Crowds flock to “cheesesteak pretzel” giveaway

Nothing says Philadelphia like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. So when you combine the two into one treat and give them away for free — the City of Brotherly Love gathers.

By Meggan Kole

Nothing says Philadelphia like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. So when you combine the two into one treat and give them away for free — the City of Brotherly Love gathers.

The Philly Soft Pretzel Factory gave out their new concoction yesterday – a pretzel stuffed with cheesestreak.

The store on 11th and Chestnut streets handed out 40 cheesesteak pretzels in two minutes. Patrons at 16th and Sansom streets waited in a line that wrapped around the block.

Judith Jones from North Philadelphia is on crutches. Her swollen foot didn’t stop her from waiting nearly 20 minutes.

“That’s the economy for you,” said Jones. “I mean times are bad so got to get in line where there’s free food when there’s free food.”

Ariadne Debois from Germantown waited 30 mintues to try the freebie at the store at 11th and Chestnut streets. She says she didn’t know what to expect, but after one bite she was extremely pleased.

“Pretzels are Philadelphia and cheesesteaks are def Philadelphia staples,” said Debois, “so putting them together is just a good idea.”

Others described the combo as “surprisingly delicious” and “filling.”