New Bakery in South Philly Introduces Freshly Made Soft Pretzels

Pretzel Day Pretzels, a new establishment dedicated to one of Philadelphia’s most cherished snacks, is making its debut in South Philadelphia. Opening its doors this Saturday at Fifth and Dickinson Streets, the shop takes over the former Milk & Sugar space, aiming to fulfill a community need for authentic soft pretzels that reflect the city’s rich German heritage.

Jim Mueller, the founder of Pretzel Day Pretzels, recognizes that Philadelphia’s deep-rooted German connections have long contributed to its culinary landscape. The city has a vibrant history of German bakeries and beer halls, and soft pretzels have become synonymous with Philadelphia culture. Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia during the late 1990s, Mueller recalls a time when soft pretzel bakeries were ubiquitous, offering a variety of flavors and styles.

In recent years, however, he found himself disheartened by the lack of accessible, quality pretzels that align with his nostalgic memories. The only major option available has been the Philly Pretzel Factory, a Bensalem-based franchise. Driven by a desire to recreate the rich, buttery flavor he remembered, Mueller embarked on a journey to master pretzel-making, leading to the establishment of his side project, Pretzel Day Pretzels.

The new shop will operate with a simple model, focusing on takeout from morning until early afternoon. Mueller offers classic soft pretzels and explores unique variations, including stuffed pretzels and less commonly found German styles such as Swabian pretzels. Unlike the thick Bavarian pretzels most are familiar with, Swabian pretzels have a distinctive thick belly and thin arms, allowing for a greater range of culinary creativity.

Among the popular menu items will be the long hot-provolone pretzel, along with intriguing options like chili pretzels, pizza pretzels, bialys, and even pretzel dogs and Bavarian cheese logs on select days. The offerings will evolve weekly while keeping core items consistent.

The grand opening will feature small giveaways, including heart-shaped pretzels and tote bags, as well as coloring pages for children that can be exchanged for free pretzels. Mueller emphasizes his vision for the shop as a welcoming space for everyone in the neighborhood, shedding the high-end dining experience in favor of a casual, community-oriented ambiance.

As he prepares for the opening, Mueller views Pretzel Day not merely as a new venture but as a vital piece of Philadelphia’s culinary fabric resurfacing. For any resident or visitor to the city, this new pretzel haven represents a delicious return to tradition, revitalizing the soft pretzel scene that is an indelible part of Philadelphia identity.

Pretzel Day Pretzels is located at 1501 S. Fifth St. and will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. As Philadelphia continues to celebrate its rich culinary history, Pretzel Day stands ready to offer a taste of nostalgia and a sprinkle of innovation to an eager audience.

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