When people think of Covelli Enterprises, they may think of the largest franchisee of Panera Bread and one of the country’s most respected restaurant operators. But behind every café, every smiling associate, and every community fundraiser sits the steady leadership of Sam Covelli, a man who believes success starts with humility, integrity, and a genuine love for people.
For Covelli, leadership has always been personal. “Never ask anyone to do something I would not do first,” he says, a principle that has guided him his entire career. Whether working side-by-side with associates or checking on the details that make a restaurant run well, he leads by example. “Although we are in the restaurant business, we are in the people business,” he emphasizes. “We can never take our customers for granted.”
When Covelli reflects on the milestones that have shaped his legacy, it isn’t awards or accolades that drive him, though his team has earned many. Instead, it’s the constant pursuit of excellence, the commitment to raising the bar for both customers and employees. “In all my concepts, I have gotten awards for top operator and top employees because to me, having the highest standards is the top priority. We strive to be the best because our customers deserve it.”
This consistency of happy employees, and exceptional products, is not optional. It’s the foundation of every Covelli Enterprises location and a standard he insists on reinforcing daily.
When asked about what has fueled the company’s long-term growth, Covelli doesn’t hesitate: faith, people, and no shortcuts. “My faith has always been important in my life,” he shares. And on the business side, having a unified, devoted team has made all the difference. “We have fantastic associates who have grown with the company and become managers and directors. With everyone thinking the same way, what is best for the customer, we will strive to be the best. One Right Way!”
Mentorship is part of that formula. Covelli and his leadership team remain hands-on, teaching and coaching every day. “We mentor, teach, and train daily. Everyone is on the same page.”
Success doesn’t mean perfection, and Covelli openly acknowledges the role that mistakes have played in his journey. “If we didn’t make mistakes, we would never grow,” he reflects. While he doesn’t pinpoint a major regret, he’s clear about the value in learning. “As a company we make mistakes constantly, but we learn and grow from them to be the successful business we have become.”
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Covelli’s career is his deep commitment to giving back. He believes every successful business has a responsibility to support the community that supports them. “We want to be the local hub and the resource for the community,” he explains. And for Covelli, giving isn’t strategic, it’s simply the right thing to do.
Among the causes closest to his heart are mental health, autism, food insecurity, Toys for Tots, and support for veterans, areas where Covelli Enterprises has become a reliable community partner. His restaurants have grown into trusted hubs for local fundraising, recognized for their generosity and meaningful philanthropic collaborations.
One of the strongest examples of this commitment is the Panerathon, the annual run/walk benefiting the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center. What started as a local fundraiser has evolved into one of the region’s largest charity events, bringing in millions of dollars together in the fight against breast cancer. For Covelli, the Panerathon embodies a core belief: businesses should uplift and strengthen the communities they serve.
Covelli sees a future built on both growth and evolution. “We will consistently grow and enable our associates to grow with our company,” he says. But no matter how the industry changes, some things will remain untouched. “We never lower our quality, our cleanliness, or service at any time.”
His advice to young leaders echoes his own journey: “Make sure you have the right product and market it correctly to the consumer.” But the heart of his message is still service, doing the work, valuing people, and maintaining standards that honor both customers and community.
If given the chance to meet one person, past or present, Covelli mentions the Pope, a reflection of the faith that guides him. And the quote he lives by is one he repeats proudly: “I would never ask anyone to do something that I would not do myself.”
This simple but powerful philosophy has shaped Covelli Enterprises into what it is today: a company built not just on food, but on integrity, community, and unwavering standards.
It’s a legacy still growing, still inspiring, and still rooted in the belief that people always come first in the Mahoning Valley.
Pictures Courtesy of Covelli Enterprises
