. They were always hot and fresh ready to be served and they also offered sauces to change it up. They are also involved in the community through fundraising partnerships, doing merch raffle baskets, and renting out their Philly Pretzel Factory truck.
Even though Philly Pretzel Factory is the reigning champ of pretzels in Philadelphia, and has been for sometime, there is another Philly pretzel bakery that’s been around for awhile. Center City Soft Pretzel Co. is a pretzel bakery that has been family owned and operated in South Philadelphia since 1981. Tony Tonelli is the original owner and baker for Center City Soft Pretzel Co. and is currently being run today by his daughter Erika Tonelli. Being one of Philly’s oldest original family-owned soft pretzel companies, they pride themselves on the healthiness and quality of their pretzels. Using no trans fat, preservatives, additives, and peanut/tree nut and dairy free facility. Their company’s phrase also shows the family-style atmosphere, “A bakery. Not a factory”. Unfortunately for the bakery, they suffered an electrical fire in October 2022, which has currently left them temporarily closed. Through social media and their company website they have announced this closing is not permanent and fans wait eagerly for their return.
Philadelphia is so known for their soft-pretzels because of the meaning they hold to Pennsylvania Dutch. Pennsylvania Dutch or Pennsylvania Germans refers to the descendants of German-speaking immigrants that settled in Pennsylvania in 1683 (Librarycompany.org). Their old-fashioned ways of rejecting telephones, electricity, and cars draws tourists to Lancaster County where pretzels were hand twisted by Pennsylvania Dutch women(PhiladelphiaEncyclopedia.org). This rich history with something as small as a soft pretzel, shows how strong culture and history mean to the city of Philadelphia.
Written by Jake Cavanaugh
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