Danny Mondello, known as @Meals_by_cug on social media, has transformed his online culinary brand into a physical establishment, Casa Cugine, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. With over 2 million followers on TikTok and 1.5 million on Instagram, Mondello gained recognition for his engaging cooking videos, particularly showcasing chicken cutlet sandwiches and pasta tosses. Opening his sandwich shop earlier this month, Mondello articulates his elation, describing it as a “dream come true” while personally engaging with customers. He embodies the warmth of his neighborhood, greeting patrons warmly from a lawn chair outside his storefront, embracing the sense of community on Graham Avenue.
Customer traffic at Casa Cugine reflects Mondello’s burgeoning popularity, with fans traveling from states as distant as Texas and South Carolina. They come to savor viral menu items like the “Hey Toots,” featuring turkey and spicy soppressata, and the “How Ya’ Doin,” which is loaded with chicken cutlet and broccoli rabe. Mondello emphasizes authenticity in his offerings, serving Italian-American classics without unnecessary elaborate twists, stating, “We just want something that’s good, and not over-indulgent.” Alongside grilled paninis and a vision for future hero sandwiches, he showcases his culinary formula rooted in nostalgic comfort foods.
Mondello’s culinary journey began at a young age, working in delis and sandwich shops since he was 18. It was during his college years that he honed his skills as a line cook while studying in New Paltz. His love for cooking and engaging audience grew substantially during the pandemic when he turned to social media to share cooking videos, thus gaining considerable traction and acclaim in the digital food scene. The affectionate term “Cug” or “cugine,” meaning cousin in Italian, comes from memories of customers at delis who frequently called everyone “Cug.” This background reflects the essence of community and familiarity that he seeks to replicate in his newly opened shop.
Casa Cugine takes residence in a space with historical significance; it was formerly Café Capri, a beloved coffee spot that operated for over four decades before closing in 2015. Mondello paid homage to the past by retaining the original architectural molding while embedding his unique personality into the environment. Custom fixtures, including a quirky sign reading “Reserved for Cug & Ya sista” and a portrait of Frank Sinatra complemented by Mondello’s signature pinky ring, contribute to a playful, immersive experience that resonates with patrons.
The shop has rapidly garnered attention, attracting visitors eager for not only delectable food but also the chance to meet Mondello himself. Loyal followers, like Rachel Kriesel and her friend Sophia Ojeda from Austin, showcase the emotional connection they have developed over the course of following his social media posts, especially during the isolating period of the pandemic. This connection underscores how Mondello’s content has transcended mere cooking tutorials, fostering camaraderie among fans who united over shared experiences during challenging times.
Mondello recognizes the limits of social media for sustaining a long-term career. He expresses a vision for future growth beyond online fame, aiming to build a solid business foundation with Casa Cugine. He contemplates the future and the unpredictability of online platforms, emphasizing a desire for a sustainable venture that will endure beyond fleeting trends—a perspective that resonates with many aspiring entrepreneurs. Through Casa Cugine, he blends passion with professional aspirations, creating a tangible connection between himself, his heritage, and his community that extends beyond the digital realm.
