Hasbrouck Heights Family Opens Philly Pretzel Factory On Rt. 17

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ — The Ciano family could not think of what type of business they wanted to start.

Then, JoAnn Ciano's 13-year-old son Luke mentioned pretzels, one of his favorite foods.

"My 13-year-old son said the Philly Pretzel Factory and it turns out it was a great fit for our family," Ciano said. "Since we grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, it only made sense to open it here."

The franchise business is at 155 Route 17 South. It opened Wednesday.

The sells a variety of hand-tossed, soft pretzels baked daily. There are mini pretzels, pretzel hot dogs, a pepperoni melt with mozzarella and pepperoni, a Philly cheesesteak-style pretzel, and cinnamon twists. There are a variety of sweet and salty dips to accompany the pretzels. Party platters are also available.

The Ciano's four kids, Laura, 24, Amanda, 22, Mark, 19, and Luke, are helping run the business this summer before they all go back to school. Amanda has taken a leadership role with the teenage workers the family hired.

"It's been going good. We were pretty busy on the weekend and things are going well, so far," JoAnn Ciano said. "A lot of North Jersey people have come in and told us they are happy that we're here."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: The Ciano family at the Philly Pretzel Factory franchise they opened in Hasbrouck Heights recently. From left: Luke, Laura, Mark Jr., Amanda, JoAnn, and Mark Ciano. (Courtesy of JoAnn Ciano)