Preheat the ovens and warm the cheese. Philly Pretzel Factory is now open at the Walmart on Benner Pike.
After closing its 124 S. Allen St. location about five months ago, the soft pretzel company made the move to Walmart as a way to increase revenue and exposure.
Philly Pretzel Factory CEO and founder Dan DiZio has said his company has partnered with various other Walmarts across the state, allowing many Philly Pretzel franchises to greatly increase business.
“It (Wal-Mart) has more consistent foot traffic,” says State College franchisee Robert Harris.
Within Walmart, Philly Pretzel Factory is located where the store’s photo mart once was. Because of this, the area had to be completely reconfigured for the installation of items like pretzel ovens and counter space.
“We had to do a complete build-out of the store and then move all of our equipment into here,” Harris says.
Philly Pretzel Factory held a grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 26. The event included free pretzel giveaways, prize drawings and the handing out of flyers. The company’s mascot, Philly, attended the event, as did a few corporate employees.
According to Harris, business has been very steady. He hopes the success will continue, bringing in more business and allowing Philly Pretzel Factory to be in the local public eye more often.
Though DiZio said the menu will be limited, it will include regular and specialty homemade pretzels and the pretzel hotdog, providing customers with fan favorite pretzels.
Harris agrees, saying customers will still be able to get the same fresh soft pretzels they have come to love.
“We offer a good product that is fresh,” Harris says. “I’m very happy with the move and I hope things continue to work out.”
Currently, the Benner Pike Walmart Philly Pretzel Factory employs six people and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Click HERE for more information about Philly Pretzel Factory or call (814) 861-2150.
