Philadelphia's best loved food export is making its way to Annapolis.
Philly Flash will sell Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks at the Annapolis Towne Centre beginning in mid-to-late August. Donna and Joseph DeCesaris are investing $500,000 to open their second store.
The 65-seat restaurant will add 11 jobs to the local economy. The menu will also serve subs, wings and pizza.Cheesesteaks start at $6.00 and pizza costs about $9.
The first Philly Flash opened in October 2008 at 1901 West Street, in downtown Annapolis. Last year, What's Up Annapolis magazine declared Philly Flash the best cheesesteak venue in town.
Joseph DeCesaris' parents are originally from Philadelphia and her husband developed the special Philly Flash spice blend, a mix of salt, paprika, garlic, black and red pepper that is sprinkled on cheesesteaks and fries.
The store will be outfitted with a drag racing theme because Joseph DeCesaris' family operated Cecil County Dragway in Rising Sun.
The couple chose Annapolis Towne Centre because they thought it was a good opportunity to get high visibility and foot traffic that co-tenants Target and Whole Foods Market attract, Donna DeCesaris says.
Located at 2505 Riva Road, Annapolis Towne Centre is a $500 million retail, office and residential complex that houses a Main Street-style town center. Developed by Greenberg Gibbons Commercial Corp., its other stores include Bed Bath & Beyond, Brio Tuscan Grill, Restoration Hardware and Sur La Table. The development has recently attracted new restaurants.
Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar is set to open in September and
Cadillac Ranch opened in June.
"It's a destination kind of place," DeCesaris says of Annapolis Towne Centre.
"It's a friendly town," Donna DeCesaris says of Annapolis, where her kids attended high school.
Source: Donna DeCesaris, Philly Flash
Writer: Julekha Dash