Pretzel Factory is a popular chain of pretzel bakeries and cafes located across the United States. They are known for their freshly baked pretzels and pretzel sandwiches. One of their most popular menu items is their hot dog offerings.
Types of Hot Dogs at Pretzel Factory
Pretzel Factory uses premium all-beef hot dogs for their hot dog sandwiches and pretzel dogs. The hot dogs are 8 inches long and are sourced from reputable hot dog manufacturers like Vienna Beef.
Here are the main types of hot dogs available at Pretzel Factory locations:
- Original Pretzel Dog – All-beef hot dog nested in a freshly baked soft pretzel bun.
- Cheese Pretzel Dog – All-beef hot dog with melted cheddar cheese in a soft pretzel bun.
- Jalapeño Pretzel Dog – All-beef hot dog with sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese in a pretzel bun.
- BBQ Pretzel Dog – All-beef hot dog with tangy BBQ sauce and fried onions in a pretzel bun.
- Bacon Cheddar Pretzel Dog – All-beef hot dog with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese in a pretzel bun.
Hot Dog Quality
Pretzel Factory only uses 100% all-beef hot dogs with no fillers, by-products, or artificial flavors. The hot dogs contain a beef and pork casing for that signature “snap” when you bite into them.
Their hot dog supplier Vienna Beef is one of the most popular hot dog brands in the Midwest and East Coast regions. Vienna Beef hot dogs are made from a mixture of premium cuts of beef and pork. They are gluten-free and contain no MSG or nitrates.
In addition to using high-quality hot dogs, Pretzel Factory stores the hot dogs properly to avoid contamination and spoilage. The hot dogs are stored refrigerated until ready to be cooked on the flat top grill when ordered.
Cooking Process
Pretzel Factory hot dogs are cooked fresh-to-order on a flattop grill. The cooking process helps add delicious char-grilled flavor to the hot dogs.
Here are the steps used to cook Pretzel Factory hot dogs:
- The all-beef hot dog is placed on a hot flattop grill pre-heated to 350°F.
- The hot dog is cooked for 5-7 minutes, turning periodically to get even char marks.
- Once the hot dog has a nice char and is fully heated through, it is removed from the grill.
- Cheese or other toppings are added if ordered.
- The hot dog is placed inside a warm pretzel bun.
- The pretzel dog is served hot and fresh to the customer.
This quick grilling process helps bring out the signature snappy texture and smoky flavors that make their pretzel dogs so tasty.
Safety Standards
Pretzel Factory adheres to high food safety standards when handling and serving hot dogs in their stores. These standards include:
- Following FDA Food Code guidelines for proper hot dog storage, handling, cooking, and holding temperatures.
- Cooking hot dogs to 165°F internal temperature to eliminate any pathogens.
- Promptly refrigerating any unused cooked hot dogs for later use.
- Reheating hot dogs to 165°F before serving if cooked and held for later use.
- Regular cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and surfaces.
- Providing food safety training to employees.
By adhering to these safety standards, Pretzel Factory is able to serve premium hot dogs to customers while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Nutritional Information
Pretzel Factory hot dogs are a high-protein, low-fat meat option. An original Pretzel Dog without toppings contains the following key nutritional values:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
Customers who are conscious of fat, carbs, or sodium can request modifications like skipping the pretzel bun or cheese.
Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients in a Pretzel Factory original all-beef hot dog:
- Beef
- Pork
- Water
- Salt
- Spices
- Corn Syrup
- Dextrose
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Erythorbate
- Sodium Nitrite
The pork adds flavor and juiciness while the beef provides the bulk of the protein. The sodium phosphate helps retain moisture while spices like garlic and paprika add flavor. The sodium nitrite preserves freshness and color.
These premium all-beef hot dogs contain no artificial flavors, chemicals, or fillers like cereal or soy protein.
Sourcing & Suppliers
Pretzel Factory sources their hot dogs and other ingredients from trusted, reputable suppliers. This includes:
- Vienna Beef – Provides their signature all-beef hot dogs
- Otis Spunkmeyer – Provides signature soft pretzel buns
- McCain Foods – Provides frozen french fries
- US Foods – Distributes other ingredients like cheeses, spices, sauces
By partnering with well-known food suppliers, Pretzel Factory can consistently source high-quality ingredients to serve great-tasting pretzel dogs and other menu items.
Variations
While the original all-beef hot dog is their standard, Pretzel Factory also offers the following hot dog variations:
- Turkey Dog – With 100% cooked turkey for a leaner alternative
- Vegan Dog – Meatless soy-based hot dog for vegan diets
- Gluten-Free Dog – Turkey dog with gluten-free pretzel bun
- Breakfast Dog – Hot dog with bacon, egg, and cheese
These options allow customers with different dietary needs or preferences to enjoy Pretzel Factory’s signature pretzel dogs.
Pretzel Dog Combos
Pretzel Factory offers pre-configured combo meals featuring a Pretzel Dog, side, and drink. Popular combo options include:
- Pretzel Dog, fries, and fountain drink
- Pretzel Dog, pretzel bites, and lemonade
- BBQ Pretzel Dog, coleslaw, and bottled water
- Cheese Pretzel Dog, chips, and bottled soda
Combos provide a convenient bundled meal option for customers looking for good value.
Kids Meal Options
For smaller appetites, Pretzel Factory offers Pretzel Dogs as part of their kids meal options. These include:
- Kids Hot Dog Meal – Pretzel dog, fruit cup, and juice box.
- Kids Cheese Dog Meal – Pretzel dog with cheese, carrots, and milk.
The kids meals come with an activity sheet or small toy, making it a fun dining experience for children.
Prices
Pretzel Factory positions itself as an affordable fast casual dining option. Here are typical prices for their Pretzel Dogs and combos:
- Original Pretzel Dog: $3.99
- Specialty Pretzel Dog: $4.49 – $4.99
- Kids Pretzel Dog Meal: $4.99
- Pretzel Dog Combo: $6.99 – $8.99
Customers can enjoy fresh, customized pretzel dogs and combo meals at reasonable prices. Promotions like 2-for-1 Pretzel Dogs provide even more value.
Conclusion
With its premium all-beef hot dogs, signature pretzel buns, and customizable toppings, Pretzel Factory offers a truly unique and tasty take on hot dogs. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients, safety standards, and reasonable pricing make their Pretzel Dogs an ideal choice for customers seeking a quick, affordable meal.