BENSALEM PA – Philly Pretzel Factory, with locations in Gilbertsville, Collegeville, and Phoenixville, will observe Wednesday (April 26, 2023) as “National Pretzel Day” by giving away one free soft pretzel to each of its customers. No purchase is necessary, it said.
Pretzel Day was established locally by former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell in 2003, in part because “Pennsylvanians eat more pretzels per capita than any other state in the United States,” according to the National Today website. Credit for first considering a National Pretzel Day reportedly goes to former U.S. Rep. Robert S. Walker of Bradford PA, who suggested it in 1983.
2023 marks the 16th consecutive year in which the Bensalem PA-based Philly Pretzel Factory chain will celebrate the occasion with its give-away, it noted.
It anticipates 145 stores across 10 states will distribute more than 150,000 pretzels, the company added. “We get to celebrate the food we love, and say thank you to our loyal customers,” company co-founder President and CEO Dan DiZio said. “We couldn’t have made it this far without their support.”
Besides traditional Philly-style soft pretzels (at top), the company menu includes pretzel twists, mini pretzels, rivets, pretzel dogs, cheesesteak pretzels, and a variety of mustards.

Photo provided by Philly Pretzel Factory