Our Story

About Primo hoagies
— Crafted With Heart

Since our founding, Primo hoagies has been Philadelphia's home for authentic primo hoagies made fresh every single day. We're more than a sandwich shop — we're a tradition, a community, and a passion for real food.

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Primo hoagies fresh sandwiches made daily
Primo hoagies restaurant interior Philadelphia
Fresh hoagie ingredients prepared at Primo hoagies
30+ Years Serving
50+ Menu Items
1M+ Hoagies Served
4.9★ Avg. Rating
Primo hoagies kitchen where primohoagies are crafted fresh
Philly's Finest Since 1992
Our Heritage

The primohoagies Story

It all started in 1992 on a quiet stretch of Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia's Roxborough neighborhood. Our founder, Marco DiLorenzo, had one simple vision: to bring the soul of an authentic primo hoagies shop to the heart of his community. With fresh-baked rolls, hand-sliced meats, and a family recipe passed down through generations, Primo hoagies opened its doors — and never looked back.

"I grew up making hoagies with my grandmother. Every sandwich we make at Primo hoagies is a tribute to her and to the real taste of Philadelphia." — Marco DiLorenzo, Founder

Over three decades, primohoagies has grown from a neighborhood counter into one of Philadelphia's most beloved sandwich destinations. We've stayed true to our roots: sourcing only the finest local ingredients, baking our signature rolls fresh each morning, and building relationships with the families who come back to us time and again.

Today, Primo hoagies serves thousands of guests every week — from loyal regulars who've been coming in since day one, to newcomers discovering the magic of a perfectly crafted hoagie. Our commitment hasn't wavered: every sandwich is made with the same care, pride, and passion that Marco poured into the very first one.

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What Drives Us

Our Mission & Values

At Primo hoagies, everything we do is guided by a deep respect for quality, community, and the craft of making truly great food.

Our Mission

To serve Philadelphia's finest primo hoagies — made fresh daily with quality ingredients, real craftsmanship, and a genuine love for food — creating moments people look forward to every day.

Our Vision

To be the sandwich shop every Philadelphian is proud to call their own — a place where quality is never compromised, community always comes first, and every guest leaves satisfied.

Our Promise

Every hoagie that leaves our kitchen is built on freshness, integrity, and care. We never cut corners, never compromise on ingredients, and always put our guests first.

Core Values

The primos Principles

  • Freshness First We source local produce and bake our rolls fresh each morning. Nothing sits overnight — every ingredient is at its peak when it reaches your hands.
  • Community Roots Roxborough is home, and our neighbors are family. We sponsor local events, support schools, and give back to the community that has given us so much.
  • Uncompromising Quality From premium deli meats to handpicked produce, we never settle for "good enough." Quality is the standard, not the exception, at Primo hoagies.
  • Genuine Hospitality We greet every guest with a smile and treat every order with care. Great food tastes even better when it comes with warmth and respect.
  • Sustainable Practices We minimize waste, use eco-friendly packaging, and partner with responsible local suppliers to ensure our food is good for you and the planet.
Primo hoagies team preparing fresh food with care
Rated #1 Philly's Best Hoagie Shop
Through The Years

Our History & Milestones

From a single counter on Ridge Ave to Philadelphia's most-loved hoagie destination — here's how we got here.

  • 1992

    The First Sandwich

    Marco DiLorenzo opens Primo hoagies at 6024 Ridge Ave in Roxborough, Philadelphia. The first day's menu: five classic hoagie recipes, hand-written on a chalkboard. Lines form before opening.

  • 1997

    Expanding the Menu

    After five years of community love, Primo hoagies expands the menu to 20+ items including signature hot hoagies, veggie options, and our legendary Club Special — still a bestseller today.

  • 2003

    Community Recognition

    Named "Philadelphia's Best Hoagie Shop" by the Philadelphia Inquirer — a title we've defended every year since. The primohoagies name becomes synonymous with quality across the city.

  • 2009

    Catering & Events

    Primo hoagies launches its catering division, bringing authentic primos hoagies to corporate events, weddings, school functions, and community gatherings across the greater Philadelphia area.

  • 2016

    Second Generation

    Marco's daughter, Sofia DiLorenzo, joins the business as Co-Owner, bringing fresh energy and modern ideas while preserving the family recipes and traditions that made Primo hoagies famous.

  • 2022

    30 Years & Going Strong

    Primo hoagies celebrates 30 years with a block party on Ridge Ave, a limited edition anniversary menu, and a commitment to the next three decades of serving Philadelphia's finest hoagies.

The People Behind the Hoagies

Meet Our Team

Every great hoagie starts with great people. Our team brings passion, skill, and genuine warmth to everything they do.

Marco DiLorenzo - Founder of Primo hoagies
Founder & Owner

Marco DiLorenzo

The heart and soul of Primo hoagies. Marco started with five recipes and a dream — and built a Philadelphia institution over 30 years of hard work and love for food.

Sofia DiLorenzo - Co-Owner of Primo hoagies
Co-Owner & Operations

Sofia DiLorenzo

Raised behind the counter, Sofia brings modern innovation to a time-honored tradition. She oversees daily operations and is the driving force behind Primo hoagies' growth.

Tony Mancuso - Head Chef at Primo hoagies
Head Chef

Tony Mancuso

With 18 years in the kitchen, Tony is the maestro behind every primohoagies recipe. He keeps the classics perfect while crafting bold new flavors that keep guests coming back.

Vanessa Torres - Customer Experience Manager at Primo hoagies
Guest Experience

Vanessa Torres

The warm face that greets every guest. Vanessa has spent a decade making sure every visit to Primo hoagies feels personal, welcoming, and truly memorable.

Ready to taste the difference people make?

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