D'Angelo Sandwich Shops celebrated the Grand Opening last month of its newest restaurant, a food-court location within the Steeplegate Mall at 270 Loudon Road in Concord, N.H. Operated by North Andover, Mass.-based franchisees Gary and Lori Lunetta, the Restaurant is the first Franchise unit to open since D'Angelo launched an aggressive growth plan last year.

During Grand Opening festivities on Saturday, August 9, D'Angelo and the Lunettas held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and, in conjunction with a live radio broadcast by 105.5 FM (WJYY), offered a special promotion on sandwich orders through which customers purchasing one sandwich could receive a second for $1.05. Customers were also treated to a full day of entertainment including prizes, gift bags, face painting, clowns, juggling acts, balloon artistry, and a chance to enter a drawing for a free 27-inch color television or an MP3 player.

Something For Everyone

The new, 828-square-foot restaurant offers D'Angelo's full menu of freshly made hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads. D?Angelo is best known for its freshly grilled menu selections, including its top-selling Steak & Cheese and its signature Number 9? sandwich, a steak grilled with peppers, mushrooms, onions and cheese. Party planners enjoy D'Angelo's full catering menu, which features the 29-inch "Great Divide," a sandwich overflowing with ingredients like 100% ral lobster, cold cuts, freshly grilled steak or chicken and a variety of other crowd-pleasers.

Becoming D'Angelo franchisees provided the Lunettas with an opportunity to run a business that will put them in constant contact with many local residents. The "people factor" was a key component of their decision, explains Gary, as both he and Lori are active in their local community. Gary, a former vice president of customer development for a procurement software company, has been a little league coach, a board member of the North Andover Sports "Academic Scholarship Association," and an active participant in the North Andover Athletic Association. Lori has served as a substitute teacher while raising two children.

"We're very excited about this new business venture," he says. "We've met so many people who love the D'Angelo brand and are delighted to know they can now get their favorite sandwiches here in the mall. We've been doing very well so far and are very optimistic about the future."

According to Vince Brown, senior vice president of restaurant development for D'Angelo, the new Concord location holds great significance for the entire chain.

"This is a great opportunity," Brown says. "The Steeplegate Mall enjoys a strong customer flow during the dayparts when consumers typically seek out our type of food, and the previously available offerings left ample room for us to come in and do quite well. Also, opening in Concord further establishes our dominant role among sandwich chains in New England. As we proceed with our planned expansion, we will continue pursuing brand pre-eminence in existing and new markets."

D'Angelo has identified Franchising as the primary vehicle through which it hopes to add 400 new locations in five years. To facilitate this expansion, the company recently streamlined operations to decrease the average initial investment for individual locations by more than $100,000. Agreements are already in place for further franchise development, however additional Franchise Opportunities throughout New England, upstate New York and Long Island are available to qualified investors with minimum net worths of $400,000 and liquid assets of at least $70,000.

About D'Angelo and D'Angelo Franchising Corp.

D'Angelo Sandwich Shops specialize in great-tasting, made-to-order grilled and deli-style sandwiches and fresh salads. The company was founded on a simple, honest philosophy: Put the best-quality meats, cheese and ingredients in the freshest bread for a reasonable price and serve it quickly. All products meet the highest standards of quality. Dedham, Mass.-based D'Angelo Franchising Corporation was incorporated in April 1998 and began operating and franchising D'Angelo Sandwich Shops in February 2000. The D'Angelo brand was established in January 1973 by a former affiliate, D'Angelo, Inc., which operated corporately owned restaurants. Franchise opportunities have been available via predecessors since 1988. There are currently 216 D'Angelo Sandwich Shops in operation as standalone units and in tandem with Papa Gino's, a sister company.

Franchise News Release: Dedham, MA - (Sep-8-2003)