There’s nothing like finding the perfect sandwich spot — the kind of place that nails every detail, from the bread to the toppings, making every bite pure bliss. And there’s nothing worse than losing that spot, knowing you’ll never taste those perfect flavors again.
For many in Columbus, that loss is Hoagie City, which suddenly closed its doors at the end of 2024.
And it’s already left a void that’s hard to fill.
My First Encounter with Hoagie City
After a grueling five-hour tattoo appointment (because clearly, I make excellent decisions when I’m starving and in pain), I was ravenous for some food, and not just anything would do.
I remembered a follower on our Instagram mentioned that Hoagie City in Hilliard was the real deal, so I decided to give it a try.
It was love at first bite.
Their sandwiches weren’t just big — they were massive, stacked high with the kind of meats and toppings that made every bite a perfect symphony of flavor.
Their peppered pastrami and corned beef? Out of this world. And don’t even get me started on the toppings — fresh, crisp onions, sweet and hot peppers, juicy tomatoes, all perfectly ripe and flavorful. Every sandwich felt like a work of art, and it wasn’t until they announced their closure that I realized why they tasted so fresh and authentic.
Hoagie City’s Secret
Hoagie City wasn’t just a sandwich shop; it was a taste of the East Coast right here in Columbus.
They sourced their ingredients straight from Philadelphia — special orders that guaranteed every bite felt like you were sitting at a classic Philly deli. That dedication to authenticity wasn’t just impressive — it was rare. But as they shared in their closing statement, that commitment to quality came at a cost:
“The rising cost of food and labor as well as inconsistent sales were more than a small mom and pop could overcome. Unfortunately, we do not have the deep corporate pockets or multiple locations to pull products from and [we have] a long drive to Philly so [we are] at the mercy of our suppliers [who were] not always available since we were special order [in order] to be as authentic as possible.”
Hoagie City Hilliard on Facebook
It’s a gut-punch for sandwich lovers everywhere, but especially for those of us lucky enough to have discovered Hoagie City during its run. It’s hard not to hope this isn’t the end — that maybe, just maybe, we’ll see them rise again someday, bringing their incredible sandwiches back to Central Ohio.
Until then, here’s to Hoagie City: the spot that turned a simple hoagie into an unforgettable experience. Godspeed, and thanks for the memories (and the full bellies).
We’re gonna miss ya!