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Tony Boys Sandwich House is getting ready to “meat” another town in New Jersey.

The gourmet sandwich chain will open its fifth in-state spot this summer at 102 N. Union Ave. in Cranford.

Founded in 2017 by Anthony Marra Jr. as a small sandwich shop in Livingston, the eatery boasts a large menu of sandwiches and salads crafted with premium ingredients.

Along with its signature chicken and eggplant cutlets, Tony Boys is becoming popular for its unique items. Standout offerings include the Nutty Pig (chicken or eggplant cutlet with warm peanut butter sauce, bacon and jelly) and the Tony Boloney (fried bologna, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise).

Tony Boys Sandwich House in Cranford:

‘Redefining the sandwich experience’

When restaurant industry veteran Marra set out to create his fast-casual concept, he set a goal of “redefining the sandwich experience.”

“I wanted to be different and offer things that were fun, interesting and unique, while also taking classic sub-shop staples and making them the way I like to eat them,” he recently told NJBIZ.

Seven years ago, Marra teamed up with Philadelphia-based hospitality group MBB Management to develop a franchise system. Since then, three new Tony Boys locations have opened – in Madison, Montville and Montclair.

With a focus on smart, sustainable growth, Marra has said he’ll be happy if, 10 years from now, there are 10 stores in New Jersey “with solid business owners.”

“I’m not trying to be a Dunkin’ Donuts where I’m everywhere. I’m more focused on keeping the brand consistent where I want it to be and having good owner-operators in the stores,” he explained to NJBIZ last year. “It’s more important for me to have a good person in a store running it the proper way and representing the brand in a positive way. My success really is determined by their success.”

When it comes to local competition, Marra said, “If I go to a place and I see that there’s a Jersey Mike’s and Five Guys, they’re there for a reason – they know what business is in the area.”

Following its grand opening in downtown Cranford, Tony Boys will be open daily for pickup, delivery, dine-in and catering.