The Family Behind Philly’s Favorite Soft Pretzels

Рет қаралды 326,967

Жыл бұрын

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.
Supported By FX's The Bear, #sponsored #TheBearFX
Subscribe to MUNCHIES here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-MUNCHIES
Follow MUNCHIES here:
TikTok: / munchies
Facebook: / munchies
Instagram: / munchies
Twitter: / munchies
Pinterest: / munchies
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo

Пікірлер: 299

@GKMLM Жыл бұрын

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

@dougluba8390 Жыл бұрын

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

@bliffwerld6688 Жыл бұрын

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

@jnaar8458 Жыл бұрын

@TheSorcererAhrimanahsul Жыл бұрын

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 11 ай бұрын

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

@jaymz168 Жыл бұрын

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.

@ItzBwo Жыл бұрын

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!

@Jo-un6es Жыл бұрын

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!

@piplup10203854 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@fabiansierra7622 Жыл бұрын

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

@yutsylavong215 Жыл бұрын

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

@joesmith6972 Жыл бұрын

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

@shshskateproductions2250 Жыл бұрын

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

@joesmith6972 Жыл бұрын

@@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 Жыл бұрын

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

@joesmith6972 Жыл бұрын

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

@shshskateproductions2250 Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@bradtomlin7387 Жыл бұрын

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

@Ansxo Жыл бұрын

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!!!!! ❤

@morganclark8221 Жыл бұрын

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

@Youngapollo47 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@quincee3376 3 ай бұрын

Philly italian hoagies >>>>>

@semp7861 Жыл бұрын

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

@B_ready4671 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

"Wooter ice" 😉

@emma5339 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@tynao2029 Жыл бұрын

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

@thomaskiely-oz4bp 4 ай бұрын

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

@missolesoul Жыл бұрын

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

@stoofyboof4399 11 ай бұрын

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 8 ай бұрын

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.

@alexv6462 Жыл бұрын

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

@qwertyboo Жыл бұрын

aw :(

@EliteSports24 Жыл бұрын

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

@yotaiji012 Жыл бұрын

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

@Joenoblocks Жыл бұрын

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

@henrycooks1883 Жыл бұрын

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

@bhappy5510 Жыл бұрын

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

@CreativeJYN 7 ай бұрын

So inspired by this wonderful lady and her supportive network.

@SurfTomas Жыл бұрын

This is amazing.. Congrats on 42 years

@chinchilla_desperado Жыл бұрын

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

@enricojaun2880 Жыл бұрын

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

@jessss27 Жыл бұрын

This is wonderful ... Philly pride!!

@CA2SD Жыл бұрын

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

@brianmoody2549 Жыл бұрын

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.

@jtf267 Жыл бұрын

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

@roygbiv5164 Жыл бұрын

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

@EenaJay Жыл бұрын

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

@dinopulgarin2530 Жыл бұрын

ANY CEO with the sleeves cut off is a BOSS

@wearelosingit5835 6 ай бұрын

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

@argaen21 Жыл бұрын

Thanks munchies. Very interesting video!

@paulvigg Жыл бұрын

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

@si_quest Жыл бұрын

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

@robertvega3078 Жыл бұрын

I love it with the melted orange cheese

@Melisblessed Жыл бұрын

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

@yaszit2210 11 ай бұрын

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

@dogeared100 Жыл бұрын

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

@josephritterman2940 Жыл бұрын

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

@Retired88M Жыл бұрын

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

@lcc726 Жыл бұрын

Philly representing!! ❤️

@MetalsirenIXI Жыл бұрын

3:22 awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww That sweet baby boy

@nerd26373 Жыл бұрын

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

@bigmountain7561 Жыл бұрын

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!!!

@Oisdead Жыл бұрын

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.

@ShawnC.W-King Жыл бұрын

This Is Beautiful ❤️

@hamsandler2 Жыл бұрын

Nice another spot to visit when I'm in Philly

@Rahim1969 4 ай бұрын

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.

@MrArtVendelay Жыл бұрын

I love the knot in the Phila style pretzels.

@lycanwarlord Жыл бұрын

and now i want pretzels. thanks munchies.

@LeftyRed Жыл бұрын

Awesome story. May you continue to prosper.

@Drea_A Жыл бұрын

Those look INCREDIBLE

@johngenova3849 4 ай бұрын

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

@AtortAerials Жыл бұрын

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

@chadheydt8221 Жыл бұрын

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

@kylem8127 Жыл бұрын

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

@johnmccarthy6775 Жыл бұрын

Had many of these pretzels, they're great

@alexanderwolfe3016 11 ай бұрын

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

@ro.3645 Жыл бұрын

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 😅

@killercaos123 Жыл бұрын

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

@lhvent Жыл бұрын

Bless this family

@johnmajane3731 Жыл бұрын

I remember eating those years ago, good stuff.

@GKMLM 3 ай бұрын

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

@rudevalve Жыл бұрын

Certified Gold!!!!!!

@ezramcnair3552 Жыл бұрын

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

@stevensinger8486 Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@zzizahacallar Жыл бұрын

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

@glennevitt5250 Жыл бұрын

Love This Show 😎

@MrArtVendelay Жыл бұрын

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?

@68hoffman Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

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

@shawnfoodfever Жыл бұрын

authentic family Recipes 😍😍😋😋

@dozergarnaat8008 Жыл бұрын

Awesome story keep it up

@dozergarnaat8008 Жыл бұрын

@Munchies1355 hey what's up.

@user-wj7ly7eq6w Жыл бұрын

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

@coris3436 11 ай бұрын

Been going there for 30 years, hope they come back

@DaraCruz-tq9zk Жыл бұрын

now i want pretzel

@patrickmunger3053 Жыл бұрын

BRAVO!

@matthewblakeney Жыл бұрын

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

@Tusskie 10 ай бұрын

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

@presidentanp Жыл бұрын

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

@user-eg3fr5lr7g Жыл бұрын

They are the best!!!!

@Sonasic Жыл бұрын

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

@Photorezeptor Жыл бұрын

Comment: Underrated

@l.h.tnguyen4916 Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@JesusChrist2000BC Жыл бұрын

Uber Driver: Albanian on a 6 month VISA

@stlbricks Жыл бұрын

A gem

@PleeseCallMeDan 10 ай бұрын

I need to try these

@LearnIt.KnowIt.LiveIt. Жыл бұрын

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 Жыл бұрын

Philly culture ❤❤

@saucekatoosh8664 Жыл бұрын

Come on down!!! It’s good stuff! 😂😂😂

@matthewatilano9118 Жыл бұрын

Love it.

@Gladtobeleaving 5 ай бұрын

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.

@dingo802 Жыл бұрын

Craving for some pretzels.

@sdm12342002 Жыл бұрын

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

@rachelgreene1013 11 ай бұрын

Do you ship nationwide

@jbadaluco Жыл бұрын

I need some of these pretzels.

@Dexterity_Jones Жыл бұрын

What a bad ass story, such a fantastic institution

@brandonbritton7266 Жыл бұрын

im coming to get these from st.louis omw

@coljar100 Жыл бұрын

love this lady

@luke-xz1gb Жыл бұрын

that dude who brings everyone breakfast T.T

@br0wnskiin22 Жыл бұрын

Buddy !!! ❤❤❤