D'Angelo's New Owner Plans Expansion In New England, Beyond

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham-based D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches is under new ownership, and its CEO has big plans — including dozens of new locations in New England and beyond and an expansion into convenience stores.

Just three years ago, the restaurant's former owner filed for bankruptcy, causing 95 D'Angelo and Papa Gino's restaurants to close, Boston Business Journal reported.

Now, both companies are owned by New England Authentic Eats, and D'Angelo announced its expansion last week with a call for interested franchise owners to contact the company via a newly-launched website.

"This is a concept where franchise owners can take the reins of a local favorite sandwich shop and share the high-quality ingredients and community-oriented leadership we’re known for within the neighborhoods we serve," D'Angelo CEO Tom Sterrett said, as reported by QSR Magazine.

Sterrett told Boston Business Journal that his company plans to add between 60 and 100 stores in New England and beyond — and said pay hikes for employees are in its future.

D'Angelo is raising hourly pay to the amount states have planned for minimum wages in 2023, the CEO said, which includes $15 an hour in Massachusetts.

The company is also looking to expand with new ideas, including convenience store growth in a model similar to the Philadelphia-area's Wawa, Boston Business Journal said — and it has already signed a contract with Northeast gas station owner Global Partners.

"With our trusted business model and deep roots in neighborhoods across the region, we couldn’t be more excited to expand with new franchise opportunities throughout New England," Sterrett told QSR Magazine.