Franklin Giant Sandwich Shop
My dad works in Hartford so when I mentioned this blog assignment to him, he knew right where to take me. I chose a night where I didn’t have much work and he took me to a little Italian restaurant in the south end of Hartford. It is called Franklin Giant Sandwich shop located on Franklin Street by no surprise and is referred to on trip advisor as “Little Italy”. He told me when we were there that it has been around for 40 some years and that “area of Hartford was a very successful retail corridor before” so although it’s not crazy popular now, it used to be the spot back in the day.
As I walked up to the counter I quickly scanned the chalkboard for ideas to order. There was so many and of course my dad knew what to get so the clock was ticking. My dad ordered some half chicken cutlet sandwich with various veggies on it and I put emphasis on him ordering half. I felt pressured walking up to the counter, the lady seemed a little grumpy and there was what looked to me like “regulars” waiting behind me. I ordered something I knew an Italian place would have: a Chicken Parmesan grinder. I made the mistake however by listening to my stomach and not my dad when I ordered a whole instead of a half. I figured since I was starving, I needed to satisfy myself through my whole night’s worth of homework.
My name was called and I went to go get our food to bring it back to our booth we claimed after ordering. My dad was grinning, knowing the massive grinder on my tray would not be finished. It was cut into fourths and honestly; half of it would be considered a whole sandwich anywhere else. My dad struggled to finish his actual half and I saved half of my whole for a late night snack later on. I wouldn’t say I ordered foolishly because I finished the rest of it after my homework and was thankful. Now I know if I go there for just a meal with no intentions on leftovers, I know to just order the half. I definitely would go there again. The service was quick and the scene was casual. I like Italian food and the portions were very generous in relation to the prices. I definitely want to try something different on the menu though because the chalkboard seemed to go on forever behind the counter and I felt pressured to make a quick decision.
I’m pretty surprised it has stayed in the exact location for so long. From what we have studied in the books so far, usually mom and pop restaurants and stores are driven out by big name companies. It also is surprising that it has maintained business considering the fact that it is in close proximity to ABC pizza, Campus Pizza, Hartford’s pizza, South End Pizza, A-1 Pizza and George’s pizza. I haven’t been to these restaurants, but I’d be curious to see the difference in the menus as I’m sure these pizza places offers other Italian options.
Mac McCormick ’20
