New owner for Franklin Square Deli plans to keep quality high

theportager · February 11, 2026, 10:58am

After more than four decades in business, Franklin Square Deli has changed ownership for the first time. The new owner of the downtown Kent-based restaurant known for its sandwiches, soups and gyros will keep the restaurant's popular menu items, but plans to make slight changes to the decor.

Franklin Square Deli’s former owner Carl Picelle, who established the restaurant in...

Sandra_L_Alger · February 11, 2026, 1:53pm

Love that place - and yes Carl has always had excellent sandwiches, extra’s AND the personality to go with this great business. I worked at Ohio Edison in Kent and my co-worker and I had many lunches from Franklin Square!