Have you noticed that the classic street-vendor soft pretzel has made its way out of the stone canyons of New York City and Philadelphia and Chicago, and into mainstream Fast Food Nation? Try Wendy's pretzel buns. And Little Caesars' pretzel crust pizza. To say nothing of 7-11's array of pretzel sandwiches. Yes, pretzels have come a long way since your only chance to get them was from a cart with a charcoal-fired brazier on 47th Street.