Gandolfo's Deli, Omaha

The first time Dan Pool bit into the freshly baked bread of a Gandolfo's New York Delicatessen sandwich, he loved it. In fact, he loved it so much that he bought the small New York City eatery and immediately began expanding it into a string of shops across the country. Today, these locations stay true to Gandolfo's original spirit with a menu of Big Apple classics, including Reuben sandwiches, Nathan's Famous all-beef hot dogs, and the dense, chewy bagels New Yorkers traditionally lob at passing cabs. The staff also stacks chicken-breast sandwiches on hero rolls and assembles nine different types of roast-beef sandwiches.