Sometimes, around mid-February, six weeks into being on a strict keto diet, you just need a grinder. And if you’re going to do it, you might as well make sure it’s the best darn grinder around! Which brings us to Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe in Torrington…
Post sponsored by Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe – Torrington
A Connecticut Italian-deli institution, Nardelli’s has been around since 1922! They’re well known for their massive Italian Combos, and everything they sell is made from scratch every day. They make hot and cold grinders, fresh salads, assorted desserts, cold cuts by the pound, and sells select Italian grocery items.
WARNING: You WILL be hungry after this post. Better see where your nearest Nardelli’s is!
We skipped breakfast on the day we visited Nardelli’s in Torrington, knowing that if we were going to grinder, we were going to GRINDER!
Fireside chat with Owner and Wonder Woman, Elizabeth Begley
Yes, that’s a fireplace behind Liz. When she designed her new Nardelli’s franchise that she opened in November, she wanted to give the space a homey, living room feel. A place where families would come and hang out and have a great meal together. Liz also insisted on a large community style table that can actually be reserved for big family get-togethers. She is exactly who you want running your local Nardelli’s (there are over 14 in CT). In fact, Liz is joined by her mom, two daughters, and husband on the weekends, all helping to make their store a family affair!
Torrington is my home. This is my way to honor and celebrate those that do so much for the community.
Before Nardelli’s…
I was a nurse for 30 years and did everything from ER to ICU to recovery, and most recently, long-term care. I have a master’s degree in geriatrics. My brother, Thomas Teardo, owns the Nardelli’s in East Hartford and I used to help him out. I’d work in his kitchen on Saturdays and fell in love with the business.
Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe has been a Connecticut institution since 1922
The story begins with the Nardelli brothers shopping for produce to sell in their Waterbury grocery store. They saw people lined up down the block waiting to buy grinders overstuffed with meats and cheese. That gave them the idea to sell grinders at their store, and the rest is history. The Nardelli’s commitment to tradition and family, partnered with my love of the work itself, made opening my own store a no-brainer!
Top sellers…
The Italian combo and the Barbecue Bacon Chicken are huge sellers. We also sell a ton of meatball grinders. Our steak grinders are also a big seller. Last week we sold 758 cold grinders and 852 hot grinders….and that wasn’t a busy week!
The thing a lot of customers don’t know about Nardelli’s Torrington…
This is the only Nardelli’s location in Litchfield County. We cater! We can work with any budget, any size party, and can usually fill an order with only 24 hours notice. Hot and cold catering, we do it all!
Mama Nardelli…
Comes in now and again. She’ll open the case and sample dishes and tell you if it’s good or not! Thankfully, she’s always told me I’m doing a good job! She’s in her 80s and shows up unannounced. I always give her a big hug! [We wanna meet Mama!]
The wise lesson you would like to impart to us and our readers…
Always take the cannoli.
We love you, Liz!
Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe – Torrington
1268 East Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790
860-482-5454
Pics: Lora/ Words: Bev