Philly Pretzel Factory opens in Milford

MILFORD — The Philly Pretzel Factory opened a few weeks ago inside the Milford Walmart Superstore, and it’s already proved itself to be a steady pull for the shoppers.

“I’m just happy everything’s working out,” said Kelly O’Malley, the beaming owner of the new franchise outside her store early December. “I love it."

Starting a business
Despite a full time job in New Jersey, O’Malley comes to the store most days, and explained she really doesn’t mind because it’s something she really likes to do.

“I saw Philly Pretzel Factory on Undercover Boss on TV,” O’Malley explained.

She investigated the possibility of opening one, but at the time, it cost too much to buy the traditional business. A few years later, it was possible to buy a franchise, and she jumped at the chance.

“I called them, and they told me about the Walmart model. It was more affordable to me, and something I was really interested in. We signed the franchise agreement in July, and we opened July 6.”

Philly Pretzel President Marty Firrell explained in a phone call the company that was started with one store in 1998 has expanded to more than 100 locations, mostly in the Northeast, but also expanding beyond the area. They offer complete support for the new business owners, something O’Malley acknowledged was very valuable.

“I have access to support anytime,” she mentioned with a smile, and added Firrell himself had stopped by at the store recently.

A unique taste
“It’s the taste. Our pretzels are made each day fresh on location from three ingredients: flour, water, and yeast,” Firrell explained when asked about what’s different about the pretzels. The company trains new shop owners rigorously in all the aspects of opening the business, including how to make the pretzels just right.

“We use premium high quality flour, high in protein. It gives a different flavor and texture from other soft pretzels,” he said. “Every morning, we make a new batch, and sell that, and the next day, we do a whole new batch.”

He added the pretzels taste like the hard pretzels with a soft center, a unique taste.

The stores also offer different pretzel flavors and dips, at affordable prices, he added.

O’Malley has some experience in the business, having run a small luncheonette some years ago, but apart from that, this is new and exciting for her.

Philly Pretzel Factory at her store already employs six people, and business is doing well, O’Malley concluded.

“I think it’s the location,” she said thinking about the success. "New Jersey is just 10 minutes away, New York is five minutes away, we’re in Pennsylvania. It’s so centrally located that I think that’s why. People come from all over.”