Three city restaurants received one of the most coveted culinary awards, and a handful of others were recognized by reviewers.
Philly’s one-star restaurants can expect more business and recognition from the “Michelin bump,” which could also make it more difficult for customers to book reservations. An analysis from Chef’s Pencil found that for every star a restaurant receives, menu costs increase by an average of $100 per person.
Amanda Shulman, owner of Her Place Supper Club, said this month that her staff has already seen a jump in email inquiries since the November ceremony. Owner and chef of Provenance, Nicholas Bazik, said their waitlist is typically around 50 people long on any given night.
Restaurants can gain or lose stars over time, so the pressure is on for chefs and their staff to maintain their award-winning levels of service, but the owners are welcoming the pressure.
“We keep doing the work every day and that’s all we really want to do,” said Chad Williams, who owns Friday Saturday Sunday with his wife, Hanna. “We’re just happy to get the recognition and it kind of puts a little more fire under us.”
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.
An Italian hoagie from Ricci’s Hoagies. Ricci’s Hoagies
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.”
Ricci’s Hoagies is located in the Centro NoDa development at 715 E. 36th St. Ricci’s Hoagies
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.”
A turkey hoagie loaded with toppings from Ricci’s Hoagies. Ricci’s Hoagies
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
Bayt Almocha, Ricci’s Hoagies, Queen & Cotton and James+Joy are among the shops open or slated to come soon at Centro NoDa in Charlotte. Centro NoDa
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
