PrimoHoagies to open Arena Hub location; free hoagies to first 100 customers

Bill O’Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·2 min read

Oct. 31—WILKES-BARRE TWP. — PrimoHoagies, known for its gourmet hoagies with high-quality meats and cheeses piled high on fresh-baked seeded rolls, announced Monday the grand opening of its newest location in the Arena Hub Plaza.

The opening is set for Thursday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. Owned by Bear Creek residents Mike and Sarah DeFrancesco, the franchise is located at 395 Arena Hub, Wilkes-Barre Township. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin promptly at 9:45 a.m.

PrimoHoagies will give the first 100 customers in line at the new Wilkes-Barre Township location on Nov. 3, a free Primo Size Hoagie. For the rest of grand opening day, customers in the rewards program will enjoy Primo Size Hoagies for just $6.99.

Based on the excitement and customer loyalty of their existing area stores, the DeFrancescos said they are excited to welcome another community of PrimoHoagies fans to their fourth location.

The couple took over ownership of the first Wilkes-Barre location close to five years ago and next came the Edwardsville location in November 2020 followed by the grand opening of Dickson City in January 2022.

"We are so thankful to our enthusiastic team and amazing customers for the tremendous success of our first three PrimoHoagies locations," said Mike DeFrancesco. "We're thrilled to extend PrimoHoagies fever throughout Wilkes-Barre with this second store."

Using recipes passed down through generations for its iconic hoagies, DeFransecsco said PrimoHoagies layers Thumann's gourmet meats and cheeses, a secret blend of spices, and locally sourced, fresh vegetables onto award-winning seeded rolls that are baked fresh throughout the day.

The casual restaurant's diverse menu features a wide variety of cold and hot hoagies, cheesesteaks, wraps, vegetarian options, sides, chips, drinks, cookies, desserts, and more.

The 1,900-square-foot retail store, expected to employ 15 people, will provide dine-in with additional outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery options. PrimoHoagies also offers catering, including its popular hoagie trays — perfect for special events, game-day, and luncheons.

This location will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

The opening day hoagie special and giveaway are available for customers who join or are currently enrolled in the complimentary Rewards Program. Text "Primo" to (484) 270-4000 to join the rewards program.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.