America’s '1st ‘Blimpie Store' In Hoboken, N.J. Is For Sale: Report

HOBOKEN, NJ — The "world’s first Blimpie sandwich store" may be closing its doors, a report says.

Although the chain of sandwich eateries - now based in Scottsdale, Arizona - actually began operating a few blocks from its 110 Washington Street location in 1964, the sign on the store's awning proudly proclaims that it's the home of the “World’s 1st Blimpie.”

But according to a real estate listing on ripcony.com, the store’s “prime retail location” on Washington Street is now on the market and will be available as soon as 2017.

Ripco and Blimpie have been mum so far about the possibility of a store closing, but a pair of employees of the restaurant reportedly said that they were unaware of the location’s closing, JerseyDigs.com stated.

However, the Hudson Reporter stated that employees said the store is likely to relocate next spring from First and Washington streets to an uptown location near 14th and Willow.

According to the company’s website, the inspiration behind the sandwich shop’s name came when its founders were flipping through a dictionary and stumbled upon the word “blimp,” with its characteristic shape reminding them of their beloved sandwich.

• See related article: 'Hoboken Hero' Honors Blimpie Birthplace

Photo: Google Earth

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