Garden Catering “Hotsy” Voted Best in America

Garden Catering’s iconic breakfast sandwich, named after a longtime employee, Frank “Hotsy” Bertino was declared the Best Breakfast Sandwich in America by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine.

The Hotsy is Garden Catering’s twist on a traditional northeast classic breakfast sandwich, the bacon egg & cheese. This winner has the required bacon, egg, and cheese but reaches legendary status with the addition of potato cones (think crispy mashed potato balls) and Hotsy’s famous spicy chili all piled high on a New York style hard roll.

The sandwich was first introduced at Garden Catering in the 1990’s when Bertino, already in his eighties, started working the morning shift at the original Garden Catering location. The restaurant veteran shared his then famous chili recipe with Frank Carpenteri Sr.

“Hotsy had this incredible chili recipe that he proudly shared with our guys. We started making it as soon as Hotsy started working with us, and eventually it became so popular we named a sandwich after it,” said Carpenteri Sr. “On Hotsy’s 90th birthday back in 2010, we celebrated by selling .90¢ Hotsy’s. Hotsy was in his glory that day, it was so special for all of us.”

To celebrate the win, Garden Catering will host a “Hotsy Day” in all eight Garden Catering locations Tuesday, October 27, and the sandwiches will sell for $2 each.

In addition, Garden Catering is supporting its continued effort to give back to the community by donating one dollar for every Hotsy sold to CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees), whose mission it is to provide financial relief when a food and beverage employee with children faces a health crisis, injury, death, or natural disaster.

“Hotsy worked in the restaurant business for years, and in doing so was able to support his family,” said Tina Carpenteri. “We think the purpose of CORE ties into both our values and the values that Hotsy held. We miss him greatly but will continue to honor his legacy through The Hotsy, and our continued contributions to organizations like CORE.”

“What a wonderful honor for one of our Town’s true treasures. Hotsy was a legend in Greenwich,” said Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo, who is a relative of Bertino. “This World War II hero greeted thousands of residents with a warmness that will last forever with all who experienced it. Personally, I am proud of my cousin and know he is looking down and smiling at having the Hotsy named the best breakfast sandwich in America.”