The Enduring Appeal of Primanti Bros.: A 90-Year Legacy

Welcome back to the blog! In this post, we're diving deeper into the history and evolution of a true Pittsburgh icon: Primanti Bros. As we discussed in our latest episode, featuring CEO Adam Golomb, Primanti Bros. has managed to stay relevant for an incredible 90 years. From its humble beginnings as a sandwich shop serving truckers in the Strip District to its current status as a beloved chain with locations across multiple states, Primanti's story is one of innovation, adaptation, and a whole lot of coleslaw and fries on sandwiches. Join us as we explore how this unique brand has maintained its identity while embracing new technologies and menu expansions.

A Pittsburgh Staple: Primanti Bros. Celebrates 90 Years

Founded in 1933, Primanti Bros. started as a simple sandwich cart in Pittsburgh's bustling Strip District. The original goal was straightforward: to provide quick, hearty meals to truckers and workers who needed sustenance on the go. What set Primanti's apart from the beginning was its unconventional approach to sandwich making. Instead of serving fries and coleslaw as separate sides, they piled them right onto the sandwich itself. This "all-in-one" concept not only made it easier for busy customers to eat on the move but also created a flavor profile that was uniquely Primanti's.

Over the decades, the brand grew from a single cart to a local institution. Its reputation for delicious, affordable, and filling sandwiches spread throughout Pittsburgh and beyond. Today, Primanti Bros. boasts over 40 locations across four states, with plans for further expansion. This growth is a testament to the enduring appeal of its signature sandwich and the brand's ability to connect with customers on a personal level. The restaurant is more than just a place to grab a bite; it's a symbol of Pittsburgh culture and a gathering place for families, friends, and sports fans.

The significance of reaching its 90th anniversary cannot be overstated. In the restaurant industry, where trends come and go, and competition is fierce, surviving for nearly a century is a remarkable achievement. It speaks to the strength of the brand's identity, the quality of its food, and the loyalty of its customer base.

Staying Relevant: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

One of the keys to Primanti Bros.' longevity is its ability to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. While the core menu remains anchored by its iconic sandwich, the brand has consistently introduced new items and initiatives to keep things fresh and exciting.

The most obvious example of this balance is the expansion of the menu beyond the original sandwich. While the classic combination of meat, cheese, coleslaw, and fries remains the star of the show, Primanti's has added options like freshly baked New York-style pizza, spicy wings, salads, and burgers to appeal to a wider range of tastes. These additions allow the restaurant to attract new customers while still satisfying the cravings of its loyal fan base.

However, Primanti's has also innovated in other ways, such as through the introduction of virtual brands. These brands, which operate out of existing Primanti's kitchens, allow the company to test new menu concepts and reach new customers without the investment of opening new physical locations. This approach has proven to be a successful way to diversify the menu and expand the brand's reach.

CEO Adam Golomb emphasized in our podcast episode that staying true to the core identity while expanding the menu is essential. The new items complement the iconic sandwiches rather than overshadowing them. This thoughtful approach ensures that Primanti's can evolve with the times without losing what makes it special.

Virtual Brands: Expanding the Menu with 18th Street Pizza, Wing Nut, and Get Loaded

In recent years, Primanti Bros. has embraced the concept of virtual brands as a way to expand its menu and reach new customers. These brands operate out of existing Primanti's kitchens and are available for delivery and takeout only. This approach allows the company to test new menu concepts and reach new audiences without the expense of opening new physical locations.

Currently, Primanti Bros. has three virtual brands:

• 18th Street Pizza: This brand focuses on freshly baked New York-style pizza, offering a variety of toppings and crust options.
• Wing Nut: As the name suggests, Wing Nut specializes in spicy wings, with a range of sauces and flavors to choose from.
• Get Loaded: Get Loaded offers a variety of loaded fries and other comfort food items, perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings.

These virtual brands have proven to be a success, with many of their items becoming top-selling options alongside the famous Primanti's sandwiches. However, as Adam Golomb discussed in our episode, there are also challenges associated with virtual brands, particularly when it comes to third-party delivery platforms. Some delivery companies are reluctant to include virtual brands on their platforms, which can limit their reach and sales.

Despite these challenges, Primanti Bros. remains committed to its virtual brands. The company is actively working to find solutions that will allow it to maintain sales and navigate the evolving landscape of the delivery market.

Limited-Time Offers: Keeping the Menu Fresh and Exciting

Another way that Primanti Bros. keeps its menu fresh and exciting is through limited-time offers (LTOs). These LTOs introduce new culinary creations every six to eight weeks, giving customers a reason to keep coming back to see what's new.

LTOs can range from new sandwich combinations to seasonal dishes to unique desserts. They provide an opportunity for Primanti's chefs to experiment with new flavors and ingredients and to gauge customer interest in potential permanent menu additions.

While Primanti Bros. previously experimented with monthly LTOs, operational challenges led the company to adjust the frequency to every six to eight weeks. This change allows for smoother supply chain management and ensures that the LTOs are executed flawlessly.

During our podcast episode, Adam Golomb revealed the current LTO at Primanti Bros.: Hot Honey. This unique and enticing offering exemplifies the brand's commitment to innovation and delighting customers with distinct flavors.

Breaking News: Primanti Bros. Arrives at Kennywood Park

In exciting news for Pittsburghers, Primanti Bros. is expanding its reach to Kennywood Park! As Adam Golomb announced during our podcast episode, Primanti's will be opening a location at the iconic amusement park.

This new location is particularly significant because it coincides with both Primanti Bros.' 90th anniversary and Kennywood Park's 125th anniversary. It's a celebration of two Pittsburgh institutions coming together to create a unique and memorable experience for park visitors.

The Primanti's location at Kennywood Park will be housed in a remodeled concession stand. The menu will feature a selection of the brand's most popular items, including its signature sandwiches.

This partnership is a testament to Primanti Bros.' enduring appeal and its ability to connect with customers in different settings. It's also a great opportunity for the brand to reach a new audience and introduce its unique sandwiches to visitors from around the world.

Technology Integration: A Digital-First Approach

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in the success of any restaurant. Primanti Bros. recognizes this and has made a strategic commitment to being a digital-first company.

As Adam Golomb discussed in our episode, Primanti Bros. has a complex tech stack that includes a variety of best-in-breed solutions. These solutions are designed to enhance sales, improve guest experiences, and streamline operations.

Some of the key areas where Primanti Bros. is leveraging technology include:

• Online ordering: Primanti Bros. has a user-friendly online ordering system that allows customers to easily place orders for pickup or delivery.
• Loyalty programs: The company uses technology to manage its loyalty programs, rewarding frequent customers and encouraging repeat business.
• Data analytics: Primanti Bros. collects and analyzes data to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences, allowing it to make informed decisions about menu development, marketing, and operations.
• Kitchen management systems: Technology is used to optimize kitchen operations, ensuring that orders are prepared quickly and efficiently.

Primanti Bros. is constantly exploring new technologies and evaluating their potential impact on the business. The company is open to adopting new solutions that can drive sales, benefit the team, and enhance the customer experience.

Conclusion: Primanti Bros. - A Lasting Icon

From its humble beginnings as a sandwich cart in Pittsburgh's Strip District to its current status as a beloved chain with locations across multiple states, Primanti Bros. has proven its ability to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing industry. By balancing tradition with innovation, embracing technology, and staying true to its core identity, Primanti's has maintained its relevance for an incredible 90 years.

As we explored in this post and in our latest episode with CEO Adam Golomb, the story of Primanti Bros. is one of resilience, ingenuity, and a whole lot of coleslaw and fries on sandwiches. It's a story that resonates with Pittsburghers and with anyone who appreciates a brand that has stood the test of time. Here's to another 90 years of iconic sandwiches and enduring appeal!