The Turci family of restaurants is widening its reach along Edgewater Drive in College Park, which we may as well start calling “Little Italy,” given the number of pizza and pasta joints lining the street.
Turci Panino, the sandwich shop joined at the fianco with sister operation Turci Pasta (our review), is moving a few blocks away to the former Dunkin Donuts space directly across from Gabriel’s Sub Shop, and changing its name to Turci Italian Deli.
Panini, of course, will comprise a large share of the deli’s offerings (let the sandwich wars with Gabriel’s begin!), but in addition to the focaccia’ed handhelds, Turci Italian Deli will sell imported meats and cheeses and Italian market staples (including Turci’s homemade pastas and sauces), as well as authentic Italian gelato and coffee.
Best of all, the deli will take advantage of a drive-thru, a vestige from the space’s days as a Dunkin’ Donuts.
“I’m excited about the convenience it brings,” says Turci. “I go to Beefy King almost every week, but there are many days when I’m rushing between commitments and want to pick up something good and keep moving. It’s almost always busy there, which shows that there is real demand for this kind of convenience. I want to bring that same convenience to an Italian concept.”
In addition to panini, customers will also be able to grab coffee and breakfast sandwiches from the drive-thru, along with other items designed for people starting their day on the go.
Turci Italian Deli will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Look for it to open in six months or so.
Meanwhile, Turci Pasta has already expanded into the Turci Panino space next door, adding more seating and creating a new dining area.
Turci Osteria Italiana, the Turcis’ wine bar/small plates concept going into the former Midici space at Maitland City Centre, is currently under construction and has an opening timeline of three to four months. The Turcis also run Luca Turci (our review) off Park Avenue in Winter Park.
Follow @turcipanino, @turcipasta, @turciosteria and @lucaturcirestaurant for all the latest.
