National Eat A Hoagie Day takes place on September 14 every year and we’ve got the best tips to help you celebrate. A hoagie is a type of submarine sandwich or a long bread roll filled with meat, cheese, and veggies. Whether you call them submarine sandwiches, subs, torpedoes, po’boys, grinders, heroes, bombers, or submarines, these heavyweight sandwiches will always be a crowd favorite.
History of NATIONAL EAT A HOAGIE DAY
Though it remains a mystery how National Eat A Hoagie Day came into being, the history of hoagies dates back to World War I. However, there are controversies about where it first originated. According to a 1953 article in the Philadelphia Bulletin, credit goes to an Italian luncheon created by Al DePalma and located in Philadelphia. The sandwiches made by the luncheon were famous during the World War I era among the Italian immigrants who worked at the Hog Island Shipyard in Delaware, from which the original name, “hoggies” was derived. In fact, it is rumored that Al DePalma became known as “King of the Hoggies.”
However, another school of thought argues that hoagies originated in another restaurant called Emil’s, located in Chester. Yet another story claims that these sandwiches were donated by deli owners in south Philadelphia to the less fortunate. The name “hoagie” is said to have been coined from the phrase, “on the hoke,” which means “to scrounge,” a term associated with the destitute. The name “hoggie” is also claimed to be a play on the word, “hog” because the sandwiches were so large that those eating them looked like hogs! Their words, not ours.
Whatever its true origins are, we’d like to say a big thank you to whoever thought of it first!
Hoagies are known by a variety of names, such as hero, torpedo, garibaldi, bomber, rocket, torta, poor boy, po’boy, grinder, Cuban sandwich, ‘musalatta,’ or Italian sandwich.
NATIONAL EAT A HOAGIE DAY timeline
Hoagies make their first appearance in Philadelphia.
The name “hoggie” changes to “hoagie.”
Former Philadelphia mayor, Ed Rendell, declares the hoagie the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia.”
On November 18, the New Orleans Preservation Po-Boy Fest is held for the first time.
NATIONAL EAT A HOAGIE DAY FAQs
What is the difference between a sandwich and a hoagie?
A hoagie is a type of sandwich. While a sandwich might be made from two slices of bread, hoagies are typically made with long Italian or French bread rolls.
What are the ingredients in a hoagie?
There is no limit to the amount or variety of stuffing that a hoagie can take. However, the main ingredients are bread, sauce or dressing, cheese, meat, and vegetables.
Should a hoagie be cold or hot?
It depends on what you like. Whether you prefer to eat your hoagie cold or warm it up, the choice is yours.
NATIONAL EAT A HOAGIE DAY Activities
Make your own hoagie
Slide on an apron and make your own hoagie from scratch. And while you’re at it, throw in an ingredient you’ve never tried before.
Visit a hoagie restaurant
If you’re too busy to make one yourself, take your lunch break at a hoagie restaurant.
Spread the word
Take a picture of your culinary masterpiece and share it on social media. Let others know there’s a celebration going on by using a hashtag like #NationalEatAHoagieDay.
5 Fun Facts About Sandwiches
Americans love them
Americans eat more than 300 million sandwiches every year.
Heavyweight hoagie
Made by Wild Woody’s Chill and Grill, the world’s largest sandwich weighs over 5400 pounds.
Lebanon holds the record
According to the Guinness World Records, the longest submarine sandwich was made in Beirut Lebanon, and is 735 meters long!
World’s most expensive sandwich
In 2004, a sandwich was sold for $28,000!
The sandwich’s namesake
The sandwich is named after John Montagu (1718-92), the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who started a craze for eating beef between two slices of toast.
Why We Love NATIONAL EAT A HOAGIE DAY
Your imagination is the limit
There’s an unlimited amount of choices when it comes to making a hoagie. Whether you like Capicola, ham, salami, tomatoes, onions, olives, or pickles, you can stuff your hoagie with as much or as little as you desire.
Accessible and convenient
Hoagies are easy to make and easy to find. Whether you’re on the road or packing a lunch box, making and eating a hoagie is delightfully easy, with simple ingredients that still manage to be delicious.
A full meal
Despite their simple composition, no one ever ate a hoagie and remained hungry. Hoagies are very filling and can be eaten as a meal of their own.
NATIONAL EAT A HOAGIE DAY dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 14 | Saturday |
| 2025 | September 14 | Sunday |
| 2026 | September 14 | Monday |
| 2027 | September 14 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | September 14 | Thursday |
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