More than two years after launching the bustling Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante on Carlton’s famed Lygon Street, comedy trio Sooshi Mango is expanding their culinary footprint with a new venture. The group plans to open a sandwich shop named Sangaweech just three doors down from their existing restaurant, aiming for a February debut.
The new establishment promises to evoke the warm, nostalgic atmosphere of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. The former hairdressing salon will be transformed with orange laminex benches, retro-patterned tiles, lace curtains, and uniforms reminiscent of the 1980s. Kerbside seating is also part of the vision for this grab-and-go venue.
Honoring Tradition with a Modern Twist
The name “Sangaweech” is a playful nod to the way an Italian nonna might pronounce “sandwich,” reflecting the trio’s commitment to authenticity and cultural homage. Joe Salanitri, his brother Carlo, and their long-time friend Andrew Manfre have invested 18 months into this project, emphasizing quality as their top priority.
“For us, the fourth member of Sooshi Mango is food,” says Andrew Manfre, highlighting the group’s dedication to culinary excellence.
To ensure the best possible bread, business partner and chef Johnny Di Francesco, known for his work at 400 Gradi, spent time in Padua, Italy, learning from a flour technician. “When you bite into a panino, the star is the bread, and not many people focus on that,” Carlo explains.
A Menu to Delight
The menu will feature a variety of filled focaccia and panini, all made to order with in-house dressings and spreads. Joe hints at some of the offerings, including stacked prosciutto, mortadella, salami, and capsicum, as well as a combination of potato, sausage, and peppers. “We’ve come up with about 10 or 11 sandwiches that we think are next level and [are] going to knock people’s socks off,” Carlo enthuses.
In addition to sandwiches, the shop will offer bite-sized chicken cotoletta, deep-fried mozzarella sticks, and hand-cut nonna-style chips. “When you were a kid, [those] chips were completely different to the chips that you bought at McDonald’s or Red Rooster,” Carlo reminisces. “They were always hand-cut, different sizes, crispy. We want to mimic that.”
Revitalizing Lygon Street
Alongside the food, the shop will serve hot and iced coffees, including a caffe crema with a Sooshi Mango twist. Thick shakes in flavors like pistachio and tiramisu will be offered in collectable cups, adding a whimsical touch. The trio hopes their new venture will encourage more foot traffic on Lygon Street, preserving its vibrant Italian heritage.
“We’re trying to keep the street and the Italian heritage alive and we just want people from all nationalities to come visit the street and keep Carlton busy,” says Andrew.
Beyond Comedy: A Serious Culinary Venture
The announcement of Sangaweech comes after the trio made headlines for sharing footage of a break-in at their offices off Lygon Street, calling for tougher penalties for offenders. Despite their comedic roots, the group is serious about their culinary endeavors. “We’re a comedy brand so when we first opened the restaurant people thought it was a bit of a gimmick, a bit of joke, a bit of a circus,” Andrew reflects.
As they prepare to open Sangaweech, Sooshi Mango is poised to further cement their reputation as restaurateurs with a passion for quality and community. The new sandwich shop is not just an expansion of their brand but a heartfelt tribute to their cultural roots and the vibrant street they call home.
