Primos is Primo when it comes to an Italian Hoagie

The popular Ritner Street sandwich shop will be at the Best Foods of South Philly event

By Lindsey Nolen

Preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary this July, Primo Hoagies has had a big year. To add to it, Primo Hoagies has been named best hoagie in South Philly. Audrey Fabrizzio, manager of the Ritner Street location, 1528 W. Ritner St., remembers being in fourth grade when her father, Richard Neidre, opened the shop’s first location right there on Ritner.

Years later, she is beyond excited the Primo name now has more than 100 stores and officially opened one inside Citizens Bank Park this year. Fabrizzio explains that what makes Primo Hoagies stand out is undoubtedly the family atmosphere among the staff and the tender love and care that is put into each sandwich.

“I never thought in a million years we’d have this many stores and be inside the ballpark,” Fabrizzio said. “The difference is that each of our employees makes each hoagie as if they were going to eat it, rather than just making it to make it.”

She added that, with dozens of weekly or bi-weekly repeat customers, the favorite hoagie has consistently remained the Italian. Another popular hoagie, for those who enjoy spicier foods, is the diablo hoagie.

“We’ve been recognized for our hoagies for consecutive years, and it’s such a big accomplishment, especially with a lot of good competition around,” Fabrizzio said. “Some places have even tried to imitate our hoagies, and imitation is the highest form of flattery.”