Palm Beach Gardens, FL — January 14th, 2026 — Philly Pretzel Factory is proud to announce its return to Florida with its first-ever traditional brick-and-mortar location opening in Palm Beach Gardens on Tuesday, January 20th at 3`. The store is owned and operated by Michele Leibowitz, a sixth-generation baker, and her son Corey. Following the opening week, there will be a grand opening celebration on Friday, January 23rd from 3–5pm. As part of the brand’s tradition, from January 20th through January 25th, every customer will receive a free pretzel with no purchase necessary.
Born and raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Leibowitz comes from a celebrated line of Bronx-born bagel bakers. Her father and uncles relocated to Philadelphia in the 1960s, where they opened the state’s very first water bagel bakery. Growing up in the bakery, she spent her early years immersed in family tradition.
Although her career ultimately took her into the retail and service industries, that early connection to the food industry never faded. After moving to Florida in 2003 to escape the cold Northeast winters, Leibowitz made frequent trips home and always returned to Florida with a suitcase full of bagels and pretzels to share with friends and family.
“I’ve lived in Florida for more than 20 years, and I’ve always missed the flavors and traditions I grew up with,” said Leibowitz. “When I came across Philly Pretzel Factory, it immediately felt like the perfect fit. It brings together my family’s baking legacy with something the community here will truly love.”
The idea of opening a Philly Pretzel Factory location began when she discovered a promising storefront opportunity in Palm Beach Gardens. While initially considering a different concept, a well-timed social media ad for PPF sparked inspiration. After connecting with the franchise development team to explore the possibility of bringing the brand to South Florida, the vision quickly took shape, and the area will soon enjoy fresh-baked Philly pretzels every day.
In addition to the traditional pretzel menu, this location also marks the official launch of Philly Pretzel Factory’s new ice cream and water ice program. This expansion represents a major milestone for the brand as it continues to grow its offerings while staying true to its roots. Guests will enjoy classic ice cream cones alongside Philly favorites like gelatis, a layered frozen dessert featuring ice cream and freshly made water ice, as well as a variety of blended milkshakes and other sweet treats.
Leibowitz has been a Florida resident since 2003 with a long history of volunteering, fundraising, and supporting local schools. With her children now grown, she’s excited to return to hands-on community involvement.
“There are so many incredible schools, teams, and community groups in this area,” she added. “Our goal is to become the number one resource for fundraising, a place people know they can count on for quality, support, and partnership.”
To celebrate the new store, a Grand Opening Celebration will be held on Friday, January 23rd from 3pm-5pm. Stop by the store between these hours for freebies, raffle prizes and of course, a free pretzel!
“We’re thrilled to return to Florida and even more excited to do so with a franchisee who brings passion, tradition, and community,” said Dan DiZio, CEO and co-founder of Philly Pretzel Factory. “With her baking roots and commitment to serving others, this store will be a fantastic addition to the PPF family.”
About Philly Pretzel Factory
Philly Pretzel Factory is the nation’s largest soft pretzel franchise, serving authentic, fresh-baked pretzels made from a family recipe. Founded in 1998, the brand is known for quality, consistency, and commitment to the communities it serves. With more than 190 locations, Philly Pretzel Factory offers a menu of pretzels, party trays, and dips that bring people together through tradition and flavor.
