Nardelli’s Opens East Lyme Store; 2 More Locations Coming Soon

EAST LYME, CT — Nardelli’s Grinder Shoppe is opening two locations in Connecticut. A store in East Lyme opened last month, and another in Enfield is listed as coming soon, according to a social media post from Nardelli’s.

The deli has expansion plans outside of Connecticut as well with a location planned for Sturbridge, MA.

Nardelli’s has been around since 1922 when the first shop opened in Waterbury.

The deli has won consecutive “Best Grinder” awards in readers’ polls in CT Magazine and The Advocate for over a decade, according to the restaurant’s website.

Nardelli’s was also featured in Food & Wine magazine as Connecticut’s top regional fast food.

“In stark contrast to that certain other Connecticut-based (and much younger) sandwich chain that grew up, moved away, and forgot its roots, Nardelli's, which started out in Waterbury in 1922, never sold out,” the magazine wrote. “There are so many options, but you'll begin with the Italian Combo, stuffed with prosciuttini — pruzitini, if you're speaking the local dialect — and ham cappy, salami, provolone, and a marinated mix of vegetables tossed in olive oil, vinegar, and spices.”

The 51 Boston Post Road location in East Lyme opened in August at a Noble gas station, CT Insider reported. The Enfield location will be at 190 Elm St.

The menu features the deli’s “World Famous” Italian Combo, Prosciutto Hot Pepper Chicken, Roast Beef “Prime Choice,” and plenty more for the sophisticated grinder diner.

Nardelli’s has 14 other locations mostly in the state including two in Waterbury and in Cromwell, Danbury, East Hartford, Farmington, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, Naugatuck, Norwalk, Oxford, Southbury, Southington, Torrington, and Wallingford.