Business & Tech

Philly Pretzel Factory In Manahawkin Holds Grand Opening

The new location at 412 East Bay Ave. held their grand opening, despite major thunderstorms.

Mayor Gregory Myhre and owner Kerri Velez cut the grand opening ribbon.
Mayor Gregory Myhre and owner Kerri Velez cut the grand opening ribbon. (Photo credit: Maureen Nugent)

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The Philly Pretzel Factory of Manahawkin celebrated their grand opening Saturday, July 6 with a two hour event from 1 to 3 p.m. The new location is located at 412 East Bay Ave. The thunderstorms that rolled through the area did not hamper the positive atmosphere of the event.

Owner Kerri Velez poses with her crew at the Philly Pretzel Factory in Manahawkin's. Photo credit: Gary Beeg Jr/Patch

Highlights from the event included 92.7 WOBM holding a ticket drop for Bryan Adams and Billy Idol tickets, cornhole, t-shirt giveaways and Six Flags tickets. The event was very family-friendly with Sprinkles the Clown face painting and making balloon animals. In addition, there was spin art, sand art and paint tattoos.

"People are still coming in for pretzels despite the weather," Sue Moll, co-host of "The Ocean County Breakfast Show" on 92.7 WOBM, said.

The location was originally a Mini Mart until the property was bought, renovated and established due to the high volume that runs on East Bay Ave. Family-owned and operated, Philly Pretzel of Manahawkin donates pretzels to local schools and community sports. The store's mission is to increase sales, develop good clientele and provide a great service to the community. The sales have increased since their opening in March.

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"The location is fantastic and business is booming," Bob Nugent, Velez's father and local real estate agent, said.

"I am so thankful to have this opportunity I was given and I love being a part of this great community," Velez said.

Find out what's happening in Barnegat-Manahawkinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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