Michelin Sandwich Shop Expands from Tampa

Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co., the Tampa sandwich shop that won a Michelin Guide recommendation last year, said on May 13 that it will open a new location in St. Petersburg. Co-founder AJ DeSimone told WFLA the company has signed for a site on Central Avenue and called the move “the natural next step for the brand.” Local reports say the shop will take over 2063 Central Avenue in St. Pete’s Grand Central District, in a space previously occupied by Little Philly. The expansion comes as the company pursues a broader plan to build out locations across Florida by 2029. ### Which sandwich shop is expanding, and why is Michelin part of the story? Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co. operates from 1331 W. Cass St. in Tampa and describes itself as a New York-inspired sandwich shop founded by partners with roots in New York State. The company says it was built to bring Italian-American sandwiches to the Tampa Bay market. (wfla.com) The Michelin Guide lists Cousin Vinny’s among its Florida recommended restaurants. In the guide’s write-up, inspectors said the shop’s bread and fillings are “top notch” and highlighted its tomato-and-mozzarella sandwich on house-made schiacciata as well as the Tony Piccante chicken cutlet sandwich. ### Where exactly is the new St. (cousinvinnystampa.com) Pete location? St. Pete Rising reported on May 6 that Cousin Vinny’s is preparing to open at 2063 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. The report said the restaurant is taking over the former Little Philly space, which closed in December. (guide.michelin.com) WFLA reported on May 13 that DeSimone confirmed the company is opening another location on St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue. A grand opening date has not been announced. ### How big is the company’s expansion plan? The Tampa Bay Business Journal reported that the St. Petersburg lease is the first step in a plan to reach 10 locations across Florida by 2029. (stpeterising.com) Secondary reports citing that story described the lease as a seven-year agreement. March social media posts cited by WFLA showed the company asking followers where they wanted to see another Cousin Vinny’s. (wfla.com) DeSimone told St. Pete Rising that the move into St. Petersburg had been under discussion for some time, but that the company viewed it as entry into “a completely different market.” (bizjournals.com) ### Who is behind the business? St. Pete Rising identified AJ DeSimone and Russell “Cuz” Leone as co-owners and said Vincent “Vinny” Andriotti and Jake Schmidt are also part of the founding group. The outlet reported that DeSimone and Leone grew up three blocks apart in Utica, New York, and that the business began as a ghost kitchen in 2023 on Nebraska Avenue before moving into a brick-and-mortar shop in Tampa’s NoHo neighborhood last year. (wfla.com) Cousin Vinny’s website says Leone serves as head of operations and co-founder. The company’s “Our Story” page says the founders have lived in the Tampa Bay area for more than 10 years. ### What does the shop sell? Cousin Vinny’s menu centers on chicken cutlet sandwiches and Italian-American deli offerings. St. Pete Rising said one of the best-sellers is Thee Parmesan Don, a chicken parmesan sandwich with house-made red sauce, mozzarella and grated parmesan. (stpeterising.com) (cousinvinnystampa.com) The company’s menu page says its sandwiches are served on Italian bread and includes cutlet sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, wraps and catering boxes. The site also describes its schiacciata as Tuscan-style bread baked in-house. ### What happens next in St. Petersburg? St. Pete Rising reported that the St. Petersburg location is expected to debut by the end of 2026. (stpeterising.com) WFLA said on May 13 that the company had not yet announced a grand opening date. (cousinvinnystampa.com)