Philadelphia and New Jersey origins:
Philadelphia
One popular belief is that the hoagie was invented in the early 20th century by Italian immigrants in Philadelphia. Here are some variations of this story:
- The sandwich was supposedly created by Italian immigrant bakers in the 1930s in Philadelphia, who filled a crusty roll with various meats and cheeses.
- An Italian immigrant named Al DePalma is sometimes mentioned as the inventor of the hoagie in 1933. He operated a produce stand and deli at the Italian Market in Philadelphia.
Some say that the term "hoagie" originated from the Italian word "hoaggio", referring to a long, crusty roll.
New Jersey
Others claim that the hoagie originated in Newark, New Jersey, as a popular lunch option for factory workers. Italian immigrants in the area created the hoagie as a substantial and cost-effective meal that could be easily carried or eaten on the go.
Origins of the word "hoagie":
- One story traces the term back to the 1930s when sandwich rolls used to make these submarine-type sandwiches were delivered to a shipyard called the Hog Island shipyard. The sandwiches are said to have eventually become known as "Hog Islander" or "Hoggies" for short.
- Another theory suggests the term evolved from the Italian phrase "On the hock" or "On the hook," indicating the sandwich's affordability.
- Another explanation relates to the shape of the sandwich. The hoagie roll is elongated and can be thought of as resembling the shape of a pig's leg or "hog leg," hence the term "hoagie." Regardless of its exact origin, the hoagie has become a beloved and ubiquitous sandwich in many parts of the United States, particularly in the Philadelphia and New York City areas.