Primanti Bros. hoping Pigs Fly sandwich takes off — to help food banks
Primanti Bros. isn't big on change. They've become, for better or worse, go-to shorthand for “Pittsburgh food” by doing their thing — giant sandwiches with cole slaw and fries inside — and sticking to it.
So it's kind of a surprise when they try something new. Last summer, When Pigs Fly, their first new sandwich in 80 years, made its debut.
The sandwich returns this year for a good cause. Loaded with turkey, ham, bacon and, of course, fresh-cut fries, cheese, tomato, slaw and a fried egg, a portion of the $8.99 price will go to area food banks.
It's not a radical departure from the formula that has served Primanti Bros. well for so long.
“It did very well,” says Lila Prezioso, spokeswoman for Primanti's. “It's a pretty massive sandwich — triple meat. Now, we're bringing it back, and giving a portion of the proceeds to community food banks: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Pittsburgh, Second Harvest in Erie. In State College and York, we're working with the Central PA Food Bank. In West Virginia, the Mountaineer Food Bank.”
The company is not sure what percentage of each sale will go to the food banks because they want to see how well the sandwiches sell.
“We want to get to a generous, five-figure number,” Prezioso says.
Giant piggy banks are at attention in each Primanti Bros. location for more direct donations. The When Pigs Fly sandwich will be available through Aug. 31.
Details: primantibros.com or pittsburghfoodbank.com
