The Family Behind Philly’s Favorite Soft Pretzels

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  • Опубліковано 11 чер 2023
  • Get to know Center City Pretzel Co., a second-generation family-owned soft pretzel business located in the heart of South Philly. Founded in 1981, this beloved company has been operated by the Tonelli family for over 40 years. When the pandemic hit, Daughter Erika Tonelli took the reins and kept the business running, proudly serving customers the best quality soft pretzels in the Delaware Valley. But Center City Pretzel Co. is more than just a purveyor of tasty snacks. They're also an active member of their community, supporting local charities, organizations, and schools. So if you're looking for a true taste of Philly, look no further than Center City Pretzel Co., one of the city's oldest and most beloved family-owned soft pretzel companies.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 299

  • @GKMLM
    @GKMLM 11 місяців тому +572

    They've recently closed due to a fire. Philadelphians, we needs this institution back! Please support their gofundme.

    • @dougluba8390
      @dougluba8390 10 місяців тому +36

      Done! They’re about 2/3 of the way there, let’s get them there!

    • @bliffwerld6688
      @bliffwerld6688 10 місяців тому +17

      I just saw this and was getting in my car to take the two hour ride 😮

    • @jnaar8458
      @jnaar8458 10 місяців тому

    • @jnaar8458
      @jnaar8458 10 місяців тому

    • @jnaar8458
      @jnaar8458 10 місяців тому

  • @piplup10203854
    @piplup10203854 11 місяців тому +127

    The owner is a huge representation of kindness and hard working diligence. I love that she says over and over again that the 70 cents bagels they make are people's meals for themselves or their families and even though she could probably charge more and people would pay that, she still does that. I personally feel like if we can do those things to help others we should and this lady represents the best of that by keeping true to her father's dream and what that food represents. I wish her the best truly for all time. Keep doing that because people need to know someone out there is willing to to put the time and effort into providing something they can rely on to help them get through their days ☺ sometimes it's all someone needs.

    • @thanosperl5451
      @thanosperl5451 10 місяців тому +3

      It's an honor for any customer to come through your door, especially ones that show up every morning. This owner has it right.

    • @piplup10203854
      @piplup10203854 10 місяців тому +1

      @@thanosperl5451 Yes, I absolutely agree with that. It's so nice to see an Owner feel that way. I truly wish we had more people like this in the world. You're absolutely right ☺

    • @ElizabethT45
      @ElizabethT45 10 місяців тому

      @@thanosperl5451 Definitely. She's feeding a whole community in a loving way and not looking for just profit. This is what I love about family-owned restaurants and the way they feel about their customers.

  • @TheSorcererAhrimanahsul
    @TheSorcererAhrimanahsul 11 місяців тому +159

    If the shop owner reads this I want to give My condolences on the loss of your father
    And I Love how you're keeping the business going well done. If I'm ever up in Philly I will find this store.

    • @jimmike8029
      @jimmike8029 9 місяців тому

      Most definitely, every other party I attend, there's Philly pretzels.

  • @jaymz168
    @jaymz168 10 місяців тому +21

    Hands down the best pretzels in Philly! Stopping by in the early morning and getting them warm straight out the oven is one of life's simple pleasures.

  • @joesmith6972
    @joesmith6972 11 місяців тому +107

    Came for some pretzel goodness. Stayed for the impressive owner and her operation. Very inspiring.

    • @shshskateproductions2250
      @shshskateproductions2250 10 місяців тому

      She throws away food that can be donated. Typical Republican who only caters to one kind.

    • @joesmith6972
      @joesmith6972 10 місяців тому +5

      @@shshskateproductions2250 Maybe you should fill the void and start your own pretzel company that gives away everything to those you feel are entitled. You can call it Piss Poor Profit Pretzels.
      Good luck. Reality is going to suck though.

    • @shshskateproductions2250
      @shshskateproductions2250 10 місяців тому

      @@joesmith6972 sorry you are easily triggered. You wouldn't last ten minutes in a working environment.

    • @joesmith6972
      @joesmith6972 10 місяців тому +3

      @@shshskateproductions2250 You're lecturing the wrong person about working environments. Stay in your lane and stick to making skateboarding videos.

    • @shshskateproductions2250
      @shshskateproductions2250 10 місяців тому

      @@joesmith6972 I get you have nothing going on in life. It doesn't mean you have to take it out on me. I do pay your bills after all.

  • @ItzBwo
    @ItzBwo 11 місяців тому +59

    Please please please never change what ya'll do. Since the day I was born these pretzels have been in my life and I hope it's part of my kids, and their kids to come!

  • @bradtomlin7387
    @bradtomlin7387 10 місяців тому +12

    My favorite food to eat when I was little was a Philadelphia soft pretzel and now a 40 year old my favorite thing to eat is still a Philadelphia soft pretzel. I love with all my heart. Makes my day better every day!! Yum

  • @emma5339
    @emma5339 10 місяців тому +10

    Growing up in Philly, every Tuesday in grade school was soft pretzel Tuesday. At recess, if you left a quarter on your desk, post recess you were left a soft pretzel. Yummmmm miss it

    • @mrdpdjr
      @mrdpdjr 10 місяців тому +1

      We got em for .10
      Could get max 3 in school

    • @tynao2029
      @tynao2029 10 місяців тому +1

      yeh the school pretzels were okay lol. I much preferred the Orange drink and chocolate milks from Hy-point dairy

    • @thomaskiely-oz4bp
      @thomaskiely-oz4bp 2 місяці тому +1

      I went to catholic school.price was 5 cents.i am 71

  • @Jo-un6es
    @Jo-un6es 11 місяців тому +17

    Now this is some good rep. I mean they serve all kinds of folks, they serve their community by keeping the prices low, and they stick true to the recipe with no shortcuts.
    We need to showcase more of these kinds of businesses. Keep it up Vice!

  • @missolesoul
    @missolesoul 10 місяців тому +23

    I grew up in Philly. We even had "pretzel day". every week at school. There is nothing like a Philly pretzell

    • @stoofyboof4399
      @stoofyboof4399 9 місяців тому +1

      I remember in elementary school, the bus driver brought a big bag from Philly Pretzel Factory and gave every kid a free pretzel on the last day of school, he was amazing lol

    • @phlydude
      @phlydude 6 місяців тому +1

      We used to have daily recess snack - pretzel and juice. From 1st through 8th grade in Catholic grade-school. We'd get pretzels delivered in the AM and 7th/8th graders who volunteered for the pretzel duty would take the pretzels and divide them up and put them in bins by classroom depending on who paid for the snack that week and deliver them to the room during the 1st class (religion). We also used to get cartons of orange drink from Rosenberger's to go along with the pretzels. 10:00 - 10:15A every day bathroom break and snacks for our recess. Thinking back now to being a 6 yr old having a whole soft pretzel and 8 oz of orange drink, it was a bit absurd but many of us did it.

  • @Youngapollo47
    @Youngapollo47 10 місяців тому +32

    people always know about our cheesesteaks but i really believe philly has the best pretzels in the world. god bless her and her family, truly a staple of the city

    • @Dark-ts3ox
      @Dark-ts3ox 10 місяців тому +5

      Have you ever eaten a Brezn/Brezel outside the USA?

    • @quincee3376
      @quincee3376 Місяць тому

      Philly italian hoagies >>>>>

  • @fabiansierra7622
    @fabiansierra7622 11 місяців тому +22

    17 bucks for 20 pretzels and a mustard? That’s great value

  • @B_ready4671
    @B_ready4671 11 місяців тому +19

    That middle knot is heaven😇...as a kid living in South Philly a treat was this pretzel & a water ice..and then somebody started topping the pretzel w/ pizza sauce and toppings & ya got'a pizza pretzel!

  • @morganclark8221
    @morganclark8221 11 місяців тому +35

    Few things are as good as a fresh, warm soft pretzel with big chunks of salt!!! Yum!!

  • @yutsylavong215
    @yutsylavong215 11 місяців тому +22

    With hot spicy mustard and a Italian water ice, never gets old 😂

  • @Ansxo
    @Ansxo 11 місяців тому +15

    Omg I cant wait until I go to PHILLY next month (I’m from Berks County). You guys definitely are on my list Erica. Thank you so much for this video this was amazing. God bless you. Your dad is so proud of you! This is amazing!!!!! ❤

  • @semp7861
    @semp7861 11 місяців тому +19

    there is NOTHING I like more than a fresh, warm, soft pretzel

  • @yotaiji012
    @yotaiji012 11 місяців тому +33

    A true family business! I’m definitely gonna check this place out.

  • @alexv6462
    @alexv6462 11 місяців тому +27

    Closed due to fire, unfortunately :( Everyone should support them in coming back through their GoFundMe!!!

  • @EliteSports24
    @EliteSports24 11 місяців тому +13

    Erika seems like an unbelievable human and the definition of world class family ran food business. Great storytelling as always, Munchies. I’m hungry for a pretzel now

  • @Joenoblocks
    @Joenoblocks 10 місяців тому +3

    Been going here since I was a lil kid I’m over 40 now and it is sad to see them closed after all these years I remember when they were 6 for a $1 now prices have gone up so much they were barley affording ingredients and 2 for a $1 at time of closing we here in Philly need this iconic piece of Philly back asap for sure and I hope somehow we could help them keep this gem alive

  • @bhappy5510
    @bhappy5510 10 місяців тому +3

    This is wonderful. I love this story. THIS IS WHAT A FAMILY SHOULD BE !!!

  • @CreativeJYN
    @CreativeJYN 6 місяців тому +1

    So inspired by this wonderful lady and her supportive network.

  • @chinchilla_desperado
    @chinchilla_desperado 11 місяців тому +3

    Props for takin care of your pops legacy-- and building on it too.

  • @CA2SD
    @CA2SD 10 місяців тому +2

    I love pretzels. I must try these! The fact that there's so much history and love behind it...

  • @henrycooks1883
    @henrycooks1883 10 місяців тому +5

    I wish they had showed making the pretzels, now I want a pretzel.

  • @SurfTomas
    @SurfTomas 11 місяців тому +3

    This is amazing.. Congrats on 42 years

  • @jtf267
    @jtf267 11 місяців тому +3

    Awww... my son was in philadelphia for over 3 yrs and we visited often. Missed the chance to try the pretzels. They look fantastic. Yum

  • @brianmoody2549
    @brianmoody2549 11 місяців тому +3

    Keep the faith and the history alive by keeping your baking style as it’s always been . You want everyone have the same tastes as it always been,that idea to run a business that’s what will keep the people happy and coming back.

  • @jessss27
    @jessss27 11 місяців тому +7

    This is wonderful ... Philly pride!!

  • @EenaJay
    @EenaJay 11 місяців тому +2

    Philly! ❤️
    I'll definitely stop by to support her business.

  • @enricojaun2880
    @enricojaun2880 11 місяців тому +19

    I remember when WAWA switched to their fake pretzels. it was a sad day. I love when I can get the real deal!

  • @si_quest
    @si_quest 11 місяців тому +45

    Soft pretzel with Parmesan has to be one of the greatest snacks ever

    • @robertvega3078
      @robertvega3078 11 місяців тому +4

      I love it with the melted orange cheese

  • @Melisblessed
    @Melisblessed 10 місяців тому

    Love this place. Whoever I make it to south Philly I try to stop by. They are super nice. Best customer service.

  • @roygbiv5164
    @roygbiv5164 10 місяців тому +3

    I remember a few wild - eyed nights in Philly, clutching a warm, soft pretzel like it was the last thing to eat on earth!

  • @paulvigg
    @paulvigg 10 місяців тому +3

    My first job in high school was selling these pretzels at Veterans Stadium. They were 15 cents each. Two for a quarter!

  • @wearelosingit5835
    @wearelosingit5835 4 місяці тому +1

    I grew up in Philadelphia.. loved the pretzels right up to the point that I say a sales person on street picking his noise on the corner or Cottman

  • @josephritterman2940
    @josephritterman2940 11 місяців тому +1

    Delicious, I have had these!
    The absolute best!!

  • @lcc726
    @lcc726 11 місяців тому +3

    Philly representing!! ❤️

  • @argaen21
    @argaen21 11 місяців тому

    Thanks munchies. Very interesting video!

  • @nerd26373
    @nerd26373 11 місяців тому +21

    We love to see more videos like this. We will keep supporting this channel no matter what.

  • @bigmountain7561
    @bigmountain7561 10 місяців тому +1

    I used to buy mine on the Boulevard, one time it was just when Byberry shut down and I couldn’t get any until they got them off the median. I miss my hot pretzels with a cold mustard. Like Poison Pete used to say in Roxborough!!!

  • @Retired88M
    @Retired88M 11 місяців тому +1

    I remember buying these pretzels from the street vendors in the grassy area between lanes in Roosevelt Blvd back in the early 80’s when I was driving truck thru the area

  • @yaszit2210
    @yaszit2210 10 місяців тому +1

    There’s nothing like standing in that line to get the first batch…. 😋 ❤

  • @ShawnC.W-King
    @ShawnC.W-King 11 місяців тому +3

    This Is Beautiful ❤️

  • @Rahim1969
    @Rahim1969 2 місяці тому +2

    There was a pretzel spot on Frankford Avenue past York street that was there for years no idea what happened to them I used to be able 50 pretzels for 20 bucks, also the pretzel store at Pennsuaken Flea Market they used to do all their pretzels by hand was a great pretzel but Philly pretzels are the best in the world hands down.

  • @LeftyRed
    @LeftyRed 10 місяців тому

    Awesome story. May you continue to prosper.

  • @MetalsirenIXI
    @MetalsirenIXI 11 місяців тому

    3:22 awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww That sweet baby boy

  • @AtortAerials
    @AtortAerials 10 місяців тому

    My mouth is watering dang it! 70 cents too wowing ups to them for keeping it real! 🤤

  • @MrArtVendelay
    @MrArtVendelay 11 місяців тому +1

    I love the knot in the Phila style pretzels.

  • @hamsandler2
    @hamsandler2 11 місяців тому +1

    Nice another spot to visit when I'm in Philly

  • @kylem8127
    @kylem8127 10 місяців тому

    Facts. Frequently have gone there before 6 am to get em hot. Awesome people.

  • @dinopulgarin2530
    @dinopulgarin2530 11 місяців тому +1

    ANY CEO with the sleeves cut off is a BOSS

  • @johngenova3849
    @johngenova3849 2 місяці тому +1

    You gotta love this gal. Good on ya. Wish I could stop by for some of your enthusiasm and a nice pretzel. In Fla. too long of a ride, lol

  • @johnmccarthy6775
    @johnmccarthy6775 10 місяців тому +1

    Had many of these pretzels, they're great

  • @dogeared100
    @dogeared100 10 місяців тому

    Hubby from Philly brings these home to CT any chace he gets. ❤

  • @Drea_A
    @Drea_A 11 місяців тому

    Those look INCREDIBLE

  • @ro.3645
    @ro.3645 11 місяців тому +1

    I live mad close to here, I need to trekk over. The hours I be thinking I want a pretzel are never aligned with their operation hours 😅

  • @zzizahacallar
    @zzizahacallar 10 місяців тому

    God bless her that's why her business is thriving ❤

  • @lycanwarlord
    @lycanwarlord 11 місяців тому +4

    and now i want pretzels. thanks munchies.

  • @MrArtVendelay
    @MrArtVendelay 11 місяців тому +2

    So for years, in fact decades, i would buy 5 bags containing 4 or 5 pretzles for $1.00/bag at the bottom of the off ramps of I-95 in Philly. Other spots too. Grant and Roosevelt Blvd and along the Blvd were a few sellers. Also by the Tacony-Palmyra Br. Haven't been that way for a while. Were you the source of all those bag vendors?

  • @lhvent
    @lhvent 10 місяців тому

    Bless this family

  • @chadheydt8221
    @chadheydt8221 11 місяців тому +2

    You must have found the 11 nice people in Philadelphia😅 City of Brotherly Love My Ass😂

  • @Oisdead
    @Oisdead 10 місяців тому +2

    This is AMERICA! I swear if the Media and People paid attention that all the good that comes out of America we all be in a much better space. Everyone is stuck on what makes us different but forgets about what makes us strong. Imagine the force we would be if we paid attention to what really matters.

  • @rudevalve
    @rudevalve 11 місяців тому +1

    Certified Gold!!!!!!

  • @stevensinger8486
    @stevensinger8486 11 місяців тому

    Thank you.

  • @alexanderwolfe3016
    @alexanderwolfe3016 9 місяців тому

    This place used to be open late night maybe around 12-4am. Had so many of their pretzels during grad school.

  • @68hoffman
    @68hoffman 11 місяців тому +4

    living in a city where fast food is all we know ..we have little in family owned places ..i envy places like those ...i'm off to white castles :)

    • @GilgameshEthics
      @GilgameshEthics 11 місяців тому +4

      I've learned that every city has interesting family owned spots. Some little towns don't. But every city over 100,000 is going to have interesting people making interesting things. Do a little research, a little exploring, and you will find some cool stuff. I know it's hard sometimes with life but it pays off.

    • @einundsiebenziger5488
      @einundsiebenziger5488 10 місяців тому

      Replacing single commas with multiple fullstops serves no other purpose than making your sentences harder to read and look silly.

  • @johnmajane3731
    @johnmajane3731 10 місяців тому

    I remember eating those years ago, good stuff.

  • @glennevitt5250
    @glennevitt5250 10 місяців тому

    Love This Show 😎

  • @user-wj7ly7eq6w
    @user-wj7ly7eq6w 10 місяців тому

    love then ending...grew up in Juniata...north cath .....we can fight with the best but its always hometown ......

  • @PleeseCallMeDan
    @PleeseCallMeDan 8 місяців тому

    I need to try these

  • @patrickmunger3053
    @patrickmunger3053 10 місяців тому

    BRAVO!

  • @killercaos123
    @killercaos123 11 місяців тому +6

    I will happily take a soft pretzel 9/10. It’s has a giant mouth feel in comparison to a hard pretzel. It’s so much better

  • @ezramcnair3552
    @ezramcnair3552 11 місяців тому +1

    Im about to be in philly---gonna try these fr

  • @Tusskie
    @Tusskie 8 місяців тому

    This place and federal pretzels, which uses to be on federal street are my two favorite pretzel places. Only one is still local.

  • @HoHosKitchen
    @HoHosKitchen 11 місяців тому

    authentic family Recipes 😍😍😋😋

  • @user-eg3fr5lr7g
    @user-eg3fr5lr7g 11 місяців тому

    They are the best!!!!

  • @dozergarnaat8008
    @dozergarnaat8008 11 місяців тому +1

    Awesome story keep it up

  • @EveryoneShouldWangChung
    @EveryoneShouldWangChung 10 місяців тому

    Sorry to hear about the fire, now the waitlist makes sense.
    As soon as you all get back up and running, I will order!!!

  • @tyreekcounts2590
    @tyreekcounts2590 11 місяців тому +1

    Philly culture ❤❤

  • @coris3436
    @coris3436 10 місяців тому

    Been going there for 30 years, hope they come back

  • @celticzidd
    @celticzidd 11 місяців тому

    Love the fact that is a genuine family business. Work with love and Passion

  • @br0wnskiin22
    @br0wnskiin22 11 місяців тому

    Buddy !!! ❤❤❤

  • @stlbricks
    @stlbricks 11 місяців тому

    A gem

  • @liveyourlife318
    @liveyourlife318 9 місяців тому

    I 🥨🥨 DO LOVE THIS PLACE...BEN FRANKLIN CLOSED DOWN IN LATE 90'S....THIS PLACE IS THE BEST PRETZEL FOR A LONG TIME NOW🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨🥨

  • @coljar100
    @coljar100 11 місяців тому

    love this lady

  • @matthewatilano9118
    @matthewatilano9118 11 місяців тому

    Love it.

  • @matthewblakeney
    @matthewblakeney 11 місяців тому +2

    If I ever get up to philly I know where i'm going to get a pretzel.

  • @presidentanp
    @presidentanp 11 місяців тому

    My uncle is in philly, next time I visit I’m getting a pretzel!!

  • @Dexterity_Jones
    @Dexterity_Jones 10 місяців тому

    What a bad ass story, such a fantastic institution

  • @saucekatoosh8664
    @saucekatoosh8664 11 місяців тому

    Come on down!!! It’s good stuff! 😂😂😂

  • @Sonasic
    @Sonasic 11 місяців тому +5

    Food :German
    Machine: Italian
    People : American
    Hotel: Trivago

  • @fowlermotorsportz323TV
    @fowlermotorsportz323TV 10 місяців тому

    that looks so delicious man big round trip los angeles to philly

  • @GKMLM
    @GKMLM Місяць тому +1

    Update: They’re reopening on Monday April 1st at 6am! LFG!!!

  • @sdm12342002
    @sdm12342002 10 місяців тому

    How great would it be to work there (aside from the 3:30 AM start time)? Philly pretzels and Buddy comes to visit daily!

  • @DaraCruz-tq9zk
    @DaraCruz-tq9zk 10 місяців тому +1

    now i want pretzel

  • @allythearts5439
    @allythearts5439 10 місяців тому

    Do they make flavored pretzels? The pretzel work is amazing

  • @brandonbritton7266
    @brandonbritton7266 10 місяців тому +1

    im coming to get these from st.louis omw

  • @njswimdad
    @njswimdad 3 місяці тому +1

    So. Phila. boy living in N. Jersey now; any news on when they'll reopen? Facebook page doesn't seem to have anything since last october.