Contact Information: Media Contact: Kelly Ronna Trevelino/Keller Communications Group kronna@trevelinokeller.com 404-214-0722, ext. 107
One Bite and New COO Was There
Gandolfo's Hires Industry Veteran Born and Raised on Long Island to Revitalize New York Deli Segment
| Source: Gandolfo's
ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - February 16, 2010) - According to "Save the Deli" author David Sax,
there is no comparison between an ordinary sandwich and one from a New York
delicatessen. No one knows that better than Dan Pool who discovered
Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen in, of all places, Salt Lake City, Utah.
It took one bite into a Gandolfo's sandwich for Pool to invest and
ultimately become owner and CEO. The company's tag line today, "One
Bite... and You're There" isn't just a consumer line. Pool uses it as the
basis for his recruitment strategy, working the brand's magic most recently
to land former Moe's Co-Founder and Raving Brands executive Seth Salzman as
its new Chief Operating Officer.
"We believe our food speaks volumes about the potential of our brand and
the distinction between the crowded sandwich category and a New York deli
experience," explains Pool. "So when Seth was on our radar as a potential
COO, we simply exposed him to our product and let our food speak for
itself. As a New Yorker, I knew that our Pastrami on Rye was going to be
the sandwich that hooked him, so I just ordered one up and put it in front
of him."
Started in the late 19th century by Jewish descendents who brought recipes
with them from Europe and Russia to New York City, the first deli
sandwiches were sold out of carts on the city streets. Due to its
popularity and the commitment of using the freshest meats and ingredients,
these famous recipes were eventually combined with the former
German/American delicatessens to become what is viewed today as an
authentic New York deli.
Known not only as a place to grab a bite to eat, but also as a place to
gather and socialize, Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen is the nation's only
"authentic" franchised delicatessen. Looking for the right talent to scale
the business beyond its current 45 locations located largely in the Western
United States, Gandolfo's is ready to expand across the nation with the
addition of Salzman. As COO, Salzman will be responsible for the day-to-day
leadership and management of all company and operations functions.
Prior to joining Gandolfo's, Salzman spent more than seven years as a
founding partner of Raving Brands. While with Raving Brands, he was
involved with brand development and operations serving as senior vice
president and chief brand head of Boneheads Piri Piri Chicken and Grilled
Fish, The Flying Biscuit Café, Monkey Joes, and as a co-founder of Moe's
Southwest Grill. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Salzman earned
his bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from the State
University of New York and brings a New York state of mind to the brand.
"I haven't been this excited about the potential of a restaurant concept
since my days at Moe's," notes Salzman. "The difference is we are not
another sandwich company like Moe's was not just another burrito brand. We
have an opportunity to bring back the flavor, culture and history of the
New York deli through Gandolfo's. Having considered a number of other
concepts to join in the last year, as Dan says, 'One bite and I was
there.'"
Gandolfo's, an authentic New York delicatessen, offers a classic deli style
menu with items ranging from the freshest sandwiches to soups, salads and
desserts. Specialty sandwiches include the Rocky Balboa, Big Apple,
Rockafella Ruben, and more, and they are complemented with the freshest
salads and vegetables.
About Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen
Founded in 1989 by New York native Craig Gandolf, Gandolfo's New York
delicatessen is the nation's only "authentic" franchised delicatessen.
Gandolfo's has spent the last 20 years spreading the love of authentic New
York deli's across the country by providing the freshest deli meats and
vegetables on top of its selection of homemade breads. Menu items range
from sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts. For more information, visit
the website at www.gandolfosdeli.com, Facebook at
www.facebook.com/gandolfosdeli or Twitter at www.twitter.com/gandolfos.