Whether you call it a sub, a grinder, or a hoagie, hero sandwiches are one of America’s favorite meals. Like most American favorites, heroes were a culinary innovation of Italian immigrants who combined the flavors of home with new ingredients and fresh ideas. Keep reading to find out how this ubiquitous sandwich, available at delis across the country, was created.

The History of the Hero Sandwich

Most food historians agree that hero sandwiches got their start in early 20th-century Maine, where an enterprising immigrant named Giovanni Amato began selling basic sandwiches consisting of cold cuts, cheese, and veggies stuffed into a crusty roll. 

The Proliferation of Names

As the popularity of these sandwiches grew, each region gave it a new name and introduced fresh ingredients. At the start of WWI, a Boston restaurant began serving up heroes to Navy servicemen from the nearby shipyard, giving rise to the “submarine sandwich” moniker.

In New England, workers chowed down on sandwiches made with French or Italian rolls, stuffed with deli meat and veggies. Because they were so tough to the tooth, their lunches were given the nickname “grinders.”

The Rise of the Hero

The origin of the term “hero sandwich” is in dispute, but almost everyone agrees it comes from New York City. While many people assume the term is a mispronunciation of the Greek “gyro,” people were calling their sandwiches “heroes” decades before Greek sandwiches earned widespread popularity.

Most likely, the nickname came from a 1936 New York Herald Tribune article by Clementine Paddleworth, who noted that the popular sandwiches were so big you “had to be a hero to eat it.” Some sources claim the term was already in use by armored car drivers to describe a sandwich fit for a king.

Either way, in today’s New York you’ll usually find delis selling sandwiches across the street from each other, both trying for the title of “best hero on the block.”
 

When the locals in Westport, CT, want the best Italian-American cuisine around, they go to Fortuna's Deli & Caterers of Westport. This local institution serves up a variety of heroes and other amazing dishes, all made with fresh ingredients and unique house recipes. Visit their website to browse their menu, or call (203) 226-3587 to place your order today.