PrimoHoagies CEO Nicholas Papanier Jr. Named in 40 Under 40

PrimoHoagies offers a selection of quality Italian sandwiches made to order.

News Summary

Nicholas Papanier Jr., CEO of PrimoHoagies, has been recognized as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 honorees. This award spotlights his leadership and commitment to the community. Under his leadership, PrimoHoagies has launched an expansion plan aiming to grow from 100 to 350 locations in the coming years while maintaining quality and tradition. The company recently reported an 18% rise in gross sales, reflecting its success in the competitive food industry.

Philadelphia — Nicholas Papanier Jr., the CEO of PrimoHoagies, has been honored as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2025 40 Under 40 honorees. This award recognizes young professionals who demonstrate remarkable leadership, significant career accomplishments, and a strong commitment to community involvement.

Among nearly 400 nominees in the Philadelphia area, Papanier Jr. has distinguished himself as part of a prestigious cohort of 41 honorees across multiple sectors, including retail, healthcare, finance, legal services, nonprofit, and real estate. This recognition highlights his role in steering the family-owned Italian specialty sandwich chain, known for its fresh, made-to-order Old Fashioned Italian Specialty Sandwiches.

Papanier Jr. attributes his success to the dedication of his team and the foundational principles established by his father, which emphasis tradition, quality, and community. Under his leadership, PrimoHoagies has embraced a period of franchise expansion aimed at enhancing its visibility beyond the East Coast, with ambitious plans to grow from over 100 locations to 350 across the United States within the next three to five years.

Business Growth and Expansion

PrimoHoagies has reported a substantial 18% year-over-year increase in gross sales, reflecting the positive trajectory of the business. Notably, the top 25% of stores have seen average sales rise, from $1.28 million in 2021 to $1.35 million in 2022. This uptick in sales indicates the brand’s solid footing in the competitive food service market.

Plans for future growth include opening new stores in states such as Texas, Colorado, Michigan, and Louisiana. In 2024, PrimoHoagies will also experiment with drive-thru services and introduce third-party delivery options to accommodate evolving consumer preferences.

Commitment to Quality and Community

Despite interest from private equity firms, Papanier Jr. remains steadfast in maintaining quality control and operational oversight within the company. The focus on Italian-style authenticity and premium gourmet ingredients continues to be a cornerstone of the brand’s identity.

Additionally, PrimoHoagies is introducing promotional strategies to support its franchise system, including discounts on franchise fees aimed at attracting new franchisees to the brand. This initiative reflects Papanier Jr.’s commitment to not only sustaining but also enhancing the legacy of the Papanier family’s influence in the sandwich industry.

Background of Nicholas Papanier Jr.

Papanier Jr. began his journey with PrimoHoagies in 2000, working his way up from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer. Over the years, his focus has shifted towards reshaping the company’s culture and bolstering its operational infrastructure to prepare for future expansion.

As a recognized leader in the business community, Papanier Jr.’s contributions go beyond the metrics of success. His emphasis on community engagement, coupled with a strong business acumen, ensures that PrimoHoagies remains a beloved staple for sandwich lovers while setting course for significant growth in the years ahead.

With a clear vision for the future, Nicholas Papanier Jr. leads PrimoHoagies into a new chapter, balancing the rich traditions of the past with innovative approaches to meet the demands of today’s market.