News
Gandolfo's deli lands Moe's co-founder as new COO
February 15, 2010
Former Moe's Southwest Grill co-founder and Raving Brands executive Seth Salzman has been named Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen's new chief operating officer, the company has announced.
With the addition of Salzman, Gandolfo's is ready to expand beyond its current 45 locations in the Western United States. As COO, Salzman will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of all company and operational functions.
Gandolfo's CEO Dan Pool used the same strategy to recruit Salzman as he himself used when first investing in the company. Pool discovered Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen in Salt Lake City. After one bite into a Gandolfo's sandwich, Pool invested in the company and ultimately became its owner and CEO.
"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," Pool said in a news release. "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."
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.
Salzman earned his bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from the Sate 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," Salzman said. "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 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.
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