D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, New England's favorite chain of sandwich shops, will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a free Steak and Cheese Sampling event on Monday, April 9 from noon - 2 p.m. at all participating D'Angelo restaurants throughout New England. In addition, D'Angelo will also donate a portion of One Pound Steak and Cheese sales that day to Easter Seals and The Genesis Fund programs.

Founded in 1967, as "MA Riva's Sub Shop" in Dedham, Massachusetts, the company changed its name to Angelo, then to D'Angelo, for "Delicious" sandwiches. D'Angelo has served as a pioneer in lunch offerings, making it possible for guests on-the-go to enjoy fresh salads and sub sandwiches made to order. The D'Angelo brand was founded on a simple, honest philosophy: "Put the best quality meats, cheese and toppings in the freshest breads and serve it friendly and fast." For the past 40 years, D'Angelo has built its reputation on its Steak and Cheese sandwich, which is its signature and top-selling menu item. D'Angelo sells more than 4.5 million steak sandwiches annually and unlike its competitors, D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches offers its guests high-quality 100 percent USDA beef that is grilled to order.

D'Angelo was acquired by Papa Gino's, Inc. in 1997 and updated its brand and name to D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, to better reflect its offerings in 2005. In addition to the name change, customers now enjoy an overall improved dining experience with more comfortable seating, attractive décor and easy-to-view menu. The quick-service sandwich shop now has more than 200 restaurants, serving one million guests each month, throughout New England and is quickly expanding in states along the Eastern Seaboard. D'Angelo opened its first of three Florida franchise restaurants in December 2006 and looks to add more than 100 restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard over the next 5 years. D'Angelo and sister company Papa Gino's employ more than 5,000 people in New England alone.

"We want to thank our team members and guests for contributing to D'Angelo's success and longevity in the ever changing sub and sandwich market," said Michael McManama, Senior Vice President of Brand Development for D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches. "In addition to providing our guests with fresh, quality food, D'Angelo prides itself in being an integral part of the community, donating food and money to worthwhile causes like Easter Seals and The Genesis Fund. We will continue to support our local communities and hope to do so for the next 40 years and beyond."

Over the past 29 years in supporting Easter Seals and The Genesis Fund, D'Angelo and Papa Gino's have donated more than $3 million to these charities. The donations are used by The Genesis Fund for specialized care and treatment of children born with birth defects, genetic diseases and mental retardation. Easter Seals uses the dollars donated to help children and adults with disabilities expand their independence through physical, occupational and speech therapy, summer camp, assistive technology, job training and employment, advocacy and disability information.

About Papa Gino's Holdings Corp.
Headquartered in Dedham, Massachusetts, Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. provides high-quality products, attentive service, clean, convenient, attractive restaurants, and a premium value experience for each guest. The company culture, which is characterized by its values, strong work ethic and the fair treatment of people, includes a large number of seasoned restaurant professionals committed to excellence. Papa Gino's Holdings Corp. owns both the Papa Gino's Inc. and D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches brands and has a total of 378 company-owned and licensed Papa Gino's and D'Angelo restaurants. The company currently employs approximately 5,000 people.