Preztel Logic

by Louis Borda

This summer, Philly’s famous Fiat, Luigi, has traveled the streets of South Philly in search of interesting stories. Whether it’s a slice of pizza at Franco Luigi’s, a water ice at Italiano’s, or a Pork Italiano at Tony Luke’s, Luigi has found a friend and a parking spot at many of our local favorites.

Speaking of favorites, who from South Philly can resist the summertime staple of the soft pretzel, especially when they are fresh from the oven? This is what prompted my most recent visit to the newest Philly Pretzel Factory at 22nd & Oregon Avenue. When we arrived inside the newly-renovated store, 17-year-old Jill Fleming greeted us with a smile and 3 free pretzels. It looked like traveling with Luigi was finally starting to have its perks! To be honest, however, Jill and the rest of the staff were treating everyone to free pretzels during this grand-opening week.

Luigi with Romeo Casello and Joe Ledger, co-owners of Phila. Pretzel Factory at 22nd and Oregon.

Life long South Philadelphians Romeo Carsello and his business partner Joe Ledger are prime examples of the “can-do” spirit and regional loyalty that resonates in our neighborhood. A successful entrepreneur, Romeo proudly boasts, “I have worked hard and done very well for myself and family, and while I am thankful that I can afford to live anywhere in the Delaware Valley, I would never move out of South Philly!” As Luigi helped greet first-time customers, conversations twisted themselves between warm pretzels and favorite car stories. Joe was eager to share his story of the “Best car he ever owned!” A 1979 Black Camaro SS with gold racing strips. Joe explained the Camaro, which in French slang actually means friend, was originally introduced in 1967 by Chevrolet to provide competition for the highly-popular Ford Mustang. Originally stocked with a 5.7-liter 8-cylinder engine, over 220,000 were sold that first year, proving the public was starved for these small-performance “pony cars.”

...1979 Black Camaro SS

As vehicles became safer, and consequently slower, the public shifted from wanting high performance to comfort and style. In addition, oil embargos and rising fuel costs had forced car makers into producing smaller more fuel efficient engines (sound familiar?). Thus, by 1979 the Camaro evolved into a very popular (yet practical), sharp, stylish car and it seemed everyone in South Philly had a “friend” or one who owned one. Joe recalled all the fun he had driving up and down South Street on Friday nights hoping for red lights so he could rev the engine and get the ladies attention. Today, Romeo and Joe look forward to your attention as a customer and welcome you to bring a friend (whether it’s a car or person) by their store to enjoy a fresh Philly pretzel.

Until next week, ciao for now!

Remember to keep sending your car stories and comments to www.luigi@phillyrecord.com.