From Pop-Up to Its Own Shop: Popular Salvatore’s Opens in Portland, Maine

A popular Portland sandwich pop-up is excited to open its doors for the first time in its very own brick-and-mortar shop.

Ladies and gentlemen, Salvatore’s is officially open.

Salvatore's Has Officially Opened a Brick-and-mortar location in Portland

Salvatore's Hoagie Shop has been an absolute legend in the pop-up shop game and is now taking its talents to a brand-new brick-and-mortar location. The delicious sandwiches are now available at 448 Forest Ave. This location was formerly home to Pizza Joint, which closed its doors in 2024.

This is extremely exciting news, especially for those who have experienced Salvatore's incredible hoagies, which have been available through Howie's Pub for the past few years. They took over the popular bar’s kitchen and cranked out tasty sandwiches like the classic cheesesteak, Italian (not the Maine kind), roasted pork, and chicken parm. We’re basically talking about all the favorites you’d expect to find while spending time in the land of hoagies—Philadelphia.

What will the Menu Look Like at Salvatore's?

However, Salvatore's is expanding far beyond just hoagies in this new venture. According to Portland Old Port, traditional New York–style pizza will also be available, along with panzerottis (essentially small calzones), malted milkshakes, and more.

This is a very exciting step forward for Salvatore's, which has done an excellent job with both marketing and making delicious food. According to Portland Food Map, the hoagie shop was founded in 2023 at Fork Food Lab, a popular culinary incubator, by Kara Picone and chef Owen Price.

Salvatore's quickly grew from delivering hoagies to hosting pop-ups, catering events, and participating in festivals. Now, they’re the latest in a long line of excellent concepts and food trucks to make the leap to a brick-and-mortar location.

READ MORE: Is It Time to Stop Calling Portland, Maine Underrated?

Best of luck to Kara, Owen, and the rest of the Salvatore's crew. While they already have a strong following, this new location allows them to do so much more and cater to a wide demographic. I have no doubt it’s going to be a very successful effort.

And I must say, I’m looking forward to devouring many a roasted pork sandwich at this new location.