In Philadelphia, when it comes to cold-cut based sandwiches, there aren’t any "submarines." A "hero" is best described as someone who puts their life on the line for the safety of others, such as the firemen, policemen and our military. A "zeppelin" is something that occasionally floats over a big sporting event. The truth is, to real Philadelphians; it’s long been known as a hoagie. According to popular belief, the hoagie originated in Philadelphia many years ago. It has been produced in many varieties and styles, and has long been one of the most popular food items in the Delaware Valley. Although you can find hoagies being made on just about every other street corner in South Philadelphia, we at Primo have kicked it up a notch.

When we opened our original location at 1528 Ritner Street in South Philadelphia, our objective was to establish a family-operated corner deli that made a good hoagie. While pondering a name for our business, we wanted something that would separate us from the average hoagie shop and lend a specific name to our original menu ideas and the uniqueness of our hoagie concepts. And suddenly, it came to me...Primo! In the Italian language, Primo means first, or the number one. In the American version, it's used to define excellence and is associated with the nature of being superior. However you interpret it, the name turned out to be a premonition as it stands today. The rapid growth that ensued of this mom-and-pop corner deli  exceeded our most optimistic expectations.

The success of Primo is attributed to an excellent, long-tenured staff that regularly serves up a combination of quality, consistency, and originality. Our large and diverse menu features dozens of Specialty Hoagies, most of which are our very own original creations. Primo Hoagies are always made fresh to order, using only the finest Thumanns gourmet quality meats and cheese. Primo Hoagie Trays and Italian Sampler Platters have become hugely popular at many social gatherings and functions. They are a perfect choice for client presentations, parties, and just about any other get-together you can think of. Our trays and platters are also warmly appreciated when offered as a "thank you" or sympathy gesture.

The popularity and excellence of PrimoHoagies has been affirmed by numerous recognitions, which include the Channel 10 News Big Spoon Award, Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly Award, multiple South Philly Review Reader’s Choice Awards, and multiple Courier Post Readers Choice Best of South Jersey. PrimoHoagies has also been featured in countless newspaper articles, local television news stories, and a topic of discussion on many local radio stations. Primo has been a favorite stop of many local celebrities such as Bill Cosby, Flyers Captain Keith Primeau, Temple basketball coach John Chaney, WIP radio personalities Angelo Cataldi, Al Morganti, and Big Daddy Graham. Primo is also frequented by many sports figures and executives of all the major sports teams in the area. 

The original location in South Philadelphia continues to grow while entering its fifteenth year in business. The Center City store on Chestnut Street remains bustling as it enters its tenth year as one of the most popular spots for the office crowds. Expansion through franchising has seen locations opened throughout the Delaware Valley. Check this site periodically for opening dates and other franchise locations that are currently in the works. Based on the enormous amount of inquiries that we've received without any substantial advertising, chances are that you'll see a Primo in your neighborhood in the very near future.    

Through this expansion, Primo has managed to uphold the quality and consistency of product and service that has made us a favorite throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. We will continue to be stringent in the selection process of prospective franchisee's to ensure compatibility and sincerity for the right to join the Primo family and represent our name to the high standards that we've set since our inception. Our first and foremost priority is to never compromise our outstanding product and unique concept. This is our guarantee to our loyal and ever-growing clientele. So remember, it’s not a sub, or hero, or zeppelin. In fact, to most Philadelphian’s, it’s not just a hoagie…it’s a Primo.

Affiliation Disclaimer

As with any successful business or product, there are bound to be imitators. As the old saying goes, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." This is very true, but the result of these attempts to copy our original concepts simply reaffirms our own popularity and unique quality. We have learned of certain copycat outfits, some of which who have had the audacity to actually offer franchise opportunities using our concept, while claiming an affiliation, in some form, to the Primo organization. For the record, we must state that the only stores and/or corporations with an association to PrimoHoagies are those which are listed on this website. Any claims of a connection with our organization by parties not listed on this site, are false and subject to legal ramifications.