Exciting News for Orlando as Philly Pretzel Factory Heads to Florida!
Orlando, get ready! A taste of Philadelphia is on its way to Central Florida, with the beloved Philly Pretzel Factory making plans to open its very first locations in the Sunshine State. This iconic soft-pretzel chain, famous for serving up big, fluffy pretzels since 1998, is about to bring some deliciousness right to your neighborhood!
The Partnership Behind the Magic
This exciting venture will be led by Derek Lewis, a seasoned food service professional and franchise owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in the area. Lewis, who previously held an executive position at PepsiCo, is teaming up with the Philly Pretzel Factory to create a delightful Philadelphia dining experience in Florida.
What’s on the Menu?
So, what can you expect from the new Philly Pretzel Factory locations? Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering menu featuring the classic Philly soft pretzels, scrumptious pretzel dogs, mini cheesesteaks, and spicy pretzel sausages. Whether you’re a lifelong pretzel lover or a newcomer to the world of soft pretzels, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Plenty of Locations on the Horizon
While the specific location for the first store in Orlando is still being finalized, the anticipation is already building. Currently, the closest Philly Pretzel Factory is a whopping 377 miles away in Columbia, South Carolina! That’s a long drive just for a pretzel, so you won’t have to travel far once these new locations open.
Creating a Food Haven in Central Florida
Derek Lewis is on a mission to expand the Philadelphia flavor throughout Central Florida. Besides opening the Philly Pretzel Factory, he’s busy working on developing 10 locations of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in the region. One of those locations is already up and running at the Kia Center, providing locals with a taste of both cheesesteaks and pretzels. Talk about a culinary explosion!
The Timeline
So, when can you get your hands on those delicious pretzels? The first traditional Philly Pretzel Factory locations are expected to open in late 2025, with some non-traditional spots possibly debuting even sooner. Keep an eye out, pretzel fans!
A Growing Legacy
Founded by college buddies Dan DiZio and Len Lehman, the Philly Pretzel Factory has come a long way since its establishment in 1998. With over 170 locations across the nation, it’s recognized as the world’s largest Philly-style pretzel bakery. This expansion into Florida is a thrilling chapter in their growing story!
The Future Is Bright
With Lewis’s extensive background in the food service industry and the Philly Pretzel Factory’s delicious offerings, there’s every reason to believe that these new locations will be a hit in Central Florida. Residents will soon be able to experience the cultural significance of the soft pretzel right in their own backyard.
Orlando, the countdown to cheesy goodness and soft pretzel perfection is on! Don’t miss out on this new food adventure as the Philly Pretzel Factory prepares to open its doors and serve up some soft pretzel love.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
