Panino Lore
Gino Panino gets its name from our founder’s grandfather, Nonno Gino. He was a skilled carpenter and “damn good cabinet maker,” who made a career crafting simple, sturdy pieces that were built to last. Gino was married to his loving wife Gloria for 63 years (the Italian grandmother whose famous cooking and namesake inspired The Nonna G Sourdough on Rebel Bread’s menu).
We strive to honor Gino’s dedication to craftsmanship in everything we make.
Who is Gino Panino?
We named the sandwiches in honor of the strong and important women in our lives. They are given the names of those who raised us, cared for us, showed us to be kind, and–in many cases–taught us to speak Italian.
The Menu
The Founding Team
Our crew came together over a love of good food and community. We were born out of the Rebel Bread kitchen, and still work very closely with our friends at the bakery.
Zach and his mom Marci
Zach would tell you that he “came of age” in Italy while studying culinary anthropology. His continuous search for an incredible lunch was an important part of both his studies and his daily life. He was led to this focaccia sandwich again and again, and hopes to make his favorite, Italian lunch a staple in Denver as well.
Zach founded Rebel Bread in 2018, bringing together his passions for baking and community to craft story-worthy experiences over food.
He is passionate about supporting regional food systems, and is dedicated to challenging our relationship with food—one community, conversation, and sandwich at a time.
Meg and her great aunt Josie
Coming Soon
Meg's culinary journey began on a little stool in the kitchen, where she learned the art of Italian cooking from her grandmother and great aunt Josie, who brought their Sicilian heritage to America in the 1920’s. Some of Meg's best childhood memories involve making sauce and rolling meatballs, soaking up the flavors and traditions that would shape her future.
With a passion for sweets, Meg pursued pastry school and then set off on an adventure along the East Coast, working in various restaurants and exploring a wide range of cuisines. Her goal was to expand her palate and find innovative ways to infuse Italian dishes with diverse cultural influences.
Meg is excited to reconnect with her Italian roots in a new culinary chapter with Gino Panino.
Madeline and her mom Paige
With both a background in IT and a vibrant passion for creativity, Madeline has always been fascinated by people, places, and experiences. After years behind a desk, she embarked on a life-changing adventure through South America, which inspired her to trade corporate life for her lifelong love of cooking. From dreaming of being a chef in elementary school after attending a cooking class in Santa Fe, Madeline’s culinary journey has come full circle.
As a self-proclaimed lunch enthusiast, she’s thrilled to see these sandwich creations come to life. Drawing inspiration from many, especially her mother Paige, Madeline is excited to blend her diverse experiences into a truly fulfilling career here in Denver.