Hoagie fans hungry for a taste of a classic Philly sandwich shop in Charlotte can rejoice — the long wait is coming to an end.
Ricci’s Hoagies has been putting out its iconic hoagies and cheesesteaks in Philadelphia since 1920, garnering plenty of accolades along the way. Now, it’s preparing to open a new 1,000-square-foot shop in the Centro NoDa mixed-use development by late 2025.
The Charlotte location will be its first shop outside of Philadelphia — known as the birthplace of the hoagie — although nationwide ordering is available via Goldbelly.
What to expect at Ricci’s
The restaurant’s sandwiches are made to order in three sizes: a 6-inch roll, 9-inch hoagie and 18-inch Italian loaf.
A wide variety of options are available, including BBQ chicken, Buffalo chicken, chicken salad and corned beef, along with standard choices such as ham, turkey, Italian and tuna. Vegetarian choices are on the menu, too, with selections such as the veggie hoagie with roasted peppers or eggplant.
“The best hoagie starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients, Italian flavors, and most importantly, a lot of heart,” Michael Pagliarella, owner of Ricci’s Hoagies, said in a news release.
“Charlotte has an incredible food scene with a love for authenticity and craft — it felt like the perfect city to bring Ricci’s next chapter.”
Local ownership
In Charlotte, customers can expect the same old-school counter service and neighborhood charm that have been a hallmark of Ricci’s Philadelphia shops for generations.
“The first time I ever visited Ricci’s, I immediately fell in love with the concept,” Todd Garofalo, the Charlotte franchise owner, said in a news release.
“Our goal is to bring the Charlotte experience to life with the same pride, tradition, and sense of community and connection that everyone cherishes at the Philly locations. I look forward to introducing the Queen City to that spirit.”
Other Centro NoDa shops
Along with Ricci’s, other shops and restaurants that are open or on their way to the mixed-use Centro NoDa development include:
- Bayt Almocha, a Yemeni coffee shop
- Morelia Gourmet Paletas, a Mexican ice pop shop
- Pure Green, a fresh juice shop
- James+Joy, a children’s clothing and toys store
- Queen & Cotton, an apparel shop
- Salt & Light, a hair salon
Ricci’s Hoagies
Location: Centro NoDa, 715 E. 36th St., Charlotte, NC 28205
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Instagram: @riccishoagiesclt
This story was originally published October 16, 2025 at 10:44 AM.
Heidi Finley
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