Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Agran.
Hi Josh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when I decided to make myself an italian hoagie for my lunchbreak, I was working at Cookbook in Highland Park at the time.
My coworkers all got a chance to try it and everyone encouraged me to do a pop up. Including a very cool and nice celebrity.
I was turned off by the thought of all the work.
6 months later the Philadelphia Eagles were about to play in the Super Bowl (2023), and I was once again encouraged to do the pop up, this time I decided it was worthwhile.
It was so successful I ended doing a few more pop ups, 2 years later it had become a weekly venture.
Then one day last Spring the folks from NICE Coffee came to my pop up and told me about a deli that was available for cheap rent at Carla’s Fresh Market, where they were also popping up.
As of right now, we are finishing up our residency in the former Carla’s and will be moving to our own Brick and Mortar in Chinatown in January 2026.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Man I didn’t even think I would get passed the first pop up. As I said before, it seemed kind of annoying. That said everything about this has had a very natural progression. I try not to overthink anything and say NO to stuff that feels weird.
But yeah of course we’ve had some challenges.
Deciding to pop up in a space and make hoagies fresh instead of pre made once a week was a huge challenge.
The first time I did a huge catering order (for a Huge Music App that sucks) I had absolutely no idea how I was gonna even pull that off. One stroll through Joshua Trees while tripping fixed it.
3 months into our residency at Carla’s they had to leave, rather suddenly. We had no plan B so luckily for us the landlord let us stay. Had to move our whole kitchen when the power was shut off suddenly, but hey we have great friends and got through it (shout out Andy and Bub and Grandmas)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been a working artist my entire adult life, mainly through playing in touring bands. I have been playing in a hardcore band called Paint it Black for over 20 years.
I’m also an actor and have been using our social media to have fun as doing the shop has limited my time for it. I’m still interested in making film, I have a few projects i’m working on with friends..actually a short film I star in is premiering TONIGHT (as i’m writing, not the actual NOW)
I would go insane without artistic expression, I know this as I already have.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My biggest supporter is also my partner in life and business, Eunice Lee.
Ever since we opened the shop, she hopped on to help me initially with the business side, and eventually became my full blown partner. She can do everything in the shop and more. Without her this wouldn’t exist and she is also the most wonderful and supportive person I’ve ever met.
I also have to thank our amazing staff, Cuauhtli and Caitlin. Cuauhtli is a stalwart in the kitchen, and in life. He is a master chef and we are lucky to have him. Caitlin is incredibly creative, fun and wonderful with our guests. She also is a skilled artist and helped to make our handmade signs.
I must shout out Andy Kadin from Bub and Grandmas, his bread is the whole reason our business exists. Without it there would be no Delco Rose. From the very beginning his kindness and support has been there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://delcorosehoagies.com
- Instagram: @delcorosehoagies
- Other: tik tok @delcorosehoagies
