Wilmington’s newest sandwich shop, PrimoHoagies, is holding its grand opening in Fulton Station this week. It’s the first step of the national chain’s planned expansion into the Southeastern N.C. market.
Founded in 1992, PrimoHoagies has 106 franchises serving its signature sandwiches across the country — from New Jersey to Colorado — with another 76 currently under development.
Kathy and TJ Rooney moved to North Carolina a few years ago from Pennsylvania. Missing their favorite sandwich from up North, they realized that PrimoHoagies — with its specialty baked bread and 50-item menu — would be a hit in Wilmington.
“We wanted to put money into something we love and we think other people will love and in some ways, it was selfish: We missed PrimoHoagies,” Kathy said.
Kathy and TJ’s first franchise is set to open at 3710 S. College Road in the Pine Valley area this Thursday, Aug. 17. Cape Fear Commercial brokers Rob High and Hank Miller identified Fulton Station as an ideal spot for the brand’s entrance in Wilmington, and worked with the Rooneys to help launch the first location.
Fulton Station is managed by Cape Fear Commercial’s Property Management team; with the opening of PrimoHoagies, the shopping center is now at full occupancy.
“We were excited to find a great location for Kathy and TJ as they get started on this journey,” said Rob High. “Wilmington and the surrounding area will be a great market for a quality spot like this, and we’re already looking for additional sites.”
The Pine Valley location is only the first phase of the Rooneys’ plans to establish a presence for PrimoHoagies in Southeastern N.C. Cape Fear Commercial is now working to secure four additional sites for the sandwich chain.
“We’re looking to help them expand immediately,” said Rob High. “At the top of our list is Leland, and we also are scouting Porters Neck and the Landfall-Military Cutoff submarket.”
During the grand opening Thursday, the first 100 PrimoHoagies customers will receive free sandwiches; and the Primo-sized, nine-inch sandwiches will be sold for $6.99 all throughout opening day.
