Fast-growing Flatbread Chain Debuting In O.c. & L.a.

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe, a hot brand in the fast-casual dining sector, is opening an eatery near South Coast Plaza next week.

The 137-unit Connecticut-based chain plans to open more than 400 eateries across the United States and overseas. A handful are planned in Orange County � specifically Santa Ana and Irvine. The Santa Ana eatery, known for its brick-oven flatbread, opens 11 a.m. Sept. 22 at 2801 MacArthur Blvd. It's about a mile away from South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

The following week, the chain will open another restaurant at the Hollywood Galaxy Shopping Center. (Interesting tidbit: The Los Angeles franchisee is the nephew of Zov Karamardian, renowned O.C. chef and owner of three Zov's concepts.) The lowdown: Sandella's serves grilled paninis, sandwiches, grilled flatbreads, quesadillas and salads. The flatbread is trans-fat free, kosher and has less calories than most breads and tortillas used at rival sandwich chains. Average per person check: $7 to $10.

Sandella's has made a number of Top 100 and Top 400 restaurant lists over the last few years, including Restaurants & Institutions Top 400 Chain Restaurants. With $96 million in sales in 2007, Sandella's ranked No. 252 on the trade magazine's annual list.

Beyond that, I don't know much about the chain, other than it sounds like a flatbread version of Panera Bread. It also has a large presence in East Coast college campuses. Have you eaten at this chain? If so, write in and let us know.

Sandella's News and Press Releases

This article has been read 1388 times.

Would you like to own a Sandella's Franchise?

For more information about becoming a Sandella's Franchise owner, including a franchise overview, start-up costs, fees, training and more, please visit our Sandella's Franchise Information page.