PrimoHoagies brings big Philly energy to Charlotte with serious sandwich game
We had two New Yorkers, a South Jersey transplant and a Philly guy for this restaurant visit, so before we even ordered, we had a lively debate: Are these types of sandwiches called heroes, hoagies or subs?
The answer, at least at PrimoHoagies, is clear. Hoagies, of course
With roots in Philadelphia, PrimoHoagies promises authentic East Coast–style sandwiches stacked high on seeded rolls and built with serious intent. Expectations were high.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t your typical fast-food sandwich shop. The Charlotte location opened in December and is still finding its stride. A sign at the register lets customers know orders can take up to 15 minutes per order. Everything is made fresh, and that pace reflects it.
After one bite, we understood why this brand has such a following.
What to expect at PrimoHoagies
Let’s start with the bread, because it’s the real star of the show.
The seeded roll is outstanding — slightly crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and sturdy enough to hold everything together without falling apart. It’s the kind of bread that makes you pause after the first bite and think, OK, this is legit.
The biggest surprise of the visit? The Nonna Veggie.
Vegetarian sandwiches can sometimes feel like an afterthought, but this one delivered. The combination of sharp cheese, roasted vegetables and spicy seasonings felt balanced and intentional. It wasn’t trying to imitate meat; it stood confidently on its own. Paired with that excellent bread, it was easily one of the highlights of the meal.
The Old World Meatball sandwich was another strong contender. The meatballs were tender and flavorful, the sauce rich without being overly sweet, and the cheese melted nicely over the top. It’s a messy sandwich in the best way, with plenty of napkins required.
Primo’s Cheesesteak
My friend Dan from Northeast Philly, a self-proclaimed cheesesteak connoisseur, shared his thoughts on Primo’s Cheesesteak.
The good: Primo’s uses Cooper cheese, which is a satisfying substitute for the traditional favorite, American cheese. And let’s be clear, don’t try to give me Cheese Whiz. True cheesesteak lovers know whiz ain’t where it’s at.
The not-so-good: Primo’s does not use a grill. The sirloin is oven-cooked and not well-seasoned. The meat lacks character. Grilling gives sliced sirloin a mix of soft and crisp pieces, and years of meat-slinging and onion-caramelizing trap flavor into the surface of the grill. That depth just isn’t here yet.
The great: The bread. Period.
The seeded, legendary Liscio’s Bakery roll (shoutout to South Jersey) steals the show. The rolls are flown in par-baked and finished fresh daily. The exterior has a beautiful crunch, while the inside is soft, chewy and full of flavor.
Final take
PrimoHoagies gets a lot right. The bread alone makes it worth the visit, and certain sandwiches especially the Nonna’s Veggie, the Tuna Diablo and the Old World Meatball, show what the shop is capable of putting out.
Just know what to order, because when Primo Hoagies hits, it really hits.
PrimoHoagies
Location: 8736 Outlets Blvd #400, Charlotte, NC 28278
Cuisine: Italian sandwiches
Instagram: @PrimoHoagies
Jamie Graziano, aka The GrazFather, is a dad who dreams of starting his food review and travel website TheGrazFather.com. Jamie can be reached at jamie@thegrazfather.com or on Instagram @thegrazfather.
This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM.