Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe

Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe is a fast-casual restaurant concept known for its oven-baked flatbread sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and salads. The company was founded in 1994, starting as a single cafe in Connecticut with a focus on fresh, made-to-order meals for health-conscious guests. Over the next two decades, Sandella’s expanded rapidly through franchising, reaching more than 130 locations across the United States and internationally by the late 2010s.

As of November 2025, Sandella’s operates seven locations, with most found in non-traditional settings such as universities and hospitals. This marks a significant shift from its earlier growth strategy. Since 2018, the brand has intentionally downsized, concentrating on select institutional venues rather than pursuing new franchise development or large-scale expansion. There is no public indication of recent acquisitions or mergers.

Sandella’s has demonstrated flexibility in its real estate approach, operating both full-service cafes and smaller express kiosks. The brand’s ability to adapt its format has allowed it to remain present in high-traffic, captive-audience environments. Its long history and willingness to evolve have established credibility with property owners seeking a reliable, differentiated fast-casual tenant for institutional and campus settings.