Craig Gandolph is the entrepreneur and creative genius behind the Gandolfo’s Deli restaurant system. Craig grew up on Long Island, New York, worked in several local delicatessens, and learned the secrets to creating great sandwiches. He moved to Utah in 1989 and started working for Cristano’s New York Deli is Provo, Utah. A year later, he purchased Cristano’s and changed the name to “Gandolfo’s Deli”. In January, 1995, he formed Gandolfo’s New York Delicatessen and Catering, Inc., which purchased all of the assets of the deli. Craig is the President and CEO of this corporation. Craig opened 11 Gandolfo's franchises before meeting his partner Dan Pool in the summer of 2002.

Since Gandolfo’s opening in 1989, the chain has expanded to 53 locations, stretching from Utah all the way to Washington State to Florida. The rapid growth is due largely to the dynamic partnership formed in 2002 between Dan Pool and Craig Gandolph. In addition to being Craig Gandolph’s business partner, Dan is our President. Dan’s background includes:

• Gandolfo’s Franchise Owner
• Sonny’s BBQ 2000-2002, Operating Partner of 15 Units
• Golden Corral Corporation 1993-2000, Division II President of 165 Stores
• Tia’s Concept Development, Operations Director
• Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale, Multiple Management Positions
• Harken and Associates Restaurants, Director of Operations

As a result of Dan and Craig’s combined efforts, Gandolfo’s Deli doubled in size in 2002. Gandolfo’s will continue its expansion by executing an aggressive growth strategy. Business plans call for 1000 stores to be signed by 2020.