When Johnson & Wales students Christopher DelPrete and Rand Carswell decided to operate a food truck, they had no idea it would take off the way it did. The former private chefs took a chance on starting their own business together in 2012, opening Miami Press food truck. Since then, the truck, which serves gourmet pressed sandwiches, smothered fries, and mac 'n' cheese balls, has garnered quite a following. Now, the guys are ready to make the move to a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Press Gourmet Sandwiches has its grand opening on Wednesday, July 15. The first 100 guests through the door will receive free mac 'n' cheese balls as a welcome gift to the neighborhood.
The 1,500-square-foot location follows the newspaper-story theme of the original food truck, with black-and-white-and-red-all-over decor. The highlight of the menu is the eight gourmet chef-inspired sandwiches — each named after an iconic newspaper.
Sandwiches include "The Times," made with homemade meatballs, marinara, mozzarella, herb whipped ricotta, and pecorino romano; "The Daily," with grilled chicken, Brie, applewood bacon, tomato, baby spinach, and apricot jam; and "The Gazette," with pesto goat cheese, tomato bruschetta, crispy eggplant, and balsamic glaze. Most sandwiches cost $8.25.
The restaurant will also offer salads, Parmesan truffle fries, Buffalo blue cheese fries, and the team's famous mac 'n' cheese balls.
Christopher DelPrete, cofounder of Miami Press food truck and restaurant partner, is looking forward to serving his food to Fort Lauderdale diners.
“We’re excited to launch our first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Over the past three years, we’ve built a loyal following of foodies in South Florida, and we’re looking forward to providing a permanent home for our gourmet chef-inspired sandwiches. We encourage Miami Press Food Truck fans to stop by on opening day to experience an expanded and revamped version of our menu, while still enjoying fan favorites such as the award-winning mac ’n’ cheese balls.”
Press Gourmet Sandwiches will be located at 6206 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Wednesday, July 15, the first 100 guests will receive free mac 'n' cheese balls.
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