A new location of a beloved Philly staple is now open in Ballantyne
A new hoagie shop just opened in Ballantyne, and you can thank the 2018 Super Bowl winners for the idea.
Last time the Eagles went to the NFL’s biggest game, Philadelphia transplant Robert Russo set out on a mission to find an authentic Philly cheesesteak in the Charlotte region. A Google search pulled up Lee’s Hoagie House in Lake Wylie, quickly conjuring up fond memories of his youth.
“Growing up playing sports in Philly, we always went to Lee’s after our games. I felt so connected to it,” Russo said, noting that Lee’s Hoagie House has been a Philadelphia staple since 1953.
“Hoagies and cheesesteaks are a way of life in the Northeast. They make all great sporting events and outings that much better. When I saw they are willing to franchise in the South, I knew I wanted to bring this to my community and create a place where the people I care about can hang out and experience the culture and food from the City of Brotherly Love.”
Russo secured the Charlotte franchise opportunity, hired general manager Rob Hogya and signed a lease — but then COVID hit. The project was delayed for more than two years due to the pandemic, permitting and supply chain issues.
After what seemed like an eternity, Lee’s Hoagie House finally opened last week in Ballantyne – just steps from Russo’s front door. It’s the first Lee’s franchise in North Carolina and the second outside of Philadelphia. Russo continues to hire for the Charlotte location and hopes to double the size of the staff in the coming weeks.
‘As authentic as you can get’
The concept for the Ballantyne site is slightly different from most Lee’s in that it has more of a sit-down restaurant feel with ample seating, a patio and several televisions playing sports.
“You just can’t beat a Philly sandwich while cheering on your favorite team,” Russo said, noting that carryout and deliveries are also available.
The local menu includes the same signature hoagie and cheesesteak selections that customers have come to love — such as the Lee’s South Philly made with prosciutto, Genoa salami and capicola or Old Bay fries topped with Cheese Wiz — in addition to wraps, burgers, wings and salads.
In January, the restaurant will add a pour-your-own-beer wall featuring Philly beers, local selections, domestics, wine and prosecco on tap.
“This is as authentic as you can get here in Charlotte,” Russo said. “All of our ingredients are sourced from Philly; we use the same meats and cheeses that you’d find in a mom-and-pop shop up there. And I love the bread from Licious, a Philadelphia original. We have a special oven to make the bread in house, served fresh and warm.”
A ‘passion project’ to give back
An entrepreneur at heart, Russo is founder and CEO of Independent Advisor Alliance, a Charlotte-based firm that supports more than 250 financial advisers in 25 states. Lee’s is his first and only venture into the restaurant industry.
“I already have a career, so Lee’s is more of a passion project for me — a platform of sorts that I can use to give back to the community,” said Russo, who has lived in Charlotte since 2006. “It’s a community watering hole, meant for my neighbors and friends to come out and enjoy the same food and friendly atmosphere that I had growing up. We really want to create an experience here.”
Russo, who also coaches youth basketball and baseball, said Lee’s Charlotte is a sponsor of a travel baseball team. Players are always looking for somewhere to go after the games, Russo said, so he hopes Lee’s will give his sons and their teammates some of the same memorable experiences he had. He also plans for his boys, ages 8 and 10, to work at Lee’s when they’re older to help them gain customer service experience and good work habits.
This year, with the 12-1 Eagles nicely perched at top of the NFC standings, Russo won’t have to travel far for a taste of home if his team makes the Super Bowl.
Lee’s Hoagie House
Location: 15025 Lancaster Hwy., Charlotte, NC 28277
Cuisine: Hoagies, Philly cheesesteaks, wings and hamburgers
Instagram: @leesclt
