National Eat A Hoagie Day

Joyful man and woman in casual attire, holding oversized hoagies with lots of colorful toppings, enjoying a picnic in a sunny park.. — National eat a hoagie day illustration

Hey there, hoagie enthusiasts! Get ready to celebrate National Eat a Hoagie Day—the most delicious day on the calendar. Whether you call it a hoagie, sub, hero, or grinder, today is all about indulging in a giant, stuffed sandwich that'll leave you feeling like a happy food champion. So put on your stretchy pants and get ready to dive into a sea of meat, cheese, and all the fixings!

When is Eat A Hoagie Day?

It's national eat a hoagie day on the 14th September.

The Birth of the Hoagie

Let's start with a brief history lesson, shall we? The hoagie, as we know it, originated in the Philadelphia area in the late 19th century. Legend has it that Italian immigrants working at the Hog Island shipyard would bring these hearty sandwiches for lunch. They were called 'hoggies' initially, but soon the name transformed into 'hoagies,' and the rest is delicious history.

Hoagie vs. Sub vs. Hero vs. Grinder

Now, you might be wondering, what's the difference between a hoagie and a sub or a hero or a grinder? Well, my friend, there's a lot of debate over that. Some say it's all about the bread—hoagies are typically served on a long roll, while subs and heroes often use a softer, fluffier bread. Grinders, on the other hand, have a firmer, crustier bread. As for the fillings, the sky's the limit! From classic Italian hoagies to turkey subs and vegetarian heroes, there's a hoagie for every taste bud.

Hoagie Etiquette

Now, let's talk hoagie etiquette. There are a few golden rules when it comes to enjoying a hoagie. First, always pile on the meats and cheese—no skimping allowed! Second, don't forget the condiments—mayo, mustard, oil and vinegar, or whatever tickles your taste buds. And finally, never, I repeat, never use a knife and fork to eat a hoagie. It's all about that hands-on experience, my friend!

Celebrating National Eat a Hoagie Day

Now that you're an honorary hoagie expert, it's time to celebrate! Get together with your loved ones, whether they're meat lovers or vegetarians, and dig into a hoagie feast. You can also organize a hoagie-eating contest or try your hand at making your own hoagie masterpiece. And don't forget to share your hoagie-filled photos on social media using the hashtag #NationalEatAHoagieDay. Let's make this day a sandwich extravaganza!

History behind the term 'Eat A Hoagie'

1920

Origins of the Hoagie

The term 'hoagie' originated in the early 20th century in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Italian immigrants working at the Hog Island shipyard would often bring large sandwiches for their lunch break. These sandwiches would typically consist of various meats and cheeses stuffed into a long roll, similar to a submarine sandwich. The term 'hoagie' is believed to have come from the word 'hoggie,' which was a nickname for workers at the shipyard.

1925

The Birth of the Hoagie

The term 'hoagie' originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1925. It was first used to describe a type of sandwich that was popular among Italian American workers. The story goes that workers at the Hog Island shipyard, which was involved in World War I shipbuilding, would bring large Italian rolls stuffed with meats and cheeses. The term 'hoagie' is said to have derived from 'Hoggies,' which was the nickname given to the shipyard workers. These workers were known for their hearty appetites and the large sandwiches they ate.

1879

The birth of the hoagie

The term 'hoagie' was first coined in Philadelphia in 1879. It's believed to have originated from the city's Italian-American community. According to one popular theory, the name 'hoagie' was inspired by the Hoagland family, who ran a sandwich shop in the city. The Hoagland brothers, known as 'The Hoggies,' made delicious sandwiches with various fillings, and their shop became famous for these unique creations.

1936

Hoagies Gain Popularity

In the 1930s, the term 'hoagie' began to gain wider popularity and became a staple in Philadelphia's food culture. The sandwiches were typically made with a variety of Italian deli meats, such as salami, capicola, and ham, along with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and oil and vinegar dressing. The hoagie was often served on a long roll that was soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, providing the perfect vessel for the generous fillings. It quickly became a favorite among locals and was commonly sold in delis, food carts, and sandwich shops.

1925

The Italian connection

The hoagie's popularity grew rapidly over the years, and it became entrenched in Philadelphia's culinary culture. It is believed that Italian immigrants played a significant role in popularizing the hoagie. Italian immigrants who settled in Philadelphia introduced traditional Italian sandwiches like the 'Erbette' and 'Muffuletta,' which later influenced the development of the hoagie. The Italian influence on the hoagie can still be seen in the use of meats, cheeses, and toppings.

1943

Hoagies Go Mainstream

In 1943, a photojournalist named Marvin Ziman attended a convention in Philadelphia where he encountered the hoagie for the first time. Intrigued by its unique shape and delicious fillings, Ziman wrote an article about the sandwich that was published in a local newspaper. This article helped popularize the hoagie beyond the shipyard workers and introduced it to a wider audience. Soon, hoagies became a staple in Philadelphia's local cuisine.

1943

The Kitchen Sink Hoagie

During World War II, hoagies gained even more popularity as a filling and affordable meal option. The 'Kitchen Sink Hoagie' emerged during this time, which featured every available ingredient piled onto the sandwich. This extravagant version was created as a way to use up various deli leftovers and became a novelty item for those seeking a substantial and indulgent meal. The Kitchen Sink Hoagie exemplified the versatility and creativity of the hoagie, as it could be customized to suit individual preferences.

1950s

Hoagies go mainstream

In the 1950s, the hoagie transitioned from a regional specialty to a mainstream food item. It gained popularity beyond the confines of Philadelphia and started spreading to other parts of the United States. This expansion was largely due to the rise of fast food chains and the increased mobility of Americans. As people traveled and experienced hoagies, they desired to recreate these delicious sandwiches in their own communities.

1953

Hoagie vs. Submarine Sandwich

As the popularity of hoagies spread, regional variations of the term began to emerge. In other parts of the United States, the hoagie became known as the submarine sandwich or sub. While the terms are often used interchangeably, some distinctions have developed over time. Hoagies typically refer to sandwiches served on a long roll and filled with cold cuts, cheese, and various toppings, while subs may include hot fillings and be served on different types of bread.

1980s

The hoagie becomes 'sub' culture

In the 1980s, the term 'hoagie' began to be replaced by the term 'sub' in many parts of the country. While the reasons for this shift are not entirely clear, it is believed to be influenced by the expansion of national sandwich chains, like Subway. These chains popularized the term 'sub' as a more generic name for a long sandwich. However, in Philadelphia, the term 'hoagie' continued to be used and remains the preferred term in the region.

1970

Hoagie Heroes in Pop Culture

In the 1970s, the term 'hoagie' gained further recognition through popular culture. The song 'The Hokey Pokey' by Ray Anthony and his Orchestra featured the lyrics 'You put your foot-long hoagie in, You put your foot-long hoagie out.' This catchy tune helped embed the term 'hoagie' in the minds of many Americans and solidified its place in pop culture. Hoagie shops and sandwich chains also began to appear across the country, spreading the love for this delicious sandwich far and wide.

1967

Naming Variations

In the 1960s, the term 'hoagie' began to spread beyond Philadelphia and started taking on regional variations. In some areas, it was referred to as a 'sub' or 'submarine sandwich,' while others called it a 'hero' or a 'grinder.' These different names were influenced by the various Italian American communities across the United States. Despite the naming variations, the core concept of a sandwich made with Italian deli meats and served on a long roll remained the same.

1982

National Hoagie Day

Recognizing the cultural significance of the hoagie, National Hoagie Day was established on May 5th, 1982. This day is dedicated to celebrating the hoagie and all its delicious variations. It serves as a reminder of the history and impact of this beloved sandwich and encourages people to indulge in their favorite hoagie creations. Whether you prefer a classic Italian hoagie or a creative twist on the original, National Hoagie Day is the perfect occasion to honor this iconic sandwich.

1987

Hoagies Go National

By the late 1980s, hoagies had become firmly established as a popular sandwich option across the United States. They were no longer limited to Italian American communities or the East Coast. Major fast-food chains and restaurants began offering hoagies on their menus, often with slight variations to cater to different regional tastes. The term 'hoagie' had expanded beyond its Philadelphia origins and had become a widely recognized and beloved sandwich style nationwide.

Present day

Hoagie's enduring legacy

Today, the term 'hoagie' is primarily associated with Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. It has become an icon of the city's culinary heritage and a symbol of regional pride. Hoagies are typically made with delicious Italian cold cuts, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and oil and vinegar dressing. They continue to be a beloved staple in Philadelphia and can be found in numerous delis and sandwich shops throughout the region.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's longest hoagie measured a whopping 3,675 feet? That's longer than 10 football fields! It was made in Philadelphia in 2003 to celebrate their love for hoagies. Talk about a sandwich sensation!