New Jerseyans love their hoagies. Subs. Heroes. Whatever we call the long sandwiches, we love them. So does the rest of the country. And PrimoHoagies is one of the main beneficiaries of that culinary devotion.

The Westville-based sandwich chain, which was also named to the NJBIZ Family-Owned Businesses In the Lead list, has been in business for more than 30 years, but growth has picked up significantly under the leadership of owner, President and CEO Nicholas Papanier Jr.

With more than 100 stores open nationwide, Papanier has said that surpassing the milestone helped to demonstrate the concept’s scalability as well as significantly increase its market presence and brand recognition. In 2023, PrimoHoagies had more than 80 restaurants in development.

In the next five years, the chain aims to go over the 300-store mark. All the while the company maintains an emphasis on family and tradition that Papanier says “is integral to the company’s close-knit culture and enduring success.”

In 2013, the PrimoCares initiative was established, dedicated to supporting underprivileged children. Under it, the business hosts an annual holiday giving program featuring corporate matches, and more. This year,
PrimoHoagies has expanded its roster with some high-profile partners, including several NFL players as well as Citizens Bank Park, home to the Philadelphia Phillies.

In August, the company introduced a new mobile app that allows users to easily browse the sandwich chain’s full menu, customize orders and choose between pickup or delivery. And PrimoHoagies is popular for just being the best at what it does. For the second year in a row, PrimoHoagies ranked as the No. 1 best sandwich chain as part of USA Today’s 2024 readers’ choice travel awards.