The wait for Dom’s Famous Chicken Fingers in Plainview is almost over.
The brand’s first standalone location, opening in the Crossroads Shopping Center on Old Country Road, is expected to debut in April, according to co-owner Vincent Napolitano.
“Construction takes time, but we are getting close,” Napolitano told Greater Long Island. “The permanent sign in the front is up, the equipment is going in soon, and now we are looking for a General Manager.”
For decades, customers at Dominick’s Deli have raved about the deli’s crispy chicken fingers, a recipe perfected by founder Dominick Grosso. With help from his son Vincent and son-in-law Nick Marino, the fingers earned a reputation as some of the Island’s best — and a loyal following that eventually sparked plans for expansion.
As Greater Long Island previously reported, Napolitano — founder and CEO of FAVO Capital and a longtime family friend — was brought in to help grow the brand beyond the deli counter.
“I’ve been talking to the family about opening up a store for about a decade. The timing just wasn’t right until now,” Napolitano said. “Now the goal is to open a few more stores in Nassau within the next 18 months before we begin franchising the brand all over.”
“We want to be the next big fast-casual chain,” he added.
While Napolitano declined to share an exact location for the next outpost, he said the Massapequa, Wantagh and Oceanside areas are being considered.
Napolitano also offered new details about what customers can expect from the menu in Plainview.
In addition to the signature chicken fingers, the lineup will include fries, mac and cheese, cole slaw, and several chicken-finger-based sandwiches. One longtime fan favorite from the deli is also making the jump.
“We’re bringing Dom’s famous Broadway sandwich — chicken cutlet, mozzarella, and prosciutto,” Napolitano said.
So what’s behind the cult following?
“They are sweeter than your standard tender,” Marino previously told Greater Long Island. “We marinate them in a honey mustard dressing, but most importantly, each one is made with a whole lot of love.”
Stay with Greater Long Island for more updates as Dom’s Famous Chicken Fingers prepares for its grand opening.
Top: The sign is up and buildout for the first standalone location of Dom’s Famous Chicken Fingers is underway at the Crossroads Shopping Center on Old Country Road in Plainview, and is expected to debut in April. (Credit: Andrew Rappaport)
