Sandwiches have never been so tough.
Chef Eli Kulp and the Delicious City Philly Podcast (aka radio producer Marisa Magnatta and food influencer Dave Wez, @FeedingTimeTV) are putting together another quirky food event, this time dubbed the Hoagie Throwdown.
The event, set for Sept. 7 at Other Half Brewing (1002 Canal St.), pairs premium hoagies and professional wrestling into one delicious activation. From noon to 5 p.m., more than a dozen of the region’s top sandwich connoisseurs will be in attendance—including Angelo’s Pizzeria, Farina Di Vita, Breezy’s Deli and Market, Càphê Roasters, and many more.
The day will also feature live wrestling from Pro Wrestling Entertainment (PWE) inside a full-size ring, a lineup of local creative vendors and the “iron chef-style” celebrity hoagie making competition—which also takes place inside the ring.
“Philly has the best, and some might say the only real hoagie scene in the country – no question about it. From corner delis to chef-driven sandwich shops, the level of creativity and craft happening on seeded and unseeded rolls here is unmatched,” said Kulp.
“Hoagie Throwdown is our way of celebrating this love affair. We’re not just honoring the sandwiches themselves, but the people behind them and the culture that makes Philly so proud of its cuisine. This isn’t just another food festival. It’s a day where hoagies meet high-energy entertainment, where local legends compete for the crown, and where the community comes together to eat, cheer, and have a blast. It’s bold, it’s loud, it’s delicious, just like the city itself.”
At the end of the event, attendees will vote on their favorite hoagie, and the maker with the most votes will be crowned and take home the belt as Delicious City’s Hoagie Champion for 2025.
Those who opt for GA tickets will gain access to hoagie samples from all of the sandwich makers, a complimentary seasonal beer from Other Half Brewing, entry to all the live wrestling matches, one vote, wrestler signings, meet-and-greets, access to the vendor marketplace (featuring local producers and wrestling memorabilia) and a Hoagie Throwdown lanyard and commemorative card.
The VIP option, on the other hand, includes all GA benefits, plus early access to a VIP-only lounge, food from Liberty Kitchen, a commemorative poster signed by featured wrestlers, a VIP-only meet and greet with the wrestlers, two exclusive hoagies, and two votes in the People’s Choice competition.
500 tickets are available for the first Hoagie Throwdown, with early-bird pricing (for the first 50 tickets) starting at $45. The event will be one day only, with one champion crowned, but there are plans to make it an annual occurrence. VIP entry ($85) will begin at noon, with general admission ($55) entry beginning at 12:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online through TicketLeap beginning Monday, July 28.
More information can be found at deliciouscitypodcast.com
