I grew up in New York and New Jersey
where mom and pop subs shops were all over the place. My father
is Sicilian and first generation American so good food was a very
big part of our household. The town I grew up in New Jersey was
very small, only about 15,000 residents, yet we had our choice
of six or seven great sub shops to go to. On top of that we had
another three Italian Deli’s, all of which made an amazing
sub.
When I moved to New York city after
college, I was fortunate enough to live only a block and a half
from the best sub shop in New York, the legendary Luigi’s
on 8th and 53rd. Luigi’s became dinner at least three nights
a week for the next three years. I then moved downtown where although
I missed Luigi’s very much, there were plenty of other places
to get a great sub. I never in my life had a problem finding one
until I moved to San Francisco……
I looked all over the downtown area,
where I worked for years but although I found some good sandwich
shops, I could not find a good old fashioned sub shop. Sure there
are the national chains, but anyone who is from the east coast
will tell you that there is a big difference. How could this be?
Was I never going to find a place like Luigi’s ever again?
My husband felt the same way. He
was from Boston and he had his Victoria’s. Every time we
went back east our first destination was our respective favorite
sub shops. Then, the Christmas before last, I was pregnant, and
my craving for a good sub became even worse. At 10:00 am Christmas
Eve in a small New Jersey town, the idea for Gambino’s was
born over a pepperoni and cheese with everything on it. My husband
and I couldn’t stop talking about it and as soon as we got
back to San Francisco, we started working to make our dream a
reality.
We are very excited to be able to
bring this comfort food to all of you. We have taken every step
to find the best meats, cheeses, produce and bread this side of
the Brooklyn Bridge. Gambino’s is all about indulgence,
and anticipating sinking your teeth into a steak and cheese, hot
coppa and turkey, or toasted ham and cheese straight out of the
oven. Whatever you’re favorite is, we will deliver it with
pride, knowing that it is made with the finest ingredients, made
just the way you like it.
We hope you enjoy this food as much
as we do!!
