It all started on Peachtree Street in Buckhead on July 23, 1973
The idea for the Mad Italian was conceived during the Spring of 1973. The originators thought that a northern style sandwich shop serving submarine sandwiches would prosper in Atlanta since there were so few in the city at that time. The idea for the cheese steak and the hoagie came from the Philadelphia area. The Italian sausage and meatball were New York style sandwiches. This blend of New York and Philadelphia specialties, coupled with fast service, a casual atmosphere and the serving of beer and wine formed the basic ideas for the first Mad Italian. Throughout our history, The Mad Italian has come to be known as the home of "The Best Cheese Steak South of Philly" and this one item has accounted for over 50% of our total sales. After some two months of planning and construction, The Mad Italian restaurant began operations on Peachtree Road, July 23, 1973. This has henceforth come to be celebrated as the Anniversary date for The Mad Italian.
