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(34 posts)

Sandwich restaurant

Started 2 years ago by thansen
Latest reply from johnnyblegs

thansen
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I'm considering opening a new restaurant in West Seattle, a sandwich and soup restaurant.

Of course this is a scary venture any time, but now even more so.

I would love to get some feedback, interest level, etc..

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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i would love a place where you could get great soup..
and ask that you offer half sandwiches as well as full.. i can never eat the whole thing.

Posted 2 years ago #
FullTilt
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I would say it depends on your location. The junction seems to have that taken care of, but Westwood, and other areas not so much. LEt me know if you have any technical questions.

Posted 2 years ago #
maplesyrup
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Yeah Full Tilt that was what I was thinking. Sometimes I wish we had that kind of thing in N.Admiral.

Posted 2 years ago #
PDieter
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Bahn Mi, take the concept and run with it.

good examples can be found @ Pho Cyclo and 88 Restaurant (white center)

Posted 2 years ago #
transplantella
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I love soup. Soup is my favorite food group.

There is not a single bowl of borsh to be found in west Seattle, and I'd sell my first born son to get just one delicious spoonful.

Borsh! Borsh! Borsh! with a lovely dollop of sour cream....

Posted 2 years ago #
MargL
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There's a very nice bakery/sandwich/soup shop on Ambaum just south of 116th. Geno's Coffee Shop & Bakery - granted not West Seattle but probably an example of a similar business that seems to be succeeding in this economy. That being said, the only time I seem to eat there is when my parents are visiting and we go out for a little lunch.

Posted 2 years ago #
Garden_nymph
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Thansen,

First off, best of luck on your venture in this difficult economic climate! Secondly, I will add my two cents. I think fresh, rustic, European breads are key. I love the sandwiches in Italy! I agree with JoB's request for half sandwiches. Vietnamese sandwiches are so good, but I think with the new shop on Alki, and our options in White Center, it may be best to go in another direction. Duke's used to have an excellent sandwich shop on Lower Queen Anne that served the most amazing BLAT, bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato sandwich. I would always get a side of their yummy chowder with it. Many years ago, showing my age, there was a little dive, I think it was on Western Ave, called Cyclops. It served thick slices of house made bread and wonderful french onion soup. Don't get me started on their amazing Ambrosia bars! You could get filled up on their excellent food for just $5.
My husband would like to see a local spot serving an authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Lastly, Westwood needs you!

Posted 2 years ago #
celeste17
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I would love a shop like this any where in West Seattle. I like the idea of half sandwiches with soup. I miss Snubby's for this sort of thing. Can you include a really good Chicken Salad? How about baked potato soup?

Posted 2 years ago #
pigeonmom
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2nd the borscht!

Posted 2 years ago #
TammiWS
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Love the idea. There used to be a place in Pioneer Square - c. 1993-ish - that had about 12 soups a day in big kettles to choose from. And sandwiches. LOVED it.

As far as sandwiches - variety of meats, breads, cheeses, panini, regular, half/whole, varieties of mayo, mustard, fresh veggies, sit down/take out, healthy (or not so much sometimes...)...

As far as location - Morgan Junction would be great - however anywhere in W.S would be wonderful. Best of luck!

Posted 2 years ago #
Bonnie
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I wish there was a good sandwich shop in West Seattle. Morgan Junction or Westwood would be a good location since there really aren't many sandwich shops there.

Posted 2 years ago #
DaveB
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Hot sandwiches as well as cold.
Use fresh meats (i.e. roast your own turkey, beef, etc.
Good sides (salads, cole slaw, chips (Tim's! Tim's! Tim's!).
Beer and wine for eat-in.

Posted 2 years ago #
thansen
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Thanks all! My basic concept is hot, oohy gooey sandwiches, pulled pork, philly cheese for sure, french dip, a few Mexican flavors, a few Italian flavors, definitely cold cuts. AND the SOUP! I LOVE SOUP so that will be star. I will start looking for Borscht recipe! I live near Westwood so that's the area I'm thinking but I'm just not sure there would be enough business to sustain me. Thanks, keep the ideas coming!

Posted 2 years ago #
CrystalizedGinger
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There are four places in Westwood Village alone to get soup and sandwiches: The Sub Shop next door to the Pet Food place, QFC Deli, Eats Market Cafe, and the Barnes and Noble Cafe.

To compete with the Subway-like Sub Shop, offer better quality of breads, meats, cheeses. To compete against Eats Market, lower the prices. To beat out the others, just offer more selection. In this day and age, make sure you offer tables large enough for a laptop and offer free Wi-Fi.
Good Luck!

Posted 2 years ago #
CrystalizedGinger
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TammiWS: Could you be referring to Soup Daddy Soups? One of my personal faves of the olden days, and it was there in 2007, must of closed soon after :(

Posted 2 years ago #
Garden_nymph
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If you build it, we will come, my husband will be there- for the Philly Cheese steaks! A selection of soups, some vegetarian, some hearty, would be excellent! Life is about choices... the more the better! Best of luck, keep us posted.

Posted 2 years ago #
celeste17
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Clam Chowder would be good. Nice place to sit a spell and wi-fi would be good.

Posted 2 years ago #
christopherboffoli
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If I can't get a gabba-goal with provolone and vinegar peppers in the Junction then I say there's still a niche waiting to be filled. And that niche happens to be my stomach ;-) And none of this "half" sandwich business either. I'm talking about a proper sangwich.

Posted 2 years ago #
GenHillOne
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I wonder how opening for coffee & pastries in the morning and offering "brown bags" to take to the office would work. Might add another customer base to those coming at lunchtime.
-
oh, and I'm a sucker for a good french dip!

Posted 2 years ago #
Garden_nymph
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Let's not forget a pastrami Reuben!

Posted 2 years ago #
hollyplace
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As much as I would like a good sandwich and soup shop near my house in Morgan Junction, I think it is a bad venue for that. The Zeeks is empty at lunch time and it just doesn't get much foot traffic. I think Westwood Village would be great. I often get a bite to eat when I am there but feel like Eats Market is a little more than I want with a kid in tow. I would love a great sandwich and soup without a waitress. Where I could get it to go or to eat in. I love stopping in at Grand Central Bakery in Pioneer square. A menu similar to theirs is sure to do well in West Seattle http://www.grandcentralbakery.com/menus/seattle/breakfast-and-lunch-menu

Posted 2 years ago #
austin
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re: posts 11 and 16- if soup daddy soups is the shop in question they moved from pioneer square to south lake union c 2008. They're now on Fairview just north of Denny in the Times building.. I haven't gone in, and their website hasn't been updated since around the time they moved, but the sign was still up as of about two weeks ago.

I really like the swinery's sandwiches.. sometimes I wish I could choose from a selection. Not having to choose is also acceptable.

Posted 2 years ago #
linxxx
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I love a great sandwich and homemade soup. For my money, you can't beat the choices at Freshy's (2735 California, across from Hiawatha). Amber (the owner) focuses on the best of ingredients, and her soups change daily based on what she has fresh. Today I stopped in and had a black bean chili - spiced to order - with a side of fresh bread, and she was making braised pork stew with kale.

Sandwiches are about $5 each, and the soups are a buck more. Beer and wine make a nice addition...

Try it - there's no way you could be disappointed.

Posted 2 years ago #
DBurns
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Sooooo, Sub Shop has an exclusive for "sandwich shop" in Westwood, so unfortunately you would have a tough time getting in there. I agree that location is totally key...it's tough in this economy (especially in January!) Wesbild (WWood Village owners) have a new "town center" in Burien with very nice retail space across from the new Park & Ride - could be good but not there quite yet...
I wish you the BEST - if you want to do it you should keep talking about it and I would be happy to talk to you if you have any questions! giannonispizza@aol.com
Donna

Posted 2 years ago #
velo_nut
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I was talking to my wife about this very thing. I have a name and location picked out in West Seattle too...

Three words.... Peanut butter sandwiches.

comfort food.

Posted 2 years ago #
thansen
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velo_nut

Thanks for sanny idea...of course PBJ with a twist would be offered!

I have the restaurant name already but would love to hear your location idea.

altec61@hotmail.com

Posted 2 years ago #
westseattledood
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Got to second the nod to Freshy's across from Hiawatha. Seriously excellent daily soups. I had a bowl of cock a' leekie soup this week, as a matter of fact: fresh rich broth, slivers of juicy chicken, leeks, barley and tender prunes.

Loverly. ;)

AND, let's not forget..there is a fireplace and wifi. And cookies!!!

But this certainly doesn't mean I would not try YOUR soup when you serve it up. :)

Posted 2 years ago #
celeste17
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What about close to Westwood Village? Can you be across the street? There are some businesses across the street along the backside.

I would love to see this along Alki. I love going to Alki in the winter months and sit and look out the windows of restaurants. Or at a counter and watch the help.

Posted 2 years ago #
fancycat
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I love Freshys! The soup rocks! and the sandwiches... and to celeste17, you can hang out at the counter and watch the cooking. The place is pretty chill. super cozy, great atmosphere and movies nights!

Posted 2 years ago #
Leroniusmonkfish
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This place makes a killing down here in AZ....always packed!

http://www.capriottis.com/menu.html

Unfortunately no soup though...I miss a good clam chowder....

Posted 2 years ago #
odroku
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If you're not going to make the restaurant and food a 'destination' type place, then you obviously need to be in a high-traffic area. Don't know what the market really would be for simple sandwiches in the dinner segment, so my assumption would be you're looking to do a heavy day-part, bolstered with maybe catering? I agree with the sentiment that there's already enough Bahn Mi around town.

I've discussed with friends potentially doing more of the higher-end deli sandwiches, basically ripping the idea off from a place back where my family lives. They opened in a tiny building in a small (maybe 13000 residents) not even in a business district and nearly instantly needed to expand. They absolutely nailed their concept and somehow saw a market where it wasn't as evident there was one. I think it's the sort of thing that could work in the right neighborhood, much like what you've mentioned. Having worked a few years now in Sodo, what you seem to be leaning toward would do VERY well down there. Decent, quick lunch spots are scarce. Between Subway and Sodo Deli, I'm often left to lament that I work in an industrial area and STILL can't get a decent deli sandwich!

And, rant completed. Whew! I feel better. Don't you?

Posted 2 years ago #
CBEB26
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I'm surprised only a few of you mentioned Eats Market. They have so much there, most of what was mentioned by so many of you. I've even had yummy borscht there (just call to find out what their soup is - and it's always vegetarian!) They make killer good soups which go very nicely with one of their half sandwiches. The clam chowder is amazing. I often get it to go because of the kids which works out great. Their hot sandwiches are to die for too. Don't even get me started on their reuben. They make their own corned beef, russian dressing, the works. And you can get it with pastrami, turkey or even a burger?! They use really good quality meats, etc. which must be why their sandwiches taste so good! OMG and their pulled pork is awesome you can tell it's totally made there. Plenty of vegetarian stuff too. And they have beer and wine!! The servers are super cool and really nice. Brunch is soooo yummy too. I have been going to this place for years and hope they stick around so that I can keep getting my soup and sandwich fix at a decent place. I live near Westwood and I love that I don't have to fight for parking in the junction just to get a quick meal.

Posted 2 years ago #
johnnyblegs
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All the other posters are on the same page as me. Needs to be in a high traffic area. Is there a good sandwich place on Alki Beach? Westwood is another great place. Eats always seems to be closed when I'm there and the times that I've gone the service has been really slow - 1 hour for 2 sandwiches?! and they weren't even that great. To me the Junction seems full of a lot of options for passerbyers. You would have to make a dang good sandwich to make money.

odroku - You are so correct. SODO does not have a lot of options at all. Besides your typical fast food joint, I can only think of a small handful of good affordable places to have lunch - Macrina Bakery, Pho Cyclo, and the sloppy but good bbq of Pecos, Pig Iron, and Jones. With Starbucks and other industry workers in the area, a sandwich places with good affordable food options could make a killing in SODO.

Posted 2 years ago #