Under the leadership of Owner, President, and CEO Nicholas Papanier Jr., PrimoHoagies continues to build on a legacy born in South Philadelphia and fueled by family and tradition.
Nicholas Papanier Jr. has solidified PrimoHoagies’ place as the Best Sandwich Shop in America, earning the title three years in a row. He has led the brand to achieve monumental growth—celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, expanding to 126 stores by 2025, and nearly doubling annual sales to $90 million in 2023. His strategic vision has taken PrimoHoagies beyond the East Coast—into Texas, the Carolinas, Colorado, and upstate New York.
Since becoming CEO in 2019, Papanier Jr. has strengthened PrimoHoagies’ foundation, modernized its systems, and positioned the company for national expansion. Despite rapid growth, the brand remains family-owned and privately operated - a distinction he proudly protects as PrimoHoagies continues to grow.
Recognized for his relentless drive and dedication to excellence, he has earned numerous honors, including Most Admired CEO (2021), Titan 100 (2022–2024) and Titan Hall of Fame (2024), NJBiz Power 100 (2023–2025), 40 Under 40 (2024–2025), and Executive of Excellence (2025). Balancing growth with authenticity, Papanier Jr. remains committed to building a brand that stands for family, quality, and tradition.
Alex Chu has over 10 years of leadership experience in franchisee and franchisor growth brands. Prior to joining PrimoHoagies, Alex held leadership roles at Church’s Texas Chicken leading US Development and Franchise Finance. Prior to Church’s Texas Chicken, Alex served as President of a 45+ unit Arby’s franchisee leading portfolio growth. Prior to Arby’s, Alex held leadership roles at various franchisees operating over 100 Sonic Drive-ins and 70+ Orangetheory Fitness locations. Prior to the franchisee roles, Alex led Business Strategy and Finance at Arby’s and eventually Inspire Brands.
Joseph Golden has been with PrimoHoagies since 2014, bringing over three decades of financial expertise and leadership. After serving as Controller and later Chief Financial Officer, Joe was named 2023 CFO of the Year by the Philadelphia Business Journal in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the company’s growth and financial success.
Before joining PrimoHoagies, Joe spent more than 25 years with the Internal Revenue Service, where he held roles including Special Agent and Assistant Special Agent in Charge. He also worked as a private investigator specializing in financial fraud and served as an Adjunct Professor at Drexel University.
With a career spanning government, education, and corporate finance, Joe brings unmatched integrity, insight, and experience to his role as Chief Accounting Officer.
Eric has played a key role in PrimoHoagies growth and development since 2000. He began his career as General Manager of our first franchised location in Wildwood Crest, NJ, before joining PrimoHoagies Franchising Inc. full-time. Over the years, Eric has held multiple leadership roles across operations and franchise development, helping to shape the systems, standards, and culture that define the brand today.
With more than two decades of hands-on experience, Eric brings deep operational knowledge and a passion for supporting franchisees. His commitment to excellence and consistency has played a key role in strengthening PrimoHoagies’ foundation and ensuring continued success across the system.
Marc Mollo has been an integral part of the PrimoHoagies family since February 2020. Mr. Mollo's journey with the company began as a Franchise Business Consultant, and is now currently honored to serve as the Director of Operations, a role he assumed in February 2021.
With a strong foundation in the intricacies of our business, he has dedicated himself to ensuring the success and seamless operations of PrimoHoagies. His professional trajectory within the company has been one of growth and evolution.
As a Franchise Business Consultant, he delved into the nuances of franchise operations, gaining valuable insights into the dynamic of the industry. The role of Director of Operations aligns perfectly with Marc's passion for optimizing business process, as his primary responsibilities revolve around meticulously overseeing operating procedures across the entire company. Marc is highly committed to steering PrimoHoagies towards new heights of success.
Morgan Mullen joined PrimoHoagies in 2023 as Franchise Relationship Manager and stepped into the role of Director of Marketing in 2024. She plays a key role in shaping the brand’s voice and driving its modern evolution while staying true to its roots.
As Director of Marketing, Morgan leads strategy, creative direction, and public relations with precision and vision. She’s known for turning ideas into powerful campaigns—bringing creative concepts to life through storytelling, trend insight, and data-driven strategy. From grand openings and athlete partnerships to influencer collaborations and community initiatives, she keeps the brand trending, relevant, and unmistakably Primo.
Katie Licciardello has been part of the PrimoHoagies family since July 2020. She began as a part-time employee at the Woolwich location and quickly proved her dedication and leadership. In February 2021, she became a Field Business Consultant, supporting franchise operations and assisting with multiple grand openings. Through her continued commitment, Katie advanced to Operations Manager, working alongside the Director of Operations to ensure consistent standards and successful store performance across locations.
