Why Move to the Triangle East

Cooking Up Community

Before opening a restaurant in Smithfield, Scott Gandolph had spent much of his career working for Golden Corral Corporation out of New York. It was this job as a training manager that first led him to move to Smithfield. Having left Golden Corral in 2003 and opening his business the same year, Gandolph is now celebrating 20 years in the Triangle East.

“There were a lot of things that I learned about the business that I was able to carry over into this,” Gandolph says.

Gotham’s Deli specializes in New York-style sandwiches, salads and hotdogs. Having grown up in the Northeast, Gandolph sought to bring a little piece of home to Smithfield.

Eric Waters

Lisa and Scott Gandolph

“I think every New Yorker would say that the two things they miss the most are a good deli and good pizza,” Gandolph says.

Using a recipe given to him by a baker in New York, Gandolph commissioned a bakery in Morrisville, North Carolina, to make the bread exclusively for Gotham’s Deli. A variety of deli sandwiches are the main fare, with New York-inspired salads and desserts including homemade mousse cake on the side.

“A great sandwich is made by having great bread, just like great pizza is made from the crust,” Gandolph says.

For Gandolph, family is an essential part of his business. His wife and all six of his children have worked at the deli at one time or another. Currently, his youngest three children work with him. Those who have worked in the deli previously have gone on to use the skills they learned in the business in their own careers.

“A lot of times with families it either works or it doesn’t, and we’ve been blessed that it really works for us,” Gandolph says.

His children, too, have put down roots with a move to Smithfield. “We’re fortunate that all of my children have chosen to live around this area, and that means all my grandchildren are here too,” Gandolph says.

With a location in downtown Smithfield, Gandolph finds that repeat customers are integral to his base, with some visitors dining at Gotham’s Deli three or four times a week. Gandolph admits that running a business hasn’t always been easy, but the relationships within his community are what have helped him give back to those who support his business.

“We strive to be known for good in the community,” Gandolph says.

As a huge fan of the Buffalo Bills and the New York Mets, Gandolph takes pride in some of the New York-themed decorations around the deli. Though after 20 years in the South, Gandolph and his family don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

“It’s a wonderful place to live and raise your family,” Gandolph says. “I’m grateful that we live here.”