The History of the Sub Sandwich

Whether you call it a grinder, a hoagie, or a hero, one thing remains the same, a delicious sub consists of meats, cheeses, veggies, and condiments piled on top of a long French or Italian roll. And depending on your region throughout America, you may call this sandwich by many different names.

Submarine Sandwich or a “sub” is said to come from Connecticut, where what originally was called a grinder turned into a sub because of the resemblance to a submarine in a naval shipyard. Benedetto Capaldo who was a local restaurant owner in Connecticut would receive hundreds of orders for sub sandwiches every day from sailors on the base during World War II. He would make the sandwiches with salami, veggies, and cheeses and the sailors who ordered them gave them the name submarine.

Hoagie, the most popular term for the “sub”, originated in Philadelphia in the 1950’s when Italian workers at a shipyard called “Hog Island” began making the sandwiches to enjoy for themselves. The term “Hog Island” was then shortened to “Hoggies” and then “hoagies."

Traveling around the country, it’s likely you will find different regions refer to the sub sandwich as a different term. If you were in Boston, it’s likely you’ll hear the term grinder. If you are in Vermont, you’d hear Italian sandwich. In New Orleans, they call a sub a “po’ boy”. Other terms for a sub sandwich are grinders, hero, or calzones.

In more recent years, subs have evolved and have gained extreme popularity. You won’t have to look far to find a local place that makes them. More meats are offered, additional vegetables and a plethora of cheeses are ingredients to add, and you can even enjoy hot sandwiches as some restaurants will toast the bread.

It’s safe to say subs will be around for a while and if you are craving one, stop by Tommy’s Redhots that is home of the 8”, and enjoy one of our many sub options. We have subs for any taste buds like our famous Tommy’s Homemade Meatball Sandwich, 8” Turkey Club, or even the Humongous 12” American sub. Come and enjoy a true hero of a sandwich. Give Tommy’s Red Hots a call today at (815)893-6737 or visit us online.