Primanti Bros. – 90 Years of “Almost Famous” Sandwiches: Since 1933, this Pittsburgh staple has grown to become the “Coolest Thing Made in PA”

With a reputation for its hearty food at an affordable price and welcoming atmosphere, Primanti Bros. is as “Pittsburgh” as an establishment gets. The Pennsylvania restaurant’s signature item is a sandwich made with cold cuts, tomatoes, homemade fries and sweet-and-sour slaw all slathered between two thick slices of fresh Italian bread.  

“Primanti’s” – as it is affectionately called by regulars – was founded in 1933, when Joe Primanti opened a lunch cart in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. He was looking for a way to feed hungry truckers, and after finding success, he decided to open a restaurant with his brothers (Dick and Stanley) and cousin (John DePritter).

Joe, Dick, Stanley and John were committed to providing great food at an affordable rate. Fast forward 90 years, and Primanti Bros. has kept this tradition alive. The company’s large, loyal fanbase can visit the flagship restaurant that stands in its original Pittsburgh location – or any of the 40-plus other locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland – and eat a full meal for under 10 dollars – a rarity in today’s economy.

“Since its founding, Primanti Bros. has grown to become a nationally-renowned dining destination where celebrities, U.S. Presidents, and sports stars visit alongside everyday folks to experience this historic, one-of-a-kind restaurant known for its Almost Famous sandwich,” said Primanti Bros. CEO Adam Golomb.  

Primanti’s popularity is especially rampant across Pennsylvania, with its newest restaurants having recently opened in Chambersburg and in McCandless near Pittsburgh. And earlier this year, the team that made the Almost Famous sandwich a household name earned another impressive accolade, when Primanti Bros. took home the PA Chamber’s inaugural title of the “Coolest Thing Made in PA” during a bracket-style public voting contest.

“Well, it was very, ‘cool’ [to win PA Chamber’s inaugural ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA’ contest],” Golomb said. ”All of us here were very excited about the fact our fans made the difference for us. There are a lot of great things about Pennsylvania, but only one Primanti Bros. experience, so it was nice to see folks really turn out for all of the employees who work hard every day to become the ‘Coolest Thing Made in PA.’”

Primanti Bros. is known for its friendly staff (known as “players”) who encourage a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Primanti Bros. also remains committed to the community, which is why it proudly supports Pennsylvania sports teams, first responders and much more. The restaurant is committed to staying true to its reputation as a neighborhood establishment, remaining true to its brand for 90 years running.

“From our founding days, our principles are aimed at serving folks great food, with no pretense, for a good price. We work to do that every day. Our players – our employees – receive great training and the opportunity to work their way up in the company,” Golomb said.

Primanti Bros. has a “mascot” of sorts, too, who is a source of much pride – their matriarch, Toni. Hailing from Italy, Toni has been “slinging fries and coleslaw” for over five decades. She has served the masterpiece Almost Famous sandwiches to the likes of Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Franco Harris and Michael Keaton over her many years of service.

The restaurant continues to prove that it has stayed true to its roots. From giving the first 100 customers at every grand opening a free sandwich; to letting its fanbase be the ultimate decision-makers on where to expand the restaurant chain; to celebrating the “Coolest Thing Made in PA” victory by offering customers over 21 a free beer; Primanti Bros. continues to show that it is a true restaurant of the people.

“We expect to continue our growth in Pennsylvania and beyond. We’re committed to growing our employees, providing advancement opportunities, and giving our customers the best experience – at the best price – of any restaurant in their communities,” Golomb stated.

Both the atmosphere and the sandwich at Primanti Bros. are unmatched and will continue to attract loyal customers for years to come.

“See you at Primanti Bros.!” said Golomb. “Oh, and try our pizza. You’ll love it.”