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For some South Philadelphians, best hoagie could be considered the Holy Grail of Readers’ Choice Awards. For the people to speak and shout PrimoHoagies, 1528 W. Ritner St., as their favorite has got to be why Primo’s has become what we’ve seen it become over the past 15 years. The original location on an unassuming strip of Ritner that’s dotted with savory and sweet foods, has been the anchor of a business that’s blossomed into a 90-shop franchise.
“The philosophy from the beginning was give them a good product. Don’t give a lot of filler and they’ll come back,” Tom Rossi, a friend of Rich and Colleen Neigre’s, the couple who started it all right here in Marconi, explained. “We always try to use the freshest bread, the freshest ingredients, and the highest quality meats and cheeses as possible.”
Even though the shop where it all started isn’t their busiest, Rossi remembers when that wasn’t the case.
“When we first opened there was always a line, like you couldn’t get in the door,” he recalled.
Hoagies have, essentially, always been their speciality.
“We don’t do cheesesteaks or fries or burgers. None of that stuff,” Rossi said.
But they have mastered some of the Italian specialties to go alongside the best-selling Classic Italian hoagie: antipastis, roasted peppers, marinated mozzarella balls and side dishes.
Rossi lamented with a smile that Audrey was enjoying a “rare day off.” Her friendly face has been running the original location for some time now, and serving up healthy, full-packed hoagies to South Philly as per family tradition. And with new a location at 326 South St. and soon-to-be-open locales in Northern Liberties and Old City, the hoagie kings and repeat winners are spreading their dominion by the day.
Lil’ Nicks wasn’t able to swipe this one from the longstanding legends as first runners-up, and neither was third-place winners, another local hegemony, Chickie’s and Pete’s.
Contact Staff Writer Bill Chenevert at bchenevert@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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