Al's Cafe to open first suburban location at TradeCenter 128 in Woburn

Well-known Boston sandwich shop and winner of a Phantom Gourmet “Steak-and-cheese Throwdown” earlier this year, Al’s Café expects to open its fourth location at Cummings Properties’ TradeCenter 128 in Woburn in mid-November.

With successful locations in Harvard Square and Boston’s financial and leather districts, owner Alan “Al” Costello identified the landmark office and technology campus as the ideal location for the sub shop’s first suburban location. Local restaurateur Nick Varano also chose this Woburn site for his first venture outside the city, opening Strega Prime there in summer 2013.

TradeCenter 128 has more than 100 client firms, including the Middlesex Superior Courthouse, bringing thousands of employees and visitors to the campus daily.

“Office workers on tight schedules need to be served quickly and want the most value for their hard-earned money. Our dedicated customers rely on us to offer great-tasting food and to be provided with the friendliest and fastest service possible,” said Costello. “We look forward to adding many new Woburn customers to our Al’s family.”

A family-run business, Al’s Café opened its first location, Al’s State Street Café—where Costello’s mom is the cashier—11 years ago. Several other family members hold positions at the different locations as well.

“We are thrilled to welcome Al’s Café and to provide a space that allows it to replicate the success it has enjoyed in Boston and Cambridge,” said Cummings Properties account manager Morgan Blum.

The space features a custom 33-foot-long counter similar to those in the other Al’s Café locations to facilitate the fast service for which Al’s is known.

With its simple menu of freshly made subs, salads, and soups, Al’s Café is consistently ranked between four and five stars on YELP and Trip Advisor. It is a Phantom Gourmet favorite due to its large portions and quality ingredients.

The new shop will be located in TradeCenter 128’s 3,000-square-foot café space in the picturesque glass-enclosed Atrium.

Cummings Properties’ 10 million square feet of prime space accommodates executive offices, healthcare facilities, laboratories, retail storefronts, warehouses, and more. With a portfolio of this size and variety, the firm can meet almost any commercial real estate need, from 150 square feet to 300,000 square feet. Its in-house experts in design, construction, and property management offer “one-stop shopping” for leasing clients.