The Family Behind Philly’s Favorite Soft Pretzels

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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[@GKMLM]

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

[@dougluba8390]

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

[@bliffwerld6688]

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

[@jnaar8458]

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[@jnaar8458]

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[@jnaar8458]

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[@jaymz168]

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.

[@piplup10203854]

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]

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]

@@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]

@@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]

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]

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

[@joesmith6972]

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

[@shshskateproductions2250]

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

[@joesmith6972]

@@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]

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

[@joesmith6972]

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

[@shshskateproductions2250]

@@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.

[@missolesoul]

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

[@stoofyboof4399]

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]

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.

[@bradtomlin7387]

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

[@Jo-un6es]

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!

[@ItzBwo]

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!

[@emma5339]

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]

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

[@tynao2029]

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

[@thomaskiely-oz4bp]

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

[@Ansxo]

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!!!!! ❤

[@B_ready4671]

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!

[@ElizabethT45]

"Wooter ice" 😉

[@Youngapollo47]

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]

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

[@quincee3376]

Philly italian hoagies >>>>>

[@fabiansierra7622]

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

[@yutsylavong215]

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

[@morganclark8221]

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

[@semp7861]

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

[@alexv6462]

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

[@qwertyboo]

aw :(

[@EliteSports24]

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

[@henrycooks1883]

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

[@yotaiji012]

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

[@Joenoblocks]

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

[@CreativeJYN]

So inspired by this wonderful lady and her supportive network.

[@paulvigg]

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

[@chinchilla_desperado]

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

[@SurfTomas]

This is amazing.. Congrats on 42 years

[@jtf267]

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

[@bhappy5510]

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

[@wearelosingit5835]

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

[@EenaJay]

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

[@roygbiv5164]

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

[@brianmoody2549]

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.

[@sophiaisabelle01]

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

[@enricojaun2880]

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

[@2katkitty]

THEY ARE BACK UP AND RUNNING AS OF APRIL 1, 2024 (no fooling 😆)

[@CA2SD]

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

[@dinopulgarin2530]

ANY CEO with the sleeves cut off is a BOSS

[@jessss27]

This is wonderful ... Philly pride!!

[@chadheydt8221]

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

[@johngenova3849]

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

[@Retired88M]

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

[@Rahim1969]

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.

[@si_quest]

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

[@robertvega3078]

I love it with the melted orange cheese

[@Tusskie]

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

[@MetalsirenIXI]

3:22 awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww That sweet baby boy

[@dogeared100]

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

[@bigmountain7561]

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!!!

[@yaszit2210]

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

[@Oisdead]

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.

[@MrArtVendelay]

I love the knot in the Phila style pretzels.

[@Melisblessed]

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

[@GKMLM]

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

[@ro.3645]

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 😅

[@kylem8127]

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

[@josephritterman2940]

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

[@68hoffman]

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]

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]

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

[@LeftyRed]

Awesome story. May you continue to prosper.

[@MrArtVendelay]

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?

[@hamsandler2]

Nice another spot to visit when I'm in Philly

[@killercaos123]

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

[@lycanwarlord]

and now i want pretzels. thanks munchies.

[@alexanderwolfe3016]

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

[@lcc726]

Philly representing!! ❤️

[@rudevalve]

Certified Gold!!!!!!

[@johnmccarthy6775]

Had many of these pretzels, they're great

[@zzizahacallar]

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

[@matthewblakeney]

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

[@DaraCruz-tq9zk]

now i want pretzel

[@argaen21]

Thanks munchies. Very interesting video!

[@brandonbritton7266]

im coming to get these from st.louis omw

[@AtortAerials]

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

[@ShawnC.W-King]

This Is Beautiful ❤️

[@presidentanp]

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

[@dozergarnaat8008]

Awesome story keep it up

[@dozergarnaat8008]

@Munchies1355 hey what's up.

[@itsjust_Q]

Gimmie some wooder ice with my pretzel 😜 I grew up 15 min from here ❤️❤️ #215

[@Sonasic]

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

[@Photorezeptor]

Comment: Underrated

[@l.h.tnguyen4916]

🤣🤣🤣

[@JesusChrist2000BC]

Uber Driver: Albanian on a 6 month VISA

[@stevensinger8486]

Thank you.

[@Drea_A]

Those look INCREDIBLE

[@coris3436]

Been going there for 30 years, hope they come back

[@thehumanhopes3178]

Jawnz are bangin’✊🏾 In a city that don’t pay shit to the population it’s good to see there’s still a dirt cheap, tasty option for the lower-middle working class…

[@user-wj7ly7eq6w]

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

[@tyreekcounts2590]

Philly culture ❤❤

[@johnmajane3731]

I remember eating those years ago, good stuff.

[@saucekatoosh8664]

Come on down!!! It’s good stuff! 😂😂😂

[@stlbricks]

A gem

[@NEVERHAVEHIGHEXPECTATIONS]

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

[@luke-xz1gb]

that dude who brings everyone breakfast T.T

[@ezramcnair3552]

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

[@DJ-od9xo]

love how east coast this business is

[@SantiagoMAXIMOleon]

Thought I wasn’t gonna like the C.O.O due to that face ,but she’s alright w/ me.

[@Dexterity_Jones]

What a bad ass story, such a fantastic institution

[@coljar100]

love this lady

[@bambamkapow8843]

iconic as the city nothing is more veneration than a Philly accent

[@ninabednarz2891]

I need one now in San Antonio, tx.

[@liveyourlife318]

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

[@1962LIBBY]

Simply the best. It’s its own food group. Tastier sitting in 100 degrees sold along Roosevelt Blvd.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

its* own food group (it's = it is)

[@patrickmunger3053]

BRAVO!

[@lhvent]

Bless this family

[@shawnfoodfever]

authentic family Recipes 😍😍😋😋

[@sdm12342002]

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