In 1972, Joe bought thirty-five percent of his brother Dom’s sub shop that came to be known as “Big Dom’s”. At that time it was located on Ontario St. in Albany, New York. After Joe became a part owner, he mastered the expansion of the business into five more locations before 1980, starting on Central Ave. in Albany (1972), then Latham (1975), Troy (1976), Western Ave. in Albany (1977) and finally one in Rotterdam (1978). These sub shops became a part of the Albany culinary culture and each family member had to do their share to help the family business. Every one of Joe and Jan’s kids and even some of their friends had a part time job at one of the “Big Dom’s” at one point or another.
Joe says that he could use all the help he could get. Owning six shops across Albany County is very difficult with only an average of one hundred and thirty full time employees and about another hundred part time employees. Joe recalls the most challenging part of the business was maintaining control of each location with such a slim amount of employees. Although there was a chaotic and tough time while during the company’s expansion period, Joe knows that it was well work it. Due to him and Jan’s hard work, they could afford to send all of their kids to private high schools and colleges. This was very rare in that era and Joe knows he was a little more fortunate than the average American family at that time.
Joe says that he could use all the help he could get. Owning six shops across Albany County is very difficult with only an average of one hundred and thirty full time employees and about another hundred part time employees. Joe recalls the most challenging part of the business was maintaining control of each location with such a slim amount of employees. Although there was a chaotic and tough time while during the company’s expansion period, Joe knows that it was well work it. Due to him and Jan’s hard work, they could afford to send all of their kids to private high schools and colleges. This was very rare in that era and Joe knows he was a little more fortunate than the average American family at that time.
6 comments:
The best tuna fish salad of all time! Would love to know how they did it.
Daniel, I worked for Walt's/Big Dom right outta high school from 1971-1975. The Tuna Salad was incredibly simple, and not for the weak of grip! 5 lb can of Geisha Tuna (in water) into colander. Squeeze out the water until tuna was about bone-dry. Mix in bowl (bare hands) with about 1/2 gallon Hellman's mayo. That's it! It was the fresh Carosello sub rolls and fresh tomatoes, onions and lettuce prepared daily that, all together, made a great sandwich. $1.19 for a foot long if I remember.
Does anyone know the ingredients to Big Dom's hot pepperoni and veal and peppers i feel was the best sandwich ever made so sad Big Dom's isn't around anymore i used to go to the one on New Scotland Ave near Washington Ave every day for lunch when i worked for Albany's Parks Dept please email me at bbaldwi1@yahoo.com thanks Brian
lots of mayo!
best sub ever!
Large Roast Beet with American and heavy Russian. Hold the tomato!
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