A & A Soft Pretzels

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents, especially those in the South Jersey region, the quest for an authentic, high-quality soft pretzel often leads across the Delaware River. However, one legendary, nearly century-old family business has planted its first retail roots right here in Oaklyn, bringing a beloved tradition with them. A & A Soft Pretzels, now located at 511 White Horse Pike, is not just a bakery; it is a living piece of regional food history, built on a recipe passed down through four generations of the Panara family.

Founded in 1929 in a South Philadelphia basement, the tradition of baking and selling "The Original Philly Soft Pretzel" has endured through the Great Depression, wars, and various economic challenges. Today, A & A Soft Pretzels continues to honor that heritage, using the very same recipe, commitment to quality, and love that started the business over 90 years ago. This rich history is a point of pride for the family and resonates deeply with customers seeking a classic, nostalgic taste.

While the business has deep roots in wholesale operations, the Oaklyn location represents an exciting generational leap forward. Prompted by the need to adapt and a passion for customer engagement, the fourth-generation owners, Anthony Panara and his fiancée and business partner, Charlene Delia, opened their first-ever storefront in 2021. This decision transformed a historical wholesale operation into a customer-facing retail haven for pretzel lovers in the Garden State.

This New Jersey storefront is a hub of innovation for the brand. The Oaklyn location is particularly special because it operates a kitchen dedicated entirely to the development and production of their now-famous Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination. This commitment to inclusivity has earned A & A a fiercely loyal following among customers with dietary restrictions, allowing them to finally enjoy a truly great soft pretzel. In fact, the business proudly identifies as women-owned, with Charlene Delia driving the shift to retail and championing the development of the successful gluten-free line.

The atmosphere is described by local patrons as warm, welcoming, and friendly—the essence of a classic family business. Whether you are grabbing a traditional Philly-style soft pretzel, one of their inventive stuffed creations, or indulging in a New Jersey-favorite Pork Roll pretzel sandwich for breakfast, A & A Soft Pretzels provides a genuine taste of tradition with a modern, inclusive twist, right here in South Jersey.

Location and Accessibility

A & A Soft Pretzels is conveniently located to serve the South Jersey community, making it an easy 'Quick Visit' destination for takeout or in-store pickup.

• Address: 511 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107, USA
• The shop is situated on the White Horse Pike (Route 30), a major roadway, making it simple to access from surrounding towns in Camden County and beyond.
• Accessibility: The location is committed to accommodating all customers, featuring a Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot.
• Parking: Customers will appreciate the availability of Free Street Parking, ensuring a convenient and quick stop.
• Service Options: The retail model is focused on efficient Takeout and In-store Pickup, ideal for busy New Jersey locals grabbing breakfast or snacks on the go.

Services Offered

• Retail Soft Pretzel Sales: Freshly baked, original recipe Philly-style soft pretzels, available in classic, braided, and Bavarian styles.
• Gluten-Free Bakery: A dedicated, separate kitchen at the Oaklyn location produces a full line of acclaimed gluten-free soft pretzels, including twists, buns, and dippers.
• Breakfast Offerings: Serves unique, hearty breakfast items, notably breakfast sandwiches on a pretzel bun, including the must-try New Jersey favorite, the pork roll pretzel.
• Stuffed Pretzels ('Pretzolis'): Creative stuffed options such as cheesesteak, pepperoni and cheese, chicken cheesesteak, and even seasonal varieties like pumpkin pretzels.
• Party and Catering Trays: Large pretzel trays, dippers, and specialty shapes (like heart-shaped or seasonal football/pumpkin shapes) for parties and events.
• Wholesale and Delivery: Continues its long-standing tradition of supplying businesses, with interstate shipping also available for gluten-free products to states east of the Mississippi.
• Payment Convenience: Accepts major Credit Cards and Debit Cards for all purchases.

Features / Highlights

• Four-Generation History: A family-owned business since 1929, using the original South Philly recipe, providing a genuine sense of tradition and nostalgia.
• Identifies as Women-Owned: Driven in its modern retail phase by business partner Charlene Delia, highlighting local entrepreneurial spirit.
• Award-Winning Recipe: The original recipe is dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, and preservative-free, a testament to its pure, traditional ingredients.
• The Ultimate Gluten-Free Pretzel: The Oaklyn shop is renowned for its dedicated gluten-free kitchen, offering products that customers rave are virtually indistinguishable from the traditional pretzel.
• The Pork Roll Pretzel: A unique, local fusion that combines the classic New Jersey breakfast meat (pork roll) with the bakery’s signature soft pretzel base.
• Creative Specialty Products: Innovative offerings like the 'Pretzoli' (stromboli-like stuffed pretzels) and pretzel buns, pretzel rolls, and bagel pretzels.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Frequently praised in reviews for friendly, welcoming staff, who create a genuine family atmosphere.

Contact Information

For local customers in New Jersey looking to visit the retail shop or inquire about larger orders, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 511 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107, USA
• Phone: (856) 338-0208
• Mobile Phone: +1 856-338-0208
• Online Ordering: Available through their website for pre-orders, especially for party trays, and for shipping outside the immediate area.

What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey residents, A & A Soft Pretzels in Oaklyn is worth choosing because it perfectly bridges deep historical tradition with modern, inclusive innovation. You are not just buying a snack; you are engaging with a family legacy that spans nearly a century. The traditional Philly-style pretzel is a classic, but the true value lies in the unique offerings tailored to today’s local market. The dedicated gluten-free kitchen is a massive benefit for the South Jersey community, providing peace of mind and an incredible product that is rarely matched in quality. Furthermore, the incorporation of local favorites, such as the pork roll pretzel breakfast sandwich, ensures that A & A is firmly rooted in the New Jersey food scene. This bakery is an essential stop for a 'Quick Visit' to fuel your morning, a reliable source for a savory or sweet treat, and the premier option for inclusive, high-quality, and historically significant soft pretzels in New Jersey.

A & A Soft Pretzels

511 White Horse Pike, Oaklyn, NJ 08107, USA