PrimoHoagies introduces new franchisees, smaller prototype

PrimoHoagies, a family-owned franchisor of Italian specialty delis, today announced the addition of seven new franchisees to its network since the beginning of the year. The brand’s newest owners include multi-brand, multi-unit entrepreneurs, experienced restaurant managers, and airport concessions experts.

New franchisees added

“Our franchise partners bring different experiences, but their belief in the food and their commitment to running great restaurants connect them,” said Nicholas Papanier, Jr., Owner, President and CEO of PrimoHoagies. “It is exciting to welcome operators who see how PrimoHoagies fits into businesses they have spent years building, and families who want to grow with us for generations.”

This year’s franchise openings have included the brand’s first-ever airport location in Terminal A-East of Philadelphia International Airport as well as two restaurants whose early performance has been impressive. The new Middletown, Delaware location is performing in the top quartile of PrimoHoagie’s system, while the recently opened Quakertown, Pennsylvania location is already one of the brand’s top 10 performers.

Three of the new franchisees have joined the system by purchasing existing restaurants, as some of the brand’s long-time franchisees, some of whom have been with PrimoHoagies since they launched franchising in 2002, are retiring or pondering succession planning. According to today’s announcement, PrimoHoagies is still looking to facilitate transitions at 10 to 15 restaurants in greater Philadelphia and South Jersey.

“For an experienced operator, acquiring an existing PrimoHoagies can be a practical starting point for building a larger portfolio,” said Angela Coppler, Senior Vice President of Development at PrimoHoagies. “You can enter a market where the brand is already known, take on an established restaurant and bring your own operating strengths to the business. Select existing restaurants can offer a lower initial investment than new construction, depending on the transaction and required improvements.”

Smaller prototype introduced

Additionally, PrimoHoagies used today’s release to announce its new, smaller restaurant prototype. The 1,100-square-foot space is designed to improve labor efficiency and reduce wait times while also creating an environment that emphasizes the visual appeal of the restaurant’s high-quality ingredients. That prototype will debut in Bluffton, South Carolina and Huntersville, North Carolina in the near future.

As the brand continues to facilitate ownership transitions and open new locations, PrimoHoagies is actively looking to connect with experienced operators.