Philly Pretzel Factory

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Owner Megan Monti and guests celebrate the Philly Pretzel Factorys Grand Opening.
 



Fast Food/Sandwich Shops

Published: 9/25/08

Philly Pretzel Factory Opens in Nottingham

Twisted. Not a state most of us like to be in but one that Megan Monti, owner/operator of the Philly Pretzel Factory loves. Why? Because on a typical morning Monti and her employees will hand-twist 1,600 pretzels and upwards to 5,000 on a busy day! The grand opening of the Philly Pretzel Factory at 7698 Belair Rd. in Nottingham happened on Saturday, Sept. 20. Just a short drive from Beltway exit 32 south to Beltway Plaza led to a kick-off party complete with Ravens cheerleaders, Philly Pretzel Factory's own Mr. Twisty, music by Josh Copskey, several honorable guests masked and otherwise and of course pretzels. Why pretzels you might ask? Growing up in the North Jersey/Philly area, you eat a lot of pretzels, Monti remarks about the lifestyle in which she was raised. Besides eating pretzels, Monti was indoctrinated into the business working as a weekend manager for a Philly Pretzel Factory in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. The franchise opened initially hoping only to deal in the wholesale market but found their daily operation constantly interrupted by people coming to the door wanting just one fresh, hot pretzel. And there you have it, an idea was born. It's a little different here in Maryland than it is in Jersey where you can get hot, fresh pretzels on every corner at any time of day, Monti says. Pretzels for breakfast is a concept that is a little slow to take off here in Nottingham, although the business is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Monti plans to change all that and is sure Marylanders will fall in love with Philly-style pretzels in no time. Just a simple combination of flour, yeast, water and special pretzel conditioner go into the manufacturing of these quality snacks and of course, the secret ingredient time. The raw pretzels chill out in a cooler allowing the necessary outer shell to form which gives these pretzels their signature Philly flavor, slightly crunchy on the outside yet warm and chewy on the inside. And just how do you eat a Philly-style pretzel? Monti insists it's with cream cheese which is just one of the dips you can choose from to complement your pretzel. Of course if cream cheese is not your style you could also try melted cheese, spicy mustard, chocolate or cinnamon. Best of all, if youre following Small Steps with the East County Times, these pretzels are figure friendly weighing in at only 180 calories and 0 grams of fat per serving. Hungrier for more than just a pretzel? Be sure to sample the pretzel dog or spicy pretzel sausage for an additional twist. Of course it's not just about pretzels. Monti stresses that she wants the community to know we're out here to make a difference. Heading up a PTA, scout troop or rec. team this year? Monti has several fundraising ideas involving fresh, hot pretzel sales to hungry packs, teams or students and she would love to talk to you. Monti herself has planned several benefits in which 100 percent of the profits will be sent to Guyana, South America to help fund a new orphanage being built through the Sisters of Mercy, a mission near and dear to Monti's heart. Still not convinced? Well OK, you can try one for free. Three actually. Monti promises three free pretzels to any customer who walks in the door between now and the end of the year. Some come on in, you have nothing to lose and she knows you'll be back. For more info., call 410-665-2193.

 

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