There are a handful of foods that people from Maine recognize as signature items from their state. Whether that be a red snapper, blueberry pie or a simple but delicious Italian sandwich. Credit for that Italian sandwich is given to Giovanni Amato. More than 120 years ago, he opened a sandwich shop with the idea of serving something quick and easy to waterfront workers in Portland, Maine.

That's how the Italian sandwich was born. Waterfront workers gobbled up Italian sandwiches then and people from all walks of life continue to gobble them up now. But if you're a Maine native, you might want to sit down for this next part. Amato's and the Italian sandwich isn't just a Maine thing anymore. They're expanding throughout New England and they're doing it quickly.