Toastissimo Fast Casual Italian Cafe Opens First U.S. Location

"Toastissimo Cafe is a highly successful European chain and we are thrilled to bring this unique concept to the U.S.," said Marc Topiol, co-owner -- president, Toastissimo Cafe-USA. "The menu offers its authentic, Roman-style bread coupled with a fabulous array of distinctive ingredients and natural foods imported directly from Europe. The Roman Trattorian interior design exudes a feeling of Old World Italian warmth, and an efficient service style of walk-up, carry-out, or sit-down service, position Toastissimo Cafe as a picturesque gathering place and unique dining experience."

The first U.S. Toastissimo Cafe is located in downtown Orlando, on the corner of Orange Ave. and South St., at the ground floor of Lincoln Plaza. Plans are already being developed to roll out additional Florida locations, and the company continues to research business districts, destination retail areas and neighborhood centers throughout the U.S. for additional franchising opportunities.

Founded in 1995 by Italian-born Franco Cesari, Toastissimo Cafe was initially developed to offer patrons the authentic aromas and ambience that one would find while walking through the streets of Rome, Italy. The first Toastissimo Cafe evolved from an original Roman-style bread created by Cesari that today is the cafe's staple item crafted specifically to enhance the taste of its "Toastissimo," or pressed sandwich.

There are more than 15 different Toastissimos on the menu, making it one of the only cafes of its kind to offer such a wide variety of hot pressed sandwiches with many choices of meats, fish, cheeses and vegetables. Additionally, the menu offers cold pasta dishes, green salads, soups and desserts, while also featuring a wine and beer list, frulattis, and another customer favorite, Toastissimo's rich blends of fine Italian roasted coffee. But it is the distinctive ingredients like fresh basil, olive oil and fresh arugula, coupled with Italian meats, tuna, salmon, gorgonzola, mascarpone, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and artichokes, that truly make Toastissimo Cafe a one-of-a-kind dining experience at an affordable price.

"Our customers can experience Toastissimo Cafe while sipping an espresso or latte at the cafe counter over the morning paper, or stop by to pick up a frulatti and Toastissimo to go during lunch, or join us in the evening for a light meal with a glass of Italian red wine," said Don Potts, operating partner, Toastissimo Cafe-USA. "The diversity of the menu gives patrons the chance to enjoy the full Toastissimo experience or to get in and out quickly for those pressed for time."

Founded in Europe in 1995 by Italian-born Franco Cesari, Toastissimo Cafe is a fast casual cafe concept based on the flavors of Italy, emphasizing unique ingredients and natural products. Its handcrafted Roman-style bread and Roman Trattorian ambience help bring the feel of Old World Italy into every cafe. With more than 20 current operations throughout Italy, France and Spain, Toastissimo Cafe opened the first of 300 planned U.S. locations in Orlando, Fla., in 2005. For more information about Toastissimo Cafe, log onto www.toastissimo.com.

"Toastissimo Cafe is a highly successful European chain and we are thrilled to bring this unique concept to the U.S.," said Marc Topiol, co-owner -- president, Toastissimo Cafe-USA. "The menu offers its authentic, Roman-style bread coupled with a fabulous array of distinctive ingredients and natural foods imported directly from Europe. The Roman Trattorian interior design exudes a feeling of Old World Italian warmth, and an efficient service style of walk-up, carry-out, or sit-down service, position Toastissimo Cafe as a picturesque gathering place and unique dining experience."

The first U.S. Toastissimo Cafe is located in downtown Orlando, on the corner of Orange Ave. and South St., at the ground floor of Lincoln Plaza. Plans are already being developed to roll out additional Florida locations, and the company continues to research business districts, destination retail areas and neighborhood centers throughout the U.S. for additional franchising opportunities.

Founded in 1995 by Italian-born Franco Cesari, Toastissimo Cafe was initially developed to offer patrons the authentic aromas and ambience that one would find while walking through the streets of Rome, Italy. The first Toastissimo Cafe evolved from an original Roman-style bread created by Cesari that today is the cafe's staple item crafted specifically to enhance the taste of its "Toastissimo," or pressed sandwich.

There are more than 15 different Toastissimos on the menu, making it one of the only cafes of its kind to offer such a wide variety of hot pressed sandwiches with many choices of meats, fish, cheeses and vegetables. Additionally, the menu offers cold pasta dishes, green salads, soups and desserts, while also featuring a wine and beer list, frulattis, and another customer favorite, Toastissimo's rich blends of fine Italian roasted coffee. But it is the distinctive ingredients like fresh basil, olive oil and fresh arugula, coupled with Italian meats, tuna, salmon, gorgonzola, mascarpone, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and artichokes, that truly make Toastissimo Cafe a one-of-a-kind dining experience at an affordable price.

"Our customers can experience Toastissimo Cafe while sipping an espresso or latte at the cafe counter over the morning paper, or stop by to pick up a frulatti and Toastissimo to go during lunch, or join us in the evening for a light meal with a glass of Italian red wine," said Don Potts, operating partner, Toastissimo Cafe-USA. "The diversity of the menu gives patrons the chance to enjoy the full Toastissimo experience or to get in and out quickly for those pressed for time."

Founded in Europe in 1995 by Italian-born Franco Cesari, Toastissimo Cafe is a fast casual cafe concept based on the flavors of Italy, emphasizing unique ingredients and natural products. Its handcrafted Roman-style bread and Roman Trattorian ambience help bring the feel of Old World Italy into every cafe. With more than 20 current operations throughout Italy, France and Spain, Toastissimo Cafe opened the first of 300 planned U.S. locations in Orlando, Fla., in 2005. For more information about Toastissimo Cafe, log onto www.toastissimo.com.