Primo Hoagies is an authentic Italian hoagie shop with stores across the East Coast. With a focus on authentic Italian flavors, they provide a truer experience than other restaurants offering Philadelphia-style sandwiches. The dining atmosphere is casual, and the service is fast and friendly, making it a perfect lunch stop on a busy day.

Primo Hoagies started in Philadelphia, where the competition was fierce. They proved themselves to be a step above the rest and have since expanded to nine states with nearly 100 locations. Since their founding, they have been given numerous awards for their food and service quality. They are dedicated to their communities and commonly participate in fundraising for local organizations.

History

Primo Hoagies initially started as a small restaurant serving hoagies in south Philadelphia. Although Philadelphia is known for its plethora of sandwich stores, people loved the store’s commitment to the Italian roots of authentic Philadelphia hoagies. Soon multiple locations were opened across Philadelphia. All were equally successful, with a loyal fanbase allowing for business to thrive.

The restaurant decided to try its hand outside of Philadelphia and opened a store in south Jersey. After opening two more successful stores in New Jersey, the restaurant decided to franchise. The expansion was rapid. Within the first ten years of franchising, the chain had spread to six states in the Northeast region of the United States.

The store has stayed true to its roots through its expansion. They pride themselves on using only Thumanns gourmet meats and the freshest ingredients. Sandwiches are never made ahead of time, and they offering catering platters in all their locations. Since winning “Best Hoagie” from the South Philly Award in 1996, they have won awards every year in their numerous locations.

In recent years, restaurants claiming to be Primo Hoagies’ locations have popped up from time to time. Although these copycats cannot offer the same quality of food or service, they have not harmed the success of the franchise. The franchise in constantly on the lookout for stores attempting to copy their menu and ambiance.

Reviews

The menu for Primo Hoagies consists exclusively of sandwiches. Although that may seem limiting to some, the selection is extensive, and there is bound to be something for everyone. Most of the hoagies are served cold, in the original Italian style, but there is a variety of hot sandwiches offered. There are also many vegetarian options.

All the sandwiches are offered in different sizes. Diners can even opt out of the bread for a “sandwich in a bowl,” choose a whole wheat wrap or a low-carb bread. Their strongest offerings are the sandwiches that stick to traditional Italian styles. Their “Italian” sandwich is stuffed with prosciutto and provolone cheese, salami, and hot capicola. There are several variations to this basic offering.

Primo Hoagies is clean and open. Guests can order at the counter. Food is served quickly in non-fuss paper wrapping. The service is friendly and the staff accommodating to special requests. They wear gloves and wipe the tables as soon as people leave. While Philadelphia has dozens of locations, the franchise extends from Pennsylvania to Florida.

The menu is very affordable, with prices for a small sandwich around $6-&7. Primo sandwiches, the largest size, can hover around $20, but the medium-sized hoagies stay in a convenient $8-$11 range. Even at the busiest times, the sandwiches are ready in a matter of minutes, and you can be in and out in a flash.