Under the leadership of owner, president and CEO Nicholas Papanier Jr., PrimoHoagies has achieved impressive milestones and growth, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022 and launching its 100th store in 2023.
The company reached an unprecedented $100 million in sales for 2023, with continuous year- over-year increases since 2020. Papanier Jr. has taken the company from $52 million in sales to nearly double that amount within just four years as CEO. His strategic expansion efforts have taken PrimoHoagies to new markets, including upstate New York, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado and Michigan.
“As CEO, one of the most important risks I undertook was expanding our company nationwide,” Papanier Jr. said. “Recognizing the potential for growth and increased market reach, I made the strategic decision to scale our operations across the country.
“The past few years have been record-setting for PrimoHoagies, with increased sales each year since 2020. We reported a 22% increase in sales between 2020 and 2021, a period when restaurants struggled because of the pandemic. In 2022, we saw another 18% year-over-year increase in gross sales. Additionally, the average unit volume of PrimoHoagies’ top 25% of stores rose to $1.35 million in 2022, up from $1.28 million in 2021 and $1.09 million in 2020.”
As a franchisor, Papanier Jr. has evolved PrimoHoagies into an opportunity for entrepreneurs nationwide, with a commitment to ongoing enhancements in customer service and franchisee support, the company said. The company has sold numerous franchise locations in recent years and has 85 stores under development, with plans to reach 125 stores by the end of the year.
Papanier Jr. has extended PrimoHoagies’ commitment to community through PrimoCares, an initiative focused on helping children and families in need within the communities the company serves. The organization also runs various charitable initiatives, including an annual toy drive, Season of Giving Giveaway and donations to local nonprofit organizations.
“I believe that vision, decisiveness, and adaptability are the key attributes of a successful leader,” Papanier Jr. said. “A clear vision provides direction and inspires others to work towards a common goal. Decisiveness enables leaders to make informed decisions and take action in a timely manner. Additionally, adaptability allows leaders to navigate through challenges, adjust strategies, and embrace change, ensuring the continued success of their team and organization.”
This is the second time Papanier Jr. has been named to the Titan 100 list.
“It’s always a wonderful feeling to be recognized for your hard work and dedication, especially when it comes from your peers and colleagues in the business community,” Papanier Jr. said. “I don’t often get a chance to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate my achievements, but the Titan 100 community has allowed me to do so. This honor has also boosted morale and motivation among my Primo team members and reinforced the idea that hard work and dedication are valued and appreciated within the organization.”
