Philly Pretzel Factory

Philly Pretzel Factory is a quick-service brand known for its hand-twisted, freshly baked soft pretzels and a range of pretzel-based snacks. The company was founded in 1998 by Dan DiZio and Len Lehman, who opened their first shop in Philadelphia’s Mayfair neighborhood with the goal of sharing authentic Philadelphia-style pretzels beyond the city. Over the years, Philly Pretzel Factory has grown from a single storefront to a national franchise. A significant milestone came in 2004 when the company began franchising, which accelerated its expansion beyond its original market.

As of November 2025, Philly Pretzel Factory operates more than 170 locations across the United States. The brand maintains a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast while actively growing in the Midwest and Southeast. In the past five years, the company has broadened its reach by opening new stores in these emerging regions and by increasing its presence in non-traditional venues such as sports stadiums, event spaces, and transportation hubs. The introduction of mobile food trucks and kiosks has allowed the brand to serve high-traffic environments and adapt to a variety of retail settings.

Philly Pretzel Factory’s menu has evolved to include not only classic soft pretzels but also items like pretzel dogs, cheesesteak pretzels, mini pretzels, and a selection of dips, appealing to both individual customers and large catering orders. The company is owned by Soft Pretzel Franchise Systems Inc., with co-founder Dan DiZio serving as CEO, and is headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. The brand continues to pursue growth through franchising, targeting both established and emerging markets, and offering formats that fit traditional storefronts as well as flexible, high-traffic locations. This adaptability and ongoing expansion have helped establish Philly Pretzel Factory as a reliable and recognizable tenant in a variety of commercial real estate environments.