hoagie's world of hoagies
we were excited to chat with mo hodges, founder of upcoming hoagie's world of hoagies sandwich shop opening late august at 2618 telegraph avenue in berkeley.
hodges' name might sound familiar to some – the philadelphia-area native has been around the local industry for about 12 years, including as owner-operator of the former benjamin cooper in san francisco.
for this new berkeley venture, hodges is turning to one of the great comforts of life – sandwiches, east coast-style sandwiches in particular. when you're from philly, that means 'hoagies,' a term hodges is glad to explain with a little history – of irish and italian immigrants, dock workers, cart lunch sellers – much of philadelphia's story seems wrapped up in that particular term. we'll let diners enjoy learning the origin themselves when they pay the sandwich shop a call.
but why 'hoagie's world of hoagies?' hodges explains with a smile, 'that's my dad in the logo [how he looked in the '70s]. his nickname's been 'hoagie' since he was a teenager. if someone calls him hoagie, i know they've known him a long time.'
hoagie's world of hoagies will focus on the big three of philadelphia-style sandwiches – italian hoagies, classic cheesesteaks and the less widely-known philly roast pork, with braised broccoli rabe and provolone, all made with soft, fluffy amoroso's rolls and even herr's potato chips on the side. but there will also be a range of other favorites, to include meatball sandwiches (with housemade meatballs), and vegetarian and vegan choices, including vegan cheesesteaks.
the 'world of hoagies' component will also get some play – hodges wants to pay tribute to berkeley's diversity with a little monthly international sandwich adventure – maybe a tikka masala spiced cheesesteak, or a philly-style banh mi.
to drink there will be straus milkshakes and olipop sodas, and straus soft serve for dessert.
despite the old-school feel of the shop, hodges plans to offer fast, easy ordering, pickup and even delivery for area residents, professionals and students (including snackpass for uc berkeley students), as well as a few sandwich shop cafe tables indoors and out.
hoagie's world of hoagies will open late august 2026, at 2618 telegraph avenue in berkeley. watch instagram for updates.
july 30, 2026 (more good sandwiches)
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