Pretzel cheesesteaks coming to Arizona

An East Coast classic has made its way to Arizona. Philly Pretzel Factory, known for its pretzel twists and specialties including a pretzel cheesesteak, opened its first Arizona location in Goodyear this month.

While Philly Pretzel Factory stores abound across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, this is the chain’s first shop west of Texas. Husband-and-wife duo Gary Love and Nancy Smith opened the franchised location June 25.

When the couple moved from the South Jersey area to Arizona in 2014, they realized the West was missing out.

“There’s no product out here that comes even close to this product,” Smith says.

What to expect from Philly Pretzel Factory

The Philly Pretzel Factory originated in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia in 1998, according to the company website. Co-founder Dan DiZio started franchising the business in 2004 across the Philadelphia area. The franchise has since expanded to 15 states.

Customers can choose from a variety of pretzel offerings, including a soft pretzel twist served plain and simple or spruced up with cinnamon. Philly Pretzel Factory also offers specialty items including:

❚ A pretzel dog.

❚ Pepperoni pizza melts.

❚ Spicy pretzel sausages.

❚ Mini pretzel bites called “Rivets.” For those who want the full Philadelphia experience, look no further than the shop’s pretzel cheesesteak.

“(It’s) absolutely to die for,” Smith says.

Catering options include party trays

Philly Pretzel Factory also offers catering options, such as party trays of flavored pretzel rods or mini pretzels.

Smith says the trays were a staple for

650 N. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. 623-248-1760. phillypretzelfactory.com

her and her husband in New Jersey. As a nurse practitioner, Smith would bring trays of pretzels for patients while Love would bring the pretzels to meet with customers at his mechanical installation business.

”Everyone loved it; because not only was it a hot, soft, fresh-baked pretzel but it comes with different cheeses … and mustards,” Smith says. “It was just a wonderful thing.”

For the shop’s first week of business, customers can get 15 pretzels for $5, Smith says.