By Nancy Edwards
In Philadelphia, finding a shop with soft, fresh pretzels is about as common as locating a cheesesteak.
Several years ago, two Philly transplants to the Indianapolis area found themselves driving around in search of such a familiar place. They were lost.
The new residents, brothers Pat and Chris Wojtalik, satisfied their salty cravings by bringing boxes of their favorite pretzels back to Fishers from their hometown. The snacks accompanied them to their kids’ baseball teams and swim meets.
“Everyone loved (the pretzels),” said Pat. “I thought it would be great to have a place out here.”
Pat’s Philly Pretzels opened its first store in 2009 in Broad Ripple. The shop was a success, and a second store opened in downtown’s City Market. In June, Fishers welcomed Pat’s Philly Pretzels at 8395 E. 116th Street.
Pat and his wife, Erica, both 39 and residents of Fishers, open the Fishers store early each morning to make every pretzel by hand. The pretzels, which are cholesterol-free, contain no dairy, eggs or preservatives. Customers have their choice of regular, cinnamon, chocolate-covered, nuggets, or pretzels with no salt.
Feeling really hungry? Try one of their lunch or dinner menu items: a ham and cheese pocket, pretzel dog, breakfast sandwich with bacon, egg and cheese, and, of course, a Philly cheese steak pocket.
Low on cash? No problem. Customers can choose from deals including a dozen original pretzels for $9, a row of three pretzels for $2.75, or a pretzel bun for just $1.
No cash? Stop by Pat’s Philly Pretzels for their ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 25 from noon to 1 p.m. to receive a free pretzel and meet Erica’s sister, WTHR 13 Meteorologist Angela Buchman.
“Angela’s very supportive of our shop,” Erica said.
Pat’s also offers custom-made pretzels and is available for catering and fund-raising. For more information, please visit http://www.indypretzel.com/.
