Suny of Cummings Properties arranges 6,000 s/f at 299 Washington

Known for its legendary 19-inch, three-pound pie, Sal's Pizza is gearing up for the opening of its 43rd restaurant at Cummings Properties' 299 Washington St. property. Sal's Pizza is part of a respected family of eateries that also includes Mary's Pasta & Sandwiches and Salvatore's fine dining restaurants. Launched in Salem, N.H. 20 years ago, the company is well-ensconced in Southern N.H. and the Merrimack Valley and also has locations in Florida, California and Arizona. A long-range corporate strategy to expand into the Route 128 corridor steered Sal's to Cummings due to its coveted visibility in a bustling neighborhood of office buildings and retail shops. Just south of the I-93/I-95 interchange, the 6,000 s/f restaurant features seating for dozens of patrons inside and an expansive patio for al fresco dining. A well-designed layout is complemented by tiled floors, wood accents, attractive lighting and numerous flat screen TVs. Touting its "straight from Boston's North End" fare, Sal's takes pride in preparing dough daily, using the freshest products available, and blending its own flour and sauces. Cummings Properties senior operations manager Dave Suny worked directly with Sal's management team. "Sal's Pizza will be a highlight on the impressive list of amenities provided at our properties," Suny said. "The restaurant's reputation and the demand for quick, affordable and appetizing meals have already created a buzz." Chris Smith, vice president of business development for the Sal's enterprise, cites the Woburn opening as a company milestone and a direct result of the positive relationship developed with the Cummings organization during a period of years. "We are extremely excited about this particular location and the opportunity to sit down personally and speak with Cummings sealed the deal," Smith said. "We have a tremendous amount of respect for Cummings Properties and Sal Lupoli [Company Founder] really admires Bill Cummings and everything his company stands for." According to Smith, the company has experienced increased sales in a slumping economy by providing a product focused on quality, quantity and price, and five additional restaurants are scheduled to open by the end of January in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Arizona. The Woburn establishment will offer Sal's specialty pizzas, calzones, salads, breads and bruschettas, as well as items from Mary's Pasta & Sandwiches menu, including wraps, subs, steak sandwiches and pasta dishes. Take-out service and catering will be available and dessert samplings consist of cupcakes, cheesecake, brownies and cookies. With 40 years' experience in commercial real estate, Woburn-based developer Cummings Properties leases and manages nearly 10 million square feet of prime commercial space in 10 communities surrounding Boston. Most of the buildings in the Cummings Properties portfolio, including 299 Washington Street, are owned by and for the benefit of Cummings Foundation, Inc. This private operating foundation also owns New Horizons Retirement Communities in Woburn and Marlborough, Massachusetts as well as the Veterinary School at Tufts University in Grafton, Massachusetts.