Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co., a Tampa-based shop known for its New York Italian-American chicken cutlet sandwiches, announced on May 6 that it will open a new location in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District by the end of the year.
The move is notable as Cousin Vinny’s was recently recommended by the Michelin Guide and has developed a following for its hand-breaded chicken cutlet sandwiches, including popular options like Thee Parmesan Don and specialty items served on house-made schiacciata bread. The new shop will take over the former Little Philly space at 2063 Central Avenue.
Partner AJ DeSimone said, “Opening a second location in St. Pete seems like the natural progression of a restaurant that starts in Tampa…but we recognize that it’s a completely different market. We’re not trying to ‘Tampa their St. Pete,’ but we want to be a part of their community and bring a type of cuisine that might not be available to them all of the time.”
DeSimone and co-owner Russell “Cuz” Leone grew up together in Utica, New York, where Italian-American delis were central to daily life. Along with Vincent “Vinny” Andriotti and Jake Schmidt, they launched Cousin Vinny’s out of a commissary kitchen on Nebraska Avenue as an online-only operation before opening their first brick-and-mortar store last year.
Within months, Cousin Vinny’s earned recognition from the Michelin Guide: “Any sandwich aficionado knows it’s all about the bread and the fillings, and both are top notch here,” according to its write-up.
Chef Andriotti described his concept as rooted in his upbringing and dedicated to his late father: “He was happiest in the kitchen.” As preparations continue for expansion into St. Pete, DeSimone said they have spent time learning about Grand Central District: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the neighborhood… I think it’s only going to keep growing from here.”
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