Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe in Oxford Makes Seventh Location

Editor's Note: The following news release was submitted by Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe.

After four months of construction, the Nardelli family announced today the opening of the seventh Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe at 84 Oxford Road, or Route 67, in Oxford.

“We are excited about our growth over the last few years, especially as we approach the 90th anniversary of the Nardelli’s brand,” said co-owner Anthony Nardelli. “We are proud that this will be our seventh Connecticut location.”

The company was founded in 1922, and currently operates two restaurants in Waterbury, and one in Naugatuck, Southbury, Danbury,Middletown, and the new Oxford restaurant.

The Oxford restaurant will be owned and managed by franchisees Jeffrey Labrador of Watertown and Santos Machado of Waterbury.

"They have both worked in our restaurants for over 10 years combined, learning our recipes, systems and procedures before deciding to invest in their own Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe," Nardelli said. "They have shown a great work ethic, and we are certain they will be very successful in their own restaurant."

He said Jeffrey and Santos join the Nardelli's family of franchisees, all of which were employees or loyal Nardelli’s customers prior to becoming owners. Stewart Rosen is the owner of the Watertown Avenue, Waterbury store and the first franchisee, Nardelli said. He said Deb and Pat Flick are the owners of the Southbury location, and were loyal Nardelli’s fans before deciding to join our family. Jimmy and Quyen Li-Benitez, owners of the Danbury restaurant, and Steve Katz, our Middletown franchisee, were all employees before opening their own Nardelli’s restaurants, Nardelli said.

Since 1922, the signature Nardelli’s grinder is famous throughout Western Connecticut as a loaf of fresh-baked Italian bread stuffed high with top quality deli meats and fresh vegetables. Unique to a Nardelli’s grinder is the addition of their secret “classic mix,” a tasty mixture of peppers, onions and other vegetables, tossed in olive oil and vinegar with a proprietary blend of spices. The classic mix recipe has been a closely guarded Nardelli’s secret for three generations.

Each Nardelli’s location also offers crisp salads, prepared entrées, side dishes, Italian desserts, and a broad beverage selection including Nardelli’s own line of old-fashioned bottled sodas. They accommodate inside dining and take-out orders, as well as provide catering platters for large family or business events.

Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppes was founded in 1922 by Joseph, Anthony, and Frederico Nardelli. Having worked in a grocery store on Waterbury’s South Main Street since immigrating to the United States in 1914, they saved enough money to buy the store when it became available. Soon after, on a day trip to New York City, they saw “grinders,” large loaves of Italian bread filled with various meats, being purchased by laborers heading off to work. They decided to bring the idea back to their store, and the famous Nardelli’s grinder was born. After the Great Flood of 1955, second generation Joseph and Rita took over the reins.

Presently, Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppes is managed by brothers Anthony and Marco Nardelli, their sister Diana Nardelli-Troiano, and the family Matriarch, Rina. Nardelli’s grinders have been voted “Connecticut’s Best Grinder” by Connecticut Magazine 11 years straight, and have been featured on television on The Travel Channel and Sandwich Paradise. The company owns two locations in Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut, and has franchised five additional locations in Waterbury, Southbury, Danbury, Middletown and Oxford, Conn.