PrimoHoagies expands west with 5 planned Denver locations

Westville-based sandwich chain PrimoHoagies will be available west of the Mississippi for the first time ever after signing a five-franchise agreement for Denver, the company announced Sept. 20.

PrimoHoagies plans 18 total new franchise agreements across four states, including New Jersey, Colorado, Florida and Pennsylvania. The chain had its most successful year to date in 2020, and has had an increase in sales in 2021 of 21% year over year.

“They say that ‘tough times reveal your true character’ and that’s certainly been true for PrimoHoagies and our dedicated franchisees throughout the pandemic,” said PrimoHoagies Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Papanier Jr. in a prepared statement. “By doubling down on our aggressive growth plan, we’ve been able to thrive through hard circumstances. With a 21% increase in sales and our first-ever western stores opening, our hard work is paying off. This Colorado debut is just the beginning of a nationwide strategy to bring our signature hoagies to as many future fans as possible.”

The first PrimoHoagies location opened in 1992, and the company has been franchising since 1999. More than 50 new stores have been announced in 2021.

Locations announced Sept. 20 include five in Denver; two in Stroudsburg, Pa.; and one each in Hackettstown; Gainesville, Tampa and The Villages, Fla.; Warrington, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Poconos, St. Clair, State College and Wilkes Barre, Pa.

Most of these openings are slated for 2022.

“As we look ahead to 2022 and beyond, we can’t wait to introduce new areas of the country to PrimoHoagies,” said Papanier Jr. “With deep expansion in the Mid-West and Mountain States beginning in Colorado, we hope to further our reach and grow our fan base with eventual locations across the country.”