Longos Sandwich Co - Serving Delicious Sandwiches for Over 50 Years
Longos Sandwich Co. has been a staple of the Canadian sandwich scene for over five decades. Founded in 1956 in Toronto, Ontario, Longos has grown to become one of the most recognized and beloved sandwich chains in the country.
The Early Days of Longos
Longos was started by three Italian immigrant brothers - Gaetano, Giuseppe, and Giovanni Longobardi. Using recipes and techniques brought over from Italy, the Longobardi brothers began serving up fresh Italian sandwiches from a small storefront in Toronto.
Their sandwiches quickly gained popularity, with favorites like the Veal Parmigiana and Meatball subs drawing in crowds. As demand grew, Longos expanded throughout Toronto and eventually across the Greater Toronto Area.
While the menu expanded over the years, Longos has always stayed true to the original Italian flavors and high-quality ingredients the brand was founded on.
Signature Sandwiches and Fan Favorites
Longos' signature Italian sandwiches remain the most popular items. Top sellers include:
- Chicken Parmigiana - breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella
- Veal Parmigiana - breaded veal cutlet with tomato sauce and mozzarella
- Meatball Sub - homemade meatballs in tomato sauce
- Italian Combo - layers of ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone
While Italian offerings are what Longos is best known for, the menu has expanded over the years to include deli sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and health-conscious options. Salmon sandwiches, roast beef subs, and chicken caesar wraps have become modern-day favorites.
Signature Sauces and Ingredients
Longos' sandwiches stand out for their ingredients and attention to detail. Here are some of their signature elements:
- Breaded Veal and Chicken - Longos uses fresh veal and chicken breast, seasoned, breaded, and fried in-house daily for maximum flavor and crispness.
- Italian Rolls - Sandwiches are served on soft yet crusty Italian rolls, baked fresh daily.
- Provolone Cheese - Aged provolone adds a distinctive tang to hot sandwiches.
- Mama's Tomato Sauce - The rich, savory tomato sauce recipes dates back to the Longos' mother in Italy.
- Oregano Focaccia - Herb-infused focaccia bread brings authentic Italian taste to sandwiches.
Even as Longos has grown over the decades, the company stays true to its roots by using time-honored cooking methods and recipes to craft sandwiches with homemade flavor.
Expanding Across Canada
From the original store in Toronto, Longos has expanded to over 35 locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. There are also franchised Longos locations throughout the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.
International expansion has brought the Longos brand to the United States and the Middle East. Locations can be found in Michigan, Ohio, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Despite this growth, each Longos location still honors the brand's Italian sandwich shop roots by making sauces, breads, and other elements from scratch every day.
A Commitment to Quality
Longos attributes its success to consistent quality achieved through:
- Using select premium ingredients
- Making menu items in-house daily
- Employing experienced culinary staff
- Sourcing from trusted suppliers
- Developing employees through ongoing training
For over 50 years, Longos has served as a neighborhood sandwich shop that customers can rely on for delicious subs with authentic Italian flavor. Staying true to tradition with a commitment to consistent quality has allowed Longos to achieve longevity in the ever-changing food industry.
Longos in the Community
Despite being a large chain, Longos strives to support local communities and worthwhile causes. This includes:
- Sourcing ingredients from local farms and suppliers
- Funding youth sports teams and events
- Supporting organizations that combat hunger and homelessness
- Providing food donations for community food banks and shelters
Giving back to the community has been a core value since Longos' founding. The company and its franchise partners are committed to making a positive impact beyond serving great sandwiches.
The Future of Longos
As Longos plans for the future, the company remains committed to upholding the core values instilled by its founding brothers. While new menu items and initiatives arise, Longos' focus stays on:
- Serving fresh, handcrafted sandwiches every day
- Using high-quality ingredients and recipes
- Providing excellent customer service in a warm, inviting environment
- Fostering a positive workplace and culture
- Supporting communities through local involvement
By staying true to these long-standing traditions while innovating for the future, Longos Sandwich Co. is sure to continue satisfying Canadian sandwich lovers for generations to come.
FAQs
Who founded Longos Sandwich Co?
Longos was founded in 1956 by three Italian immigrant brothers - Gaetano, Giuseppe, and Giovanni Longobardi.
What is Longos best known for?
Longos is best known for its signature Italian sandwiches like the Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Parmigiana, Meatball Sub, and Italian Combo.
Where are Longos locations found?
Longos has over 35 locations across the Greater Toronto Area. It also has franchised locations throughout Canada and the United States.
What makes Longos sandwiches special?
Signature elements like breaded veal and chicken, Italian breads, provolone cheese, and homemade tomato sauce differentiate Longos' sandwiches.
Does Longos give back to communities?
Yes, supporting local communities through donations, fundraising, and partnerships has been a core value for Longos since it began.
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