Hoagie Shop's Turnaround Remedy

By Lydya Blu, June 10, 2026

Observation Mode

I was not upset at the time it was taking for our order to be served at a small local hoagie

shop in mid-PA. I thought that Mason Steele's well-done steak was the main reason for the unlikely delay. Steele and I had just completed a few hours of consulting with a local business owner regarding brand activation remedies to grow ROI within 6 months.

"Thirty minutes, and still no hoagies?" "How long can this possibly take?" he whispered under his breath.

While we waited, I noticed there had been 2 customers picking up orders, 1 passerby who purchased a canned soda, and what appeared to be a school-aged patron setting up a laptop and smartphone at a corner booth. I started to wonder if this secluded hoagie shop mostly catered to people ordering from Grub-hub and Uber Eats.

AI generate image. 

It was a very nice-looking shop that has existed in Reading, PA, since 1913. The shop's black and white tiles and the old PA memorabilia, tastefully placed on authentic, thick brick walls that were smooth to the touch, did not lack charm. Hidden surround-sound speakers played a nice mix of music, low enough for conversations but still audible enough to enjoy. The tables and chairs were sturdy with smartly designed marble tops. There was an old-timey jukebox near the front door and accessible coolers filled with canned sodas and Gatorade in various flavors. But something was missing...

I took a short sip from my blue Gatorade and suggested Steele ask the counter person about the order.

"So sorry, Sir. Your order hasn’t been started yet," is what I heard from the young man servicing the store's order counter.

How disheartening. What went wrong? Did we miss something when placing our orders? Mason Steele and I politely cancelled the hoagies and left.

Feeling satisfied after enjoying a falafel bowl and a steak platter at a nearby reputable diner, we relaxed over some coffee and worked on marketing tips that could flip the switch for the town’s beloved hoagie shop.

Marketing Remedies

Here are several organic marketing tips to help the treasured local hoagie shop meet the need of their customers and build loyalty:

The smell of fresh food cooking

There is nothing like the smell of good food cooking. If a customer opts to dine out, part of the experience is being in an atmosphere that supports spending money on food that can probably be prepared at home. The hoagie shop should consider hiring a good cook who knows how to prepare amazing steak hoagies with caramelized onions, garlic, peppers, and high-quality cheese for starters.

A friendly, multi-tasking order counter staff person for a positive first impression

What's in a greeting? Everything. It could be the best thing that has occurred to that customer during that day, week, or month. How essential are tactful check-ins? Very necessary. Make it count. Treat all customers like royalty. They could have gone anywhere but chose your establishment to spend their earnings and enjoy a good meal. A well-trained staff person looks for social clues to maximize a customer's distinguished experience at your business. Training is imperative. Continuous training is smart.

Rewards, weekly specials, and holiday discounts bring customers through your business doors

The next best thing to a good meal is great deals! Create deals for new customers and loyal patrons as well. Show every customer who walks into your establishment constant opportunities to help pay for the services or products you worked hard to build. Don't worry! Returning customers will build your brand and popularize your logo.

Cleanliness & Uniformity

A clean place is so attractive. It shows that the establishment respects its customers. Uniformed staff helps the customers easily identify someone in your business who can help. A conscientious staff is key to supporting this experience and aid customers to feel they've made the right choice.

Give customers what they walked in to get! Exceptional service, including a friendly and conscientious staff, attractive discounts, aromatic smells, nice music, and cleanliness will keep customers coming back, sharing your brand with family and friends, and building and solidifying your presence in your marketplace.

"Short and sweet," we both chimed after completing this complimentary marketing brand plan.

"Let's pay this bill and swing by the local hoagie shop of Reading, P.A., " said Mason Steele.

"Agreed!" answered Lydya Blu. "SALUS to the rescue!"

Are you ready for SALUS to cook up something new and exciting for your brand? Request a complimentary consultation and let us provide a remedy for your brand or logo.

👉 Schedule your free consultation with SALUS today! https://www.stopandlook.us/contact