Blimpie International, Inc.

In 1964, Blimpie was launched by Tony Conza, Peter DeCarlo, and Angelo Baldassare in Hoboken, New Jersey. The name blimpie was a derivative of the blimp, which was long and tubular. The sandwich was akin to the submarine or hoagie. Sandwich prices ranged from 35 to 95 cents, considerably more than fast food hamburgers at the time. Blimpie sandwiches can include meats, cheese, and a variety of vegetables. As the meat is not fried, they are considered healthier than hamburgers.
As of 2004, there were almost 1,600 Blimpie locations across the United States and in more than 10 other countries. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Blimpie International is owned by an investment group, the Kahala Group, which owns nine other restaurant chains including Ranch One. The Kahala Group franchises smaller chains, such as Pasta Central, Maui Tacos, and Smoothie Island. Blimpie has co-branded with other companies, most notably Texaco gas stations. Blimpie International has also developed dual branding partnerships with Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, in which Blimpie submarine sandwich units will be added to some locations. Blimpie’s is the third-largest submarine sandwich chain after Subway and Quiznos.