Sandella’s was founded in 1994 in West Redding, Connecticut by Michael J. Stimola.  He opened it as a small coffee and sandwich shop and named it for his wife and mother. In 1996 he introduced the flatbread and dropped the other breads he was using.  They started to franchise the company in 1997 and they expanded to more than 150 locations by 2010.  They are found on many college campuses and there are also free standing franchise owned stores in both the United States and United Arab Emirates.  They have been recognized as one of the “Top Future 50″ by Restaurant Business along with one of the Movers and Shakers by Fast Casual Magazine.

The menu for Sandella’s features a true flatbread that does not have preservatives or additives to make it flexible.  It is more like a cracker than bread and they feature brick oven flatbreads along with grilled flatbreads, sandwiches, Panini’s, quesadillas, and salads.  All of these products are made with their brick oven flatbreads and they only use premium ingredients.  They feature a dine in, upscale fast casual type of setting that gives the customer the option to eat at the restaurant or take it with them.  The concept they use is very simple and it they build all their entrees the same: bread, sauce, protein, and toppings. 

Sandella’s offers restaurant franchise opportunities for those that are interested.  The franchisee or group must pay an upfront franchise fee of $25,000 per store and the startup costs are estimated to range from $150,000 to $250,000.  They are mainly looking for those interested in a multi-unit franchise, but will consider single-unit franchises as well.  They will assist the franchisee through the entire process and they will provide training as well.  They will require that you are approved before they will help you find real estate and get your location ready to open.