NJ sandwich chains launch efforts to spread holiday cheer

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Two of New Jersey’s most well-known fast casual restaurant brands are gearing up to make the holiday season brighter for families in need this year.

PrimoHoagies

Through its charitable organization, PrimoCares, the Westville-based sandwich chain plans to donate $1,000 a week between Nov. 24 and Dec. 22 to two deserving families as part of a “Season of Giving Giveaway.”

In a Nov. 6 press release announcing the return of the decade-old campaign, President and Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Papanier Jr., said, “PrimoHoagies remains deeply committed to uplifting the communities we proudly serve. Our enduring dedication to PrimoCares, initiated by my father, Nicholas Papanier Sr., as the charitable arm of PrimoHoagies, continues to spread joy and make a difference in the lives of those in our community.”

Through Dec. 15, nominations for deserving families can be made via PrimoCares.org. Winners will be announced on the @primocares Instagram page and contacted directly based on the information provided within the submissions.

Additionally, PrimoHoagies is continuing its annual holiday gift giving for children in need, asking customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar.

According to the company, donations made on Thanksgiving weekend are match by PrimoHoagies and added to a fund that individual locations use to purchase gifts from each child’s holiday wish list.

Jersey Mike’s

The Manasquan-headquartered sandwich franchise is once again partnering with domestic hunger relief organization Feeding America to help keep the shelves of food banks stocked this holiday season.

On Nov. 18 and 19, Jersey Mike’s will donate 20% of sales from its more than 2,500 locations nationwide to support the nonprofit’s work.

“Everyone deserves nutritious food to thrive, yet every day, tens of millions of individuals across the U.S. continue to experience food insecurity,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Feeding America is deeply grateful for partners like Jersey Mike’s in the movement to end hunger. Their ongoing commitment to the mission is helping to support communities and nourish futures.”

In the past two years, Jersey Mike’s has donated more than $11 million to Feeding America, helping provide over 110 million meals through the organization’s nationwide network of 200-plus local member food banks.

Peter Cancro, founder and CEO of Jersey Mike’s, encouraged customers to visit the chain during the event, saying, “Raising up together, we always make a difference.”